Family Consumer Science trains future professionals to promote the well-being of individuals and families through degrees in dietetics, child development and family studies, and family consumer science education. We also offer minors in consumer studies and child development and family studies and a certificate in child, youth and family studies.

Why Our Students Say "Yes to FCS!"

Career Opportunities

Graduates of our Family Consumer Science (FCS) 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.

More about our programs, student experiences, and careers

Real-World Experiences

Specialized equipment and facilities, designed for FCS students including:

  • 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)
  • Child Development & Family Studies Club
  • Phi Upsilon Omicron (honorary)
  • Student Dietetic and Nutrition Organization (SDNO)

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Dietetics

The Dietetics program provides the highest quality advisory, academic, and interactive opportunities all while developing 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 will prepare you to work with children, adults, and families in a variety of human service, educational and leadership settings or pursue a graduate degree. 

Family Consumer Science Education

Our undergraduate and graduate programs in Family Consumer Science (FCS) Education will prepare you for a career as an educator in the FCS field.

Child, Youth & Family ServicesComputer screen.

A fully online 18-credit Certificate in Child, Youth, & Family Services is available to Minnesota State University, Mankato students or as a stand-alone certificate.

Minor in Family Consumer Science

Those wanting a minor in Family Consumer Science should work with their FCS advisor to select the courses - often these will be from one of the focus areas outlined here.

About Family Consumer Science

Learn more about Family Consumer Science (FCS) career opportunities, how our programs might be the right fit for you, and how to declare your major.