Program Description
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) degree program is offered under
the Division of Human Development and Allied Technology, in the College of Education and Human Services
at Marshall University. The program consists of courses in a common core and three areas of emphasis:
Apparel Design and Merchandising, Child and Family Services, and Hospitality Management. Students gain
knowledge and hands-on experience to work in the apparel industry, childcare services, business, education,
family services, parent education, consumer agencies, and extension services, lodging and foodservice,
and/or become an entrepreneur. The curriculum contains a combination of theory and application in the
classroom activities, study tours regionally and abroad, and internships. The Family and Consumer Sciences
Department also offers family and consumer course content for the B.A. in Secondary Education.
Students are required to take core courses, including six credit hours of internship. Students choose to
specialize in one of the three areas of emphasis: Apparel Design and Merchandising, Child and Family Services,
and Hospitality Management. FCS students also take relevant support courses from areas such as business,
social sciences, art, and integrated sciences. The Marshall Plan course requirements contribute to a well-rounded
individual who can communicate effectively and think critically.
Graduates gain knowledge and expertise for diverse and exciting careers in the fashion industry, child and family
service organizations, and hospitality industry. Fashion industry career opportunities for graduates with the apparel
design and merchandising area of emphasis are diverse, embracing areas such as design, product development, manufacturing,
merchandising, international sourcing, retail buying, visual merchandising, store operations management, brand management,
entrepreneurship, consumer advocacy, fashion editing, and quality assurance. An emphasis in family and child service opens
job opportunities such as child specialist, parent education consultant, family life educator, consumer educator, independent
living instructor, family planning consultant, and youth service director for students. Positions available to those with
the hospitality management focus include foodservice manager, restaurant manager, hotel manager, conference service manager,
facility manager, or entrepreneur.
The Family and Consumer Sciences program has faculty expertise and a variety of instructional resources. It has laboratories
for apparel design and production as well as food preparation; an early childhood center, lecture space and seminar room
located in Corbly Hall, and a computer- aided design and learning material production laboratory located in the Learning
Resource Center of Jenkins Hall. The Drinko Library provides a wide range of reference materials and information technology.
Students have many opportunities to increase technology efficiency: numerous classes use computers and the latest software.
Hands-on learning experiences through internship provide excellent job opportunities for students. Study tours to
New York and/or Paris expose students to the fashion industry.
Program Goals
The program aligns itself with the following standards identified by the American Association of Family and Consumer
Sciences (AAFCS), a professional organization that accredits programs in higher education and certifies graduates.
- Integration of Foundations – Core courses for the B.A. in FCS.
- Family Studies and Human Services – Child and Family Services area of emphasis.
- Food Lodging Hospitality – Hospitality Management area of emphasis.
- Textiles and Apparel – Apparel Design and Merchandising area of emphasis.
Specific goals include:
- Develop students’ professional competencies in concepts fundamental to the mission of Family and Consumer Sciences
(empowering individuals, strengthening families, and enabling communities).
- Increase knowledge about the family unit and its development, diverse nature, and role in nurturing children,
youth, and adults as they grow and change.
- Prepare students to assume professional leadership roles in extension, education, human service programs, and in business.
- Improve students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills in decision-making, and assume responsibility as consumers
and providers of goods and services necessary to meet the basic human needs: clothing, education,
family economics, hospitality services, nurturing, and housing.
- Create research opportunities for students and faculty to keep up with FCS trends/issues, current content,
and maintain professional leadership in promoting quality of life of individuals and families.
- Provide opportunities for students to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in various settings.
- Enhance innovative application of technology in the field of FCS.
Admission Requirements
Students must meet the following requirements for admission into the B.A. in FCS for first-time freshmen:
- A diploma from an accredited high school; and an overall Grade Point Average of at least 2.0 (C average).
- A composite score of at least 19 on the ACT or a combination score (verbal + math) of no less than 910 on the SAT.
- Transfer students must meet the minimum requirements specified by the College of Education and Human Services.
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