Family and Consumer Sciences Education Major
Department of Human Development and Family Science
View DepartmentMaking a difference in the lives of young people is what family and consumer sciences (FCS) education is all about. As a family and consumer sciences educator, you can have a lifelong influence in helping middle/high school students become independent, assume family and community roles and succeed in the workplace. In the FCS education major, you’ll benefit from extensive field experiences in schools and community agencies.
As part of the only university to offer a family and consumer sciences education major in the state of Indiana, Purdue’s FCS education graduates are in high demand and often receive several job offers. Because the program is aligned with national standards, you will not only have met the requirements for an Indiana teaching license, but you’ll also be prepared to teach anywhere in the United States. FCS education is an interdisciplinary program between the College of Health and Human Sciences and the College of Education.
You may also choose to participate in one of the Department of Human Development and Family Science’s (HDFS) interdisciplinary programs in gerontology, applied behavior analysis or public health.
Career Opportunities
- Middle or high school family and consumer sciences teacher
- Cooperative Extension educator (with advanced degree)
- Community and family services
- Business consultant
Potential Areas of Advanced Study
- Human development and family science
- Agricultural science education and communication
- Public health
- Counseling psychology
- Mental health counselor
- Social work
- Marriage and family therapy
- Child development
Learning Experiences
- Benefit from extensive field experiences in schools and community agencies that begin as early as your second semester.
- Complete a full semester of required student teaching in two classroom settings.
- Learn how to select, evaluate and manage technology applications for educational settings.
Program Quick Facts
Degree Type:
Bachelor’s
Location:
West Lafayette
Department/School:
Department of Human Development and Family Science
” I chose Purdue because I wanted to pursue a Family and Consumer Science Education degree, which originally was only offered in about three colleges in the state of Indiana — now there are only two. I had done a visit to Purdue for Become a Teacher Day and knew I wanted to come back.”
— Max
Max
Max
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Year at Purdue: Senior
Major: Family and Consumer Science Education
Why Purdue: I chose Purdue because I wanted to pursue a Family and Consumer Science Education degree, which originally was only offered in about three colleges in the state of Indiana — now there are only two. I had done a visit to Purdue for Become a Teacher Day and knew I wanted to come back. Not only that, but Purdue offered me a merit scholarship that essentially paid for the rest of my college tuition along with my other scholarships.
Favorite Place at Purdue: My favorite place at Purdue is the preschool in Fowler Hall and the view from atop Hilltop.
Advice for an Incoming Freshman: The best advice to freshmen is to think “summer” and continue to push themselves in terms of achievement and intensity within their degree plans. You should not try to overwhelm yourself with classes, but you should take enough to where you feel challenged and engaged in the classroom process. While there will be many more doors and opportunities that will open up to you at Purdue, never forget why you came here in the first place. Your education and success throughout your college career should be your top priority!
I am involved in the Black Cultural Center as the student coordinator for the New Directional Players.