Elementary school teacher helping student read.

Family Consumer Science

Family Consumer Science trains future professionals dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals and families. Our programs provide a well-rounded education, equipping you with practical skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact. Whether you're looking to advance your career or explore new opportunities, Family Consumer Science opens doors to exciting professional pathways in child development and family consumer science education. 


Careers in Family Consumer Science

  • Early Childhood Teacher
  • Assistant Teacher
  • Support Staff Specialist
  • Youth Coordinator
  • Youth Counselor
  • Family Service Specialist
  • FCS Teacher (grades 5-12)
  • Curriculum Developer
  • Extension Leader or Educator
  • Career & Technical Education
  • Business & Industry Education
  • FCS Social Service-Related Careers

Potential Salary

Median Salary $47,000

The median annual wage for Family and Consumer Sciences in May 2023 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Family Consumer Science Degrees at MSU

Child Development and Family Studies, Bachelor of Science

Graduates from this program will gain a deep understanding of human development, with a special focus on supporting the needs of children, adults, and families. Students will learn the skills and theories to support individuals and families in navigating the challenges of daily life and promote positive development in diverse settings. Our program is recognized by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) in the preparation for Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) provisional status. 

Child Development and Family Studies, Minor

This 18-credit minor is designed for students who wish to complement their current major with a deeper understanding of child development theory, family dynamics, and human services. This program provides a rich blend of systemic and developmental frameworks, with a focus on real-world application, ethical decision-making, and professional communication. 

Consumer Studies, Minor

The Consumer Studies minor curriculum examines decision making related to financial matters, including credit, debt, savings, daily consumer choices, and more. This area also helps students understand consumers in the marketplace, with an emphasis on discussing consumer well-being and consumer issues related to families and communities. 

Child, Youth and Family Services, Certificate

This online 18-credit certificate is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in community support services. This certificate provides students with the foundational skills to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families, promoting well-being, resilience, and healthy development. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to pursue entry-level roles in a wide range of settings, including schools, community organizations, mental health agencies, and family services. 

Family Consumer Science Education, Bachelor of Science

The Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Education program prepares students to teach FCS in grades 5-12. As part of the Career and Technical Education field, this program focuses on preparation for teaching content such as: 

  • Relationships and human development 
  • Nutrition, wellness, and culinary skills 
  • Apparel and family housing 
  • Financial literacy and resource management 
  • Career pathways related to these essential life skills 

Family Consumer Science Education, Graduate Certificate

This certification program offers courses for those with a teaching degree or pursuing a graduate teaching degree to meet MN standards for Family Consumer Science Education licensure (grades 5-12). Credits may transfer to a graduate program or be used for teaching contract lane changes. It also meets Higher Learning Commission (HLC) standards for 18 in-discipline graduate credits, enabling individuals with a master’s degree to teach FCS courses at community or technical colleges.  

students in the food lab with state of the art equipment and cambria countertops

Get Involved!

At Minnesota State University, Mankato, learning goes beyond the classroom. Join one of our student organizations to connect with peers, gain hands-on experience, and build a strong foundation for your future career.

  • American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS-MSU)
  • Child Development & Family Studies Club
  • Phi Upsilon Omicron (Honor Society)

Learn More

Family Consumer Science Education

Our Family Consumer Science Education program has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Education, this program allows our graduates to apply for licensure to teach Family Consumer Science in grades 5-12.

National Council of Family Relations

Our Child Development and Family Studies (CDFS) program is approved by the National Council of Family Relations, this program allows our graduates to become certified family life educators.

Why Family Consumer Science - Video

Watch our video and hear from our graduates about why they chose Family Consumer Science. Discover their inspiring stories and career paths.

Related Programs

Dietitian writing diet plan, view from above on the table with different healthy products and drawings on the topic of healthy eating

Nutrition, Food and Dietetics

In the Dietetics, Food & Nutrition programs students will gain knowledge needed for careers in health, fitness, dietetics, and food-related industries, with opportunities for supervised practice and graduate studies.

Women gym teacher in gym.

Health and Physical Education

The Health and Physical Education major at Minnesota State Mankato is dedicated to preparing future teachers to educate young learners on the critical importance of physical activity. Through classroom learning and real-world teaching experiences, students gain the expertise to design and execute comprehensive physical education programs that encourage students to commit to health and fitness.

Elementary gym teacher talking with kids outside.

Physical Education and Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE)

The Physical Education and Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE) major offers a robust curriculum that prepares future teachers to impact the physical health and well-being of PK-12 students significantly. This program prepares graduates to teach PK-12 students, with and without disabilities, about the importance of physical activity. 

a person wearing a hat and jacket talking to another person

Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies

Ideal for students seeking a maximum variety of professional opportunities. Students in the Recreation Leadership and Management emphasis area are prepared to create and facilitate recreational experiences for individuals in a variety of settings, including nonprofits, municipal recreation, community recreation, and tourism outlets.

Family Consumer Science Department

College of

Allied Health and Nursing

The College of Allied Health and Nursing is a thriving community dedicated to preparing future leaders in nursing, communication sciences, and health-related fields. With state-of-the-art learning centers, real-world experiences clinical practicums and fieldwork, and strong community connections, students gain the hands-on training needed for success. Committed to equity and inclusion, we create an environment where all learners can excel and make a meaningful impact in health and wellness.

Learn More About the College of Allied Health and Nursing