NDSU FCS Education Degree Empowers Students to Succeed
Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education empowers individuals and families across the life span to manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse, global society. With its unique focus on families, work and their interrelationships, teachers of FCS focus on the science of human development, wellness and decision-making.
The Family and Consumer Sciences Education major at NDSU is now part of the Youth Development, Family, and Agricultural Education department in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources.
Graduates of the FCS education major generally go on to teach in middle and high schools, occupational or non-occupational programs, and adult programs. Students can choose between a teacher licensure pathway and a training and development pathway, depending on whether they wish to teach in the classroom or in another environment. Those who elect to take the teacher licensure pathway will be qualified to teach courses in subjects such as child development, nutrition, personal finance, interior design, textiles, relationships, food preparation, education, and consumer economics.
“FCS classes prepare middle school and high school students for careers, for home life, and for balancing the delicate relationship between the two. Along with FCS content, students learn teamwork, responsibility, planning, and communication skills” says Mari Borr, NDSU professor of Family and Consumer Sciences Education.
“Examples of career options include becoming a high-school Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, child-life specialist, parent educator, nutrition consultant, family-life educator, or Extension family and community wellness agent,” shares Borr. “Our graduates also work in youth programs and non-profit programs.”
Katelyn Gorder, a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Grafton High School and a 2015 NDSU graduate, recently received a national Milken Educator Award for 2023-24.
The Award comes with a $25,000 cash prize that Gorder can use for any purpose. Gorder, who earned her bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences education, credits NDSU as helping lead her down the path to a successful career.
In addition to the FCS undergraduate degree programs, NDSU also offers two FCS master’s degree programs that are completely online. Option A is for those who have a bachelor’s degree in an FCS-related area and are working toward FCS teacher licensure. Option B is designed for current educators or other FCS professionals seeking personal and professional advancement.
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