Family and Consumer Sciences - Marshall University

Family and Consumer Sciences from Marshall University is a Campus Bachelor Family studies degree that prepares you for a Human Services career. Program Description The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) degree program is offered under the Division of Human Development and Allied Technology, in the College of Education and Human Services at Marshall University . The program consists of courses in a common core and three areas of emphasis: Apparel Design and Merchandising, Child and Family Services, and Hospitality Management. Students gain knowledge and hands-on experience to work in the apparel industry, childcare services, business, education, family services, parent education, consumer agencies, and extension services, lodging and foodservice, and/or become an entrepreneur. The curriculum contains a combination of theory and application in the classroom activities, study tours regionally and abroad, and internships. The Family and Consumer Sciences Department also offers family and consumer course content for the B.A. in Secondary Education. Students are required to take core courses, including six credit hours of internship. Students choose to specialize in one of the three areas of emphasis: Apparel Design and Merchandising, Child and Family Services, and Hospitality Management. FCS students also take relevant support courses from areas such as business, social sciences , art, and integrated sciences. The Marshall Plan course requirements contribute to a well-rounded individual who can communicate effectively and think critically. Graduates gain knowledge and expertise for diverse and exciting careers in the fashion industry, child and family service organizations, and hospitality industry. Fashion industry career opportunities for graduates with the apparel design and merchandising area of emphasis are diverse, embracing areas such as design, product development, manufacturing, merchandising, international sourcing, retail buying, visual merchandising, store operations management, brand management, entrepreneurship, consumer advocacy, fashion editing, and quality assurance. An emphasis in family and child service opens job opportunities such as child specialist, parent education consultant, family life educator, consumer educator, independent living instructor, family planning consultant, and youth service director for students. Positions available to those with the hospitality management focus include foodservice manager, restaurant manager, hotel manager, conference service manager, facility manager, or entrepreneur. The Family and Consumer Sciences program has faculty expertise and a variety of instructional resources. It has laboratories for apparel design and production as well as food preparation; an early childhood center, lecture space and seminar room located in Corbly Hall, and a computer- aided design and learning material production laboratory located in the Learning Resource Center of Jenkins Hall. The Drinko Library provides a wide range of reference materials and information technology. Students have many opportunities to increase technology efficiency: numerous classes use computers and the latest software. Hands-on learning experiences through internship provide excellent job opportunities for students. Study tours to New York and/or Paris expose students to the fashion industry. Program Goals The program aligns itself with the following standards identified by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), a professional organization that accredits programs in higher education and certifies graduates. Integration of Foundations ? Core courses for the B.A. in FCS. Family Studies and Human Services ? Child and Family Services area of emphasis. Food Lodging Hospitality ? Hospitality Management area of emphasis. Textiles and Apparel ? Apparel Design and Merchandising area of emphasis. Specific goals include: Develop students' professional competencies in concepts fundamental to the mission of Family and Consumer Sciences (empowering individuals, strengthening families, and enabling communities). Increase knowledge about the family unit and its development, diverse nature, and role in nurturing children, youth, and adults as they grow and change. Prepare students to assume professional leadership roles in extension, education, human service programs, and in business. Improve students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills in decision-making, and assume responsibility as consumers and providers of goods and services necessary to meet the basic human needs: clothing, education, family economics, hospitality services, nurturing, and housing. Create research opportunities for students and faculty to keep up with FCS trends/issues, current content, and maintain professional leadership in promoting quality of life of individuals and families. Provide opportunities for students to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in various settings. Enhance innovative application of technology in the field of FCS. View more details on Marshall University . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Family studies courses.