Human Sciences

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The Department of Human Sciences offers competitive programs of study leading to Bachelor of Science degrees in Family and Consumer Sciences, and Early Childhood Education (Birth Through Kindergarten Licensure). Experiential learning is utilized in each program to include diverse, multi-cultural, and interdisciplinary perspectives of family studies. The mission of the Department of Human Sciences is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families by preparing a diverse student population for leadership roles in a changing global society through effective teaching, scholarship, and service.

The degree in Family and Consumer Sciences offers four areas of specialization: Child Development and Family Relations, Foods and Nutrition, Apparel Design, and Family and Consumer Sciences Education. The program of study in Child Development and Family Relations prepares students for working effectively with individuals and families in a variety of contexts. The students gain experience in the analysis and application of theories with implications for life span development. Preparation in this field leads to employment in the areas of preschool programs, youth programs, family resource centers, and child care resource and referral agencies, social services, research, government agencies, Cooperative Extension services, industry, and graduate studies in many related disciplines.

The concentration in Foods and Nutrition offers courses of study in dietetics-with supporting courses in biology, chemistry, and business. The Didactic Program in Dietetics is approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606, 1-800-877-1600.  Students who successfully complete the program become eligible to apply for dietetic internships to become Registered Dietitian/Nutritionists. Students completing four years in dietetics can work in health departments, WIC, food research, food production agencies, etc.

The concentration in Apparel Design includes course work in merchandising and apparel design with supporting courses in art, business, and dramatic art. Students successfully completing this program pursue careers in buying, apparel and visual merchandising, retail sales and management, designing, and product development.

The concentration in Family and Consumer Sciences Education prepares students for a teaching career in family and consumer sciences programs. Students will complete courses in child development and family relations, foods and nutrition, and apparel design.

The degree in Early Childhood Education (Birth Through Kindergarten Licensure) prepares students for teacher licensure and a teaching career with children from birth through five years in inclusive settings serving both typically and atypically developing young children and their families. In addition to the areas identified for Child Development and Family Relations, students successfully completing the program may seek employment in public school classrooms, private preschools and kindergartens, home-based early intervention programs, Head Start, developmental day programs, and a variety of child care centers and programs.

STUDENTS MUST PASS A DEPARTMENTAL COMPETENCY EXAMINATION PRIOR TO ENROLLING IN THE PRACTICUM COURSE. STUDENTS WHO MAINTAIN A 3.0 OR BETTER IN MAJOR COURSES MAY BE EXEMPTED FROM THE COMPETENCY EXAM. A GRADE OF “C” OR BETTER MUST BE EARNED IN ALL MAJOR COURSES. EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY MUST BE APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON. Students are required to participate in professional organizations related to program areas, and attend area meetings.

Return to: College of Behavioral and Social Sciences