Family and Consumer Sciences MS, Career and Technical Education Specialization

Purpose: The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for students to concentrate at the master’s level in one or more of the subject areas related to family and consumer sciences. The goal of the program is to prepare persons for further graduate study, for public school or college teaching, as specialists in service agencies, or as professionals in, or consultants to business, industry, and government.

Program: In consultation with a faculty advisor, and with the approval of the department chair, students may develop a program of courses in one of two specializations. Each student will complete a set of core courses plus coursework specific for each specialization. The two specializations include family studies and family and consumer sciences/career and technical education. All candidates shall complete at least 45 credits as outlined in an approved course of study filed with the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. The student’s advisor and graduate committee, comprised of at least three faculty, will assist in the development of the program. With approval by the department chair and the committee chair, faculty can be selected from another department.

It is expected that four to six thesis credits will be included in the student’s program.

Career and Technical Education Specialization
Graduate students enrolling in the FCS/CTE Specialization Program, as entry-level professionals, will complete courses that prepare them to demonstrate entry-level employment competencies. Each student will work with a faculty advisor to identify his or her entry competency level. Each student will also work with a faculty advisor to identify the exit competency level required for each of the six specialization courses. The number of credits available for some of the specializations courses varies from 1 to 5 credits per course. The number of credits a student needs to earn for each specialization course will be dependent upon his or her entry skill level. The credit requirement for finishing the graduate program will be 45 credits.