About the Department

The Department of Family Consumer Science is committed to training professionals to promote the well-being of individuals and families through bachelor’s degrees in the following majors:

Dietetics
Nationally recognized and accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and provides the academic training required to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.
Child Development and Family Studies
Approved by the National Council of Family Relations, which allows graduates to become certified family life educators.
Family Consumer Science Education
Approved by the Minnesota Department of Education, which allows graduates to apply for licensure to teach Family Consumer Science in grades 5-12.
Foods and Nutrition
A broad major that prepares graduates to work as food service managers, extension educators or food researchers.

The department also offers the following undergraduate minors:

Consumer Studies
Child Development
Foods and Nutrition

Students will gain valuable academic training and hands-on experience in:

Food preparation
Clothing construction
Nutrition assessment
Family life and parenting education
Child development, care and education
Consumer decision making and money management

These skills and experiences will translate directly to careers with a central focus of serving the needs of families and consumers, such as:

Clinical dietitians
Wellness nutritionists
Foodservice managers
Family consumer science middle school and secondary school teachers
Human services professionals
Child protection workers
Mental health practitioners
Group home directors
Youth home directors
Family life and parenting educators
Extension specialists
And many more...

Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, including:

Hospitals
Medical clinics
Nursing homes
Health clubs
Private practice
Schools and educational settings
Group homes
Day cares
Head Start
Food companies
Restaurants and other food service facilities