Family and Consumer Sciences Education

A major in Family and Consumer Sciences Education (FCSE) prepares people to work in generalist careers in Family and Consumer Sciences, including teaching in secondary programs. Successful completion of the degree requirements leads to a licensure endorsement, allowing graduates to teach FCS in grades 5-12. Occupational endorsements are also offered in Care and Guidance of Young Children 9-12 or Food Management, Production, and Services 9-12. Teachers with the occupational endorsement assist high school students in career education and preparation in the selected field through occupational high school courses such as Early Childhood Education Careers or Culinary Arts.

Family and consumer sciences (FACS) programs empower students to manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse, global, ever-changing society. Students develop skills in decision making, problem solving, managing work and family, communication, technology, leadership, citizenship and workplace readiness. In addition to supporting and complementing the family’s role, FACS programs offer students the opportunity to select and prepare for related careers. At the middle school level, FACS teachers teach Teen Living. At the high school level, FACS teachers may teach classes in:

  • Careers, Community and Family
  • Consumer and Family Resources
  • Human Development
  • Child Development
  • Nutrition and Wellness
  • Parenting
  • Textiles and Apparel
  • Housing and Interiors
  • Early Childhood Education Careers
  • Culinary Arts

FACS teachers also have the opportunity to lead students in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). This dynamic and effective national student organization helps young men and women develop leadership skills and address important personal, family, work and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education.


Family and Consumer Sciences Education majors recruit high school students for Carson-Newman College and Family and Consumer Sciences Education at the FCCLA State Leadership Meeting at Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee

 

A degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education at Carson-Newman College offers the opportunity for students to take courses in the following areas:

  • Child Development
  • Family Studies
  • Interior Design
  • Retailing
  • Personal and Family Management
  • Family Finances
  • Nutrition
  • Education
  • Liberal Studies

Whether the dream career is changing lives through youth education, working with at-risk youths, serving as a Family and Consumer Scientist in business, working as an extension agent, or a myriad of other options, FCSE is for YOU! Need more information? Contact: Heather M. Whaley, Assistant Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences using the information listed below.

Helpful website links:
http://www.tennessee.gov/education/cte/fc/
www.aafcs.org
www.fcclainc.org

For more information or to visit the department, contact:
Heather M. Whaley
Leader of the Family and Consumer Sciences Education Program
Family and Consumer Sciences Division
865-471-3297
hwhaley@cn.edu