University of Idaho

School of Family & Consumer Sciences

About the Program

Last Updated: 
January 01, 2009

Family and consumer sciences focuses on the relationships, resources, and services contributing to individual and family well being. The discipline analyzes the needs of individuals and families using social, psychological, physical, biological, economic, and aesthetic theories and concepts. Students may choose one of three program options in the child, family, and consumer studies major. Child development/family relations focuses on the normal, healthy development of children and families. Consumer affairs emphasizes "the consumers' interests" when studying economics, business, and communication practices in our society. Family and consumer sciences education prepares students for teaching in the public schools, in community settings, or business audiences. Graduates of the major include day care managers, child life specialists, consumer affairs advocates, extension agents, and teachers.

Program Overview

Program Administrator: 
Dr. Sandra Evenson (interim director)
Department Emphasis: 
Area Percentage
  Child, Family & Consumer Studies50%
  Fod & Nutrition30%
  Clothjing, Textiles, & Design20%
Campus Enrollment: 
12,000
Programs Options: 
Undergraduate, Master's

Undergraduate Program

Program Options: 
  • Child, Family & Consumer Studies
  • Early Childhood Development & Education
Courses Offered: 
  • Individual & Family Development
  • Introduction to Early Childhood Education
  • Infancy & Early Childhood
  • Principles & Methods of Child Observation
  • Intimate Relationships
  • Survey of FCS Professions
  • Developmental Curriculum for Young Children
  • Middle Childhood-Adolescence
  • Parent-Child Relationships in Family & Community
  • Personal & Family Finance & Management
  • Curriculum Development in Family & Consumer Sciences Education
  • Administration of FCCLA Organizations
  • Growing Old in a New Age
  • Housing America's Families
  • Adulthood & Aging Within the Context of Family
  • Feeding Young Children in Group Settings
  • Theories of Child & Family Development
  • Contemporary Family Relationships
  • Issues in Work & Family Life
  • Consumer Economic Issues
  • Methods & Strategies in FCS Education
  • Introduction to FCS Internship
  • Individualized Assessment & Instruction in the FCS Classroom
  • Curriculum Portfolio in FCS Education
  • Internship in Family & Consumer Sciences Education
  • Helping Skills in Family & Consumer Sciences
  • Research Methods in Human Development
  • Techniques of Supervision
  • Program Development in Child, Family & Consumer Studies
  • Effective Intervention Programs
  • Advanced Curriculum for Early Childhood Programs
  • Administrative Leadership of Early Childhood Programs
  • Families, Community & Public Policy
  • Intellectual Foundations in Family & Consumer Sciences
Comments: 

The school supports over 90 undergraduates and most of our graduate students through scholarships. Phi Upsilon Omicron, the family and consumer sciences honorary society, the Student Section of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Food and Nutrition Club, and Palouse Area Association for the Education of Young Children Student Affiliate are active student organizations.

Graduate Program

Courses Offered: 
  • Master's Research
  • Special Topics
  • Research Methodology
  • Research Methods in Human Development I
  • Parent-Child Relationships
  • Issues in Work & Family Life
  • Techniques of Supervision
  • Program Development in Child, Family, & Consumer Studies
  • Resource Management Across the Lifespan
  • Families, Community & Public Policy
  • Intellectual Foundations in Family & Consumer Sciences
  • Practicum
  • Internship
  • Research

Master's Level

Program Options: 
  • Family & Consumer Sciences
Comments: 

The graduate program offers coursework and research opportunities concerning individuals and families across their life spans. An integrated approach prepares students for the complexities of our global society through the study of issues in child development, family sciences, nutrition, resource management, and clothing and textiles. The graduate student experience includes classroom, practica, and research opportunities. The school's Child Development Laboratory provides a special resource for both teaching and research activities. Internships in community agencies and businesses help students relate their education to professional opportunities.

Faculty

Faculty at University of Idaho