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.
What sets our program apart from other family & consumer sciences education degrees?
- Courses taught by faculty from multiple universities
- National network of FCS professionals
- Flexible online learning designed for working FCS professionals
- Affordable shared tuition model
- Connections across Extension, education, and community programs
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
Watch this video to hear from current FCS educators as they explain why they Say Yes to FCS.
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 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.
The program is focused on teacher preparation and includes:
- Ten core courses – each is three credits, and all are taught online
- Two practica – each is one credit, and both can be completed near the student’s location
- A student teaching experience varying from 6-9 credits depending on certification requirements
"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
Option B is a 30-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. There is also a 33-credit-hour thesis option available for those interested.
The program is focused on professional development and advancement and includes:
- Six core courses – each is three credits, and all are taught online
- Four elective courses – each is three credits, and all are taught online
- A research project or thesis may be required to engage students in a unique, culminating project guided by an instructor
Learn more about related areas of study.
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 30-41. Your academic advisor at your home university will guide you through each step of your educational journey.
FAQs for FCS Education
"Before starting my master’s, I was worried I wasn’t going to have enough time and quickly become overwhelmed. With IDEA, I have the flexibility to earn a degree, work full-time, and have a personal life. I have been able to work on assignments when it fits into my schedule and not be tied down to synchronous class times. This freedom has led to a higher quality of work and life."
Joey Vanek, graduate of the family and consumer sciences education master's degree program, and past Student IDEA Board member
Program & Scholarship Information at Participating Universities
In the FCS education program, six universities work together to bring an innovative, top-notch academic experience, providing you with a unique opportunity that cannot be replicated by a single university.
Most universities offer scholarship opportunities, and you can learn more by visiting any of the member universities listed below. Additionally, you'll find a list of organizations that offer scholarships and awards on the FCS Educators website.
Degree titles vary by university. Consult each university for the title as it will appear on the diploma.
As a full-time high school ag teacher, FFA Advisor, and two-sport coach, I excelled in the flexibility and structure of the IDEA program. This program has allowed me to balance my school workload with my profession and responsibilities at the school. I have also benefited from the ability to apply what I am learning to my classroom and have shared my teaching experiences with classmates to create an integrated, immersive learning experience for others and myself."
Hannah Adame, FCS education graduate and 2022 Student Excellence Award recipient
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:
- Design innovative family & consumer sciences curriculum aligned with national standards
- Teach financial literacy, nutrition, and family life education
- Conduct program evaluation and community outreach
- Lead workforce development initiatives in human sciences
- Advocate for policies that support families and communities
Listen to ConnectFCSed, a podcast produced and hosted by IDEA alumnae Barbara Scully. The podcast is focused on recruiting, supporting, and maintaining FCS educators in the modern-day home economics classroom.
"My experience with the IDEA program was life-changing. I initially did not believe higher education was within my reach, but through the support of dedicated professors, I completed my master’s and was encouraged to pursue my Ph.D. at Texas Tech University. The asynchronous format was especially beneficial for my busy schedule, and the faculty’s flexibility and support played a significant role in my success. IDEA helped me find my voice in education, helping to refine my skills, and leave the program feeling seen, valued, and confident as an educator."
Samantha Martin, FCS Education student
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. According to the USDA, preparing qualified educators is critical to ensuring that students gain essential life and career skills in nutrition, financial literacy, child development, and consumer decision-making, nutrition, financial literacy, child development, and consumer decision-making.
However, middle and high schools aren’t the only places where family and consumer sciences educators are needed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 539,000 people are employed in occupations related to Family and Consumer Sciences, with a median annual wage of about $52,000 across the field.
IDEA Graduates take Diverse Professional Paths
Some organizations and job titles include:
Education
- Middle or high school Family & Consumer Sciences teacher
- District-level curriculum specialist or administrator
- Corporate trainer or curriculum developer
Community & Youth Development
- Cooperative Extension educator
- 4-H youth development assistant
- Director of educational services for nonprofit organizations
Workforce & Organizational Development
- Human resources professional
- Corporate training and professional development specialist
Public Service & Government
- Educator with state or federal correctional systems
- Community education program coordinator
The National Partnership to Recruit, Prepare, and Support Human Sciences/FCS Educators is providing resources to individuals who want to teach family and consumer sciences at the middle and high school levels, or who want to prepare for other workforce opportunities. We've listed just a few of those resources below. Visit their website to learn more.
"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 and 2021 Student Excellence Award recipient
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.
Degree Accreditation
All IDEA member universities are accredited by regional agencies, aligning with requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education. This ensures that students pursuing their degrees through IDEA are met with a high standard of academic excellence, which is essential in sitting for certification exams and pursuing future employment.
All universities participating in the online family & consumer sciences education master’s degrees hold regional accreditation.
Learn more about the accreditation of our member universities.
Join this High-Demand Field with an Online Master’s Degree in FCS
IDEA online family & consumer sciences master’s degrees provide an array of opportunities. Whether you are looking to become a classroom teacher or expanding your knowledge to provide adult education in critical life skills, our online master’s degrees ensure you’ll find success in this high-demand field.
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