This program provides two paths to earning your degree. Option A is focused on teacher preparation and includes practica and student teaching. Option B has a variety of elective options so those already in the field can customize a degree that aligns with their goals.
Why Study Family & Consumer Sciences Education through IDEA?
Whether you are already in the classroom and looking to expand your knowledge or working in a related field and hoping to become an FCS teacher, our online curriculum is flexible and convenient so you can work toward your education and career goals while balancing family and work.
Through this degree, you will be prepared to teach families and individuals in a number of areas that will improve their quality of life.
- Nutrition and wellness
- Food science
- Personal and family finance
- Housing and interior design
- Human development
- Textiles and apparel
- Consumer issues
Listen to Kyle Roberson, a graduate of the FCS master's degree program and now an instructor at Texas Tech University, as he explains how the skills attained in this program prepare students to be leaders in their field.
Program Format for Family & Consumer Sciences Education
The online master’s degree is flexible and provides two paths to earning your degree. The path you choose will depend on your previous education, licensure level, and career goals. Courses are offered in spring, summer, and fall.
There is no GRE requirement for application to this program.
Option A: Master's Degree for Initial Teacher Certification
Option A is a 36-41 credit hour program for students with a bachelor’s degree in an area related to FCS Education and who want to become teachers of FCS Education, formerly known as home economics. Students in this program often have bachelor’s degrees in related fields such as elementary education, special education, interior design, fashion design, textiles, nutrition, or early childhood.
"Coming from a culinary background, I was unsure of how to make a career for myself until I discovered the FCS master’s program through IDEA. Now that I am a full-time family and consumer science teacher at a local high school, I am still able to balance my school workload with my new professional career. They work hand in hand by combining lesson plans and learning theories. I love being able to apply my school work into my own classroom; it has developed into an amazing learning experience."
Kristina Schule, FCS education graduate
Option B: Master’s Degree for Already Certified Teachers and Professionals
Option B is a 36-credit hour program for professionals already in FCS education-related fields, including certified teachers and extension educators. The curriculum in Option B includes a variety of elective options to help you create a master’s degree that aligns with your professional goals.
Practicum and Internship Experiences
Each university has slightly different requirements for practicum and internship experiences, which is why the program's required number of credits ranges from 36-41. Your academic advisor at your home university will guide you through each step of your educational journey.
Program Outcomes in Family & Consumer Sciences Education
This program provides students with an arsenal of knowledge to educate and support individuals and families. This online master’s degree will prepare you to:
- Analyze the historical and philosophical underpinnings of FCS education, formerly known as home economics
- Plan standards-based curriculum
- Develop strategies to engage students in the learning process
- Examine the relationship of diverse groups and the educational process
- Apply research to practice
- Promote professional development and advancement within FCS education fields
Hear from Mari Borr, an instructor at North Dakota State University, as she explains the high demand for FCS education teachers and professionals throughout the country.
What Can I Do With a Family & Consumer Sciences Master’s Degree?
There is a nationwide shortage of family and consumer sciences teachers, sometimes known as home economics or FACS. However, middle and high schools aren’t the only places where family and consumer sciences educators are needed.
Graduates of this program take diverse professional paths. Some organizations and job titles include:
- Middle or high school teacher
- Cooperative Extension Educator
- 4-H assistant
- Human resources professionals
- State or federal prison systems educator
- Trainer or curriculum specialist for corporate companies
- Director of educational services for nonprofits
- District-level curriculum specialist or administrator
Professional Certification and Licensure
Standards for teacher certification vary by state. You are responsible for identifying and meeting requirements in the state where you want to be certified. This may include additional coursework, such as teacher prep courses or state-mandated tests.
Student-Focused Faculty with Experience in the Field
IDEA family & consumer sciences education faculty have practical knowledge and experience. They come from different home universities, blending a range of perspectives and experiences.
"As a career switcher, returning student with over the 10-year gap, and non-native English-speaking learner, I was worried that I couldn't complete the Initial Teacher Certification program within a couple of years. The professors are extremely knowledgeable and experienced in each subject and support students to succeed compassionately in any possible way. The master's courses are well-designed and rewarding as I can see my learning progress instantly. Thanks to IDEA, I am starting my new career being a high school FCS teacher this fall!"
Akiko Mallow, family & consumer sciences education master's graduate, and recipient of the 2023 Student Excellence Award
