Family and Consumer Sciences Education

In this major, learn to teach young people the knowledge and skills that foster healthy families and communities. Equip them with tools to develop enriching relationships and to manage time, money, work and family. Help them to be wise consumers of products and media. Give them the skills to address the needs of others in the community and the world. Teach principles of sustainable living to empower people to make “greener” choices.

Most graduates become family and consumer sciences teachers in junior or senior high schools. Others work for community development organizations, government agencies or private companies.

In class, study psychology and human development. Learn how young people grow and learn. Explore educational theories and strategies. Practice developing course work and activities that provide young people with new skills and leadership opportunities. Study nutrition. Learn to use budgeting software for households and businesses.

You must be accepted into the teacher certification program in the University of Idaho College of Education during spring of your junior year. During your senior year, take over a classroom for 16 weeks as a student teacher in a junior or senior high school.

Prepare for Success

This major is a good fit if you can see yourself:

• Providing young people with life lessons that contribute to their creative and critical thinking.
• Helping young people develop a sense of community and global citizenship.
• Taking a hands-on approach to improving the quality of life for others.

• Volunteer in your community.
• Work with children, the elderly or other special-needs group.
• Develop your leadership skills in student office.

Your First Year

Your first year, you will hone your communication skills with course work in writing. You will also take classes in human development and education.

More advanced major courses cover topics such as principles of learning and development in education, curriculum development and contemporary family relationships.

What You Can Do

With this degree, you’ll have job possibilities such as:

• Family and consumer sciences educator: Teach and develop a curriculum that helps young people make healthy and sustainable choices about relationships, children, nutrition, finances and housing.
• Director: Own and operate your own child care center or family child care program.
• Family and consumer scientist: Help people manage the challenges of life and work. Organize programs and services to address the needs of diverse individuals and families. Educates consumers about their rights and responsibilities.
• Financial counselor: Help individuals and families make sound decisions about money management, banking, investments, insurance and taxes.
• Family advocate: Work for a nonprofit organization or foundation to promote laws and programs that improve life for families.

Opportunities

Most graduates become family and consumer sciences teachers in junior or senior high schools. Others work for community development organizations, government agencies or private companies.

You may also choose to continue your education. Earn an advanced degree in family and consumer sciences, education, law or environmental science.

Current Research

Assist in a faculty research project. Develop and evaluate lesson plans to teach middle school students about navigating media messages. Administer surveys for a study on how single parents balance work and family. Help determine the results of an abstinence-only program for teens.

Activities

Family and Consumer Sciences Club: Join the student branch. Attend an annual state conference and meet professionals in the field.
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America: Attend national and state leadership conferences.
Phi Upsilon Omicron: Join the national honor society in family and consumer sciences.

Hands-On Experience

Intern. Get practical experiences like these:

• High school: Teach leadership skills to juniors and seniors.

• Consumer credit agency: Meet with families to help them develop household budgets.
• Youth center: Write a grant proposal for a program to address anger in girls.

Study abroad. Deepen your understanding of your major—and the world—in countries like these:

• Mexico: Visit a youth center.

• India: Explore the difference between public and private schools.
• Taiwan: Observe a middle school classroom and meet the teachers.

Volunteer. Make a difference. Tutor at a local school. Organize professional development workshops for teens. Mentor an at-risk child.