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
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.
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.
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.
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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.