M.S. Family and Consumer Sciences

Understand the fundamentals of qualitative, quantitative, and action research. Study observation methods, data collection tools such as surveys, and statistical analysis. Practice different methodologies based on research questions.

Learn to develop and assess the effectiveness of curriculum and teaching strategies, including alternatives such as Wed-based instruction.

Select the professors who will guide your independent research.

Conduct a unique and independent research project with the guidance of an advisor and graduate committee comprised of professors with valuable expertise. Present your findings in a lecture to your professors and peers. Demonstrate your expertise in a question and answer session. Present your research at national and international professional meetings.

Select between two options:

Thesis. Develop a research methodology, carry out scientific data collection, and analyze your results. Thoroughly cite sources. Publish a write-up of your findings in an academic periodical. A thesis is excellent preparation for pursuing a PhD.

Project. Analyze a real-world problem and develop solutions. Demonstrate how your findings improve the quality of life for individuals and families. Put together a professional paper of your project and results. A project is an excellent addition to your career portfolio.

Help professors with their work as a teaching assistant or research assistant. Paid positions are available.

Gain additional experience with an internship, international research, or volunteer work.

Annual Student Research Expo: Compete for cash prizes awarded for graduate research presentations.

College of Graduate Studies Awards: Share in the annual recognition of graduate students engaged in outstanding teaching, research, leadership, and mentoring.

Prepare for Success

Candidates for this program should have:

• An undergraduate degree in family and consumer sciences or a related field
• An interest in research methodologies and data collection
• A desire to think critically about topics in family consumer sciences with an eye toward strengthening the field

Your First Year

Your first year, you should expect to:

• Study the theoretical and historical foundations of family and consumer sciences
• Learn about and practice using various research methodologies
• Select one professor from the department who will act as your advisor and serve on your graduate committee
• Choose at least two other professors (one can be from another department such as education or anthropology) who will serve on your graduate committee
• Work with your committee to plan the specifics of your coursework and research goals
• Select a research topic

What You Can Do

With this degree, you’ll have job possibilities like:

Family and consumer sciences educator: Teach and develop curriculum for extension education or community college that helps people make healthy and sustainable choices about relationships, children, nutrition, family finances, work, and housing. Organize programs and services to address the needs of diverse individuals and families. Educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities.

Director: Operate a child care center, social services program, or food service program.

Product developer: Stay abreast of innovations in the apparel industry through travel and research. Incorporate your findings into existing products or develop new products.

Financial planner: 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 teach or work for social service organizations or private companies.

You may also choose to continue your education. Earn a Ph.D. in family and consumer sciences, education, environmental science, or field of your choice.

Current Research

Conduct an independent research project like these:

Thesis. Research topics have included:

Best practices study: Gather and analyze data on child care practices such as snack time. For example, compare the results of children receiving pre-plated food with those of control groups selecting their own food. Collect qualitative data through observation and quantitative data such as weight of food consumed.

Cultural analysis: Interview a specific population such as seasonal agriculture workers about beliefs on topics like childhood obesity. Identify themes to better understand how to create more effective solutions for different populations.

Historical survey: Examine the role clothing played at an earlier time. For example, use archival information to understand how the dress for the Lewis and Clark expedition changed over time and incorporated Native American concepts.


Project. Topics have included:

Create a resource: Plan and build a Web site or publish a pamphlet to educate parents about an important topic or available resources.

Develop curriculum: Design new teaching activities. For example, put together a “travelling trunk” of class activities to educate children on a topic such as hunger.

Document benefits: Create a tool for teachers to determine the educational skills offered by different activities.

Activities

Present your research at national and regional meetings of professional organizations such as the American Association of Food and Consumer Sciences and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Other opportunities at UI include:

Graduate and Professional Student Association: Gain leadership experience and represent your department in UI student government.

Family and Consumer Sciences Club: Join the student branch. Attend an annual state conference and meet professionals in the field.

Food and Nutrition Club: Travel to local and national conferences and participate in nutrition-related activities.

Palouse Area Association for the Education of Young Children and the Council for Exceptional Children: Advocate for the needs of young children and attend local early childhood workshops and conferences.

International Textile and Apparel Association: Stay abreast of current issues in textiles, apparel, and merchandising as a member of the student chapter.

Phi Upsilon Omicron: Join the national honor society in family and consumer sciences.

Hands-On Experience

Gain hands-on experiences like these:

Teaching Assistant: Help a professor instruct a course. Work directly with undergraduates. Grade papers and exams. Paid positions are available.

Research Assistant: Help professors with their research. Paid positions are available. For example, you might help:

• 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
• Examine the results of an abstinence-only program for teens
• Observe snack and meal times at a day care for a study on feeding young children in group settings

• Write a grant proposal for a program to address anger in girls for a youth center
• Develop handouts to assist families with housing and financial planning for a community action agency
• Study the results of different presentations of nutritional information for industry client such as General Mills

• Gather data on child care in Brazil
• Study the characteristics of elder care in England
• Collect information about government dietary guidelines in Japan
• Assess textile sourcing in India

Facilities

The Child Development Laboratory offers a real-world setting to practice and learn.

The Leila Old Historic Costume Collection contains more than 8,000 garments and accessories for students to study.