Graduate Certificate in Family & Consumer Sciences Education
The Family and Consumer Sciences graduate certificate equips educators with the knowledge and skills to empower individuals, families, and communities to enhance their quality of life as they manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse global society. The coursework in this 18-credit program reflects dynamic field of FCS by including coursework in the various content areas while blending research with practical applications.
Who should consider the certificate?
- Classroom educators adding FCS: The certificate aligns with the requirements of many states for adding an FCS endorsement to an existing teaching license.
- Licensed FCS educators: Licensed FCS educators who like to enrich their content expertise while receiving graduate credit.
- Community educators: Educators who teach FCS topics in community settings (i.e., cooperative extension, youth development).
What are the program benefits?
- Distanced delivered: Courses are distance delivered, allowing educators to learn from home.
- Cost effective: The program has an online designation to keep tuition rates low, even for individuals residing outside of Montana.
- Highly supported and applied courses: Each course connects the content to your role as FCS educator as you build a toolkit of resources.
- FCS community: Courses are designed to build a community of supportive FCS educators.
How long is the program?
- 5-6 semesters, 3-6 credits per semester
How do I learn more?
- Nicole Wanago, Ph.D., Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Educator
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate FCS content knowledge and skill building practices with an ability to synthesize this information into curriculum which reflects the development of learners thinking and reasoning skills by using a practical perennial problems-based lens.
- Create an accessible and culturally responsive learning environment that shows sensitivity to diverse needs, values and characteristics of students, families and communities.
- Design laboratory experiences and process that are based on current industry standards to develop transferable skills in learners.
- Relate the historical and philosophical perspectives of family and consumer sciences and career and technical education to current and future ethical professional practice.
Curriculum
| EDM 412 | Methods: 5-12 Family Consumer Science | 3 |
| HDFS 419 | STEAM: Clothing & Textiles Instruction in FCS | 3 |
| HDFS 525 | Family Finance and Resource Management: Teaching & Outreach | 3 |
| HDFS 530 | Culinary and Nutrition Instruction in Family and Consumer Sciences | 3 |
| HDFS 545 | Contemporary Family Issues | 3 |
| HDFS 550 | Critical Science & FCS Curriculum Development | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
A college-level lifespan human development course is expected for admission into the program. If an individual has not taken an equivalent course previously, they are still encouraged to apply. Individuals may take HDFS 535: Contemporary Issues in Human Development as an additional course while completing the certificate program.