Family Consumer Science
College of Allied Health and Nursing | Department of Family Consumer Science
The department of Family Consumer Science is committed to training professionals to promote the well-being of individuals and families through a bachelor of science degree with majors in dietetics, child development and family studies, family consumer science education, and foods and nutrition, as well as a flexible minor in the areas of consumer studies, child development and family studies, and foods and nutrition.
Career Opportunities
Family Consumer Science (FCS) trains future professionals for careers such as:
- clinical dieticians, wellness nutritionists or food service managers
- Family Consumer Science middle school and secondary teachers
- Human services professionals or child protection workers
- Mental health practitioners
- Group or youth home directors
- Family life and parenting educators
Our graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings including hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, nonprofits, health clubs, private practices, schools and educational settings, group homes, day cares, Head Start, food companies and restaurants.
Real-World Experiences
Specialized equipment and facilities, designed for FCS students:
- Food Science lab for experiementing and sensory testing
- Food lab for food prep and testing
- Textiles lab with specialized clothing construction equipment
- FCS Education classroom with state-of-the art teaching materials
- Nutrition assessment lab designed for nutrition education, body composition and energy need testing
Clubs and student organizations
- American Association of FCS at Minnesota State Mankato (AAFCS-MSU)
- Student Dietetic and Nutrition Organization (SDNO)
- Phi Upsilon Omicron (honorary)
Dietetics
The Dietetics Program provides students pursuing a dietetics career the highest quality advisory, academic and interactive opportunities and to develop their confidence and competency for advancement following graduation to supervised practice, graduate studies or related employment.
Child Development and Family Studies, BS
With an emphasis on understanding human development and family related issues, our accredited program prepares students to work with children, adults, and families in a variety of human service, educational and leadership settings or pursue a graduate degree.
Foods and Nutrition, BS
This flexible program prepares students for a variety of in-demand careers within the wellness and food industries. Our applied approach, hands-on opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities give students real-world opportunities.
