Family and Consumer Sciences Education

The Program

Candidates in the family and consumer sciences education major are prepared to guide a variety of teaching and learning experiences for students in grades 5-12, in occupational or non-occupational programs, adult programs, or to serve as an extension educator. Hands-on experience is provided throughout the program to develop the teaching skills learned in classes. Courses from all areas of family and consumer sciences including individuals and families, nutrition and wellness, apparel, and consumer decision making are included in the program. This contributes to the versatility of the major since the broad range of knowledge may be applied to a wide variety of settings as an educator and/or a family and consumer scientist.

professional education courses

Teacher candidates may enroll in the 300-level professional education courses before being formally admitted to the School of Education (SOE).  Prior to enrolling in the 400-level courses, teacher candidates must complete the application for admission to the SOE; attain a minimum of a 2.75 grade point average overall in their course work and education courses; and pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test or meet minimum scores on the ACT+.  Requirements for admission can be found on the School of Education website.

Student Teaching

Student teaching (clinical practice) is the culmination of the teaching program. During the clinical practice, teacher candidates have the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills acquired in college courses to real-world classrooms under the supervision of an experienced family and consumer sciences educator in middle and secondary classrooms. Faculty members from NDSU conduct regular on-site visits to support, encourage, and evaluate teacher candidates so that they gain the confidence and ability to join the teaching profession after graduation.

Student Advisement

An academic advisor works individually with family and consumer sciences teacher candidates to plan their programs of study and to advise and assist them as they progress to degree completion. Students are encouraged to seek their advisor's help whenever needed. 

Licensure

Upon completing this program, teacher candidates are eligible for teacher licensure in family and consumer sciences in most states. Our program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the North Dakota Education and Standards Practices Board (ESPB). North Dakota State University is designated by the State Board of Career and Technical Education as the recognized institution for preparing teachers of family and consumer sciences education. 

Career Opportunities

Graduates pursuing a career in teaching become employed in both traditional and nontraditional teaching situations. Settings include teaching in middle and secondary schools and vocational centers. Other career options include employment as consultants in teaching family and consumer sciences at the elementary school level or serving as family and consumer sciences teachers for special education students. Teachers of adult programs work with various agencies and local school districts offering adult enrichment, continuing education, evening and summer classes, and programs for special groups such as parents, senior citizens and migrant workers. Graduates also are employed by the Cooperative Extension Service, utility companies, health and human service agencies and retail establishments.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Information about various loans, grants, general scholarships and employment is available through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships or One Stop. Scholarships ranging from $300 to $1,000 are offered to outstanding freshmen with financial need through the College of Human Sciences and Education. Additional academic scholarships also are available each year for returning students.

Sample Program Guide

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: A Sample Program Guide provides an unofficial guide of program requirements and should be used by prospective students who are considering attending NDSU in the future. It is NOT an official curriculum and should NOT be used by current NDSU students for official degree planning purposes. Note that the official curriculum used by current NDSU students can vary from the Sample Program Guide due to a variety of factors such as, but not limited to, start year, education goals, transfer credit, and course availability.

To ensure proper program completion, enrolled students should utilize Degree Map and Schedule Planner in Campus Connection and consult regularly with their academic advisor to ensure requirements are being met.