Family and Consumer Sciences: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Family and Consumer Sciences is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to advancing well-being across the lifespan through the study of human development, resource management, and the dynamics of relationships and environments. This program equips learners with evidence-based knowledge and practical skills to address complex challenges in personal, family, and community contexts.
- Human Development Across the Lifespan: Explores physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth from infancy through older adulthood, emphasizing developmental milestones and factors influencing life transitions.
- Family Systems and Relationships: Investigates the structure, function, and communication patterns within families, including conflict resolution, parenting strategies, and the impact of cultural and socioeconomic factors.
- Consumer Behavior and Decision-Making: Analyzes how individuals and households make choices about goods, services, and financial resources, with a focus on ethical consumption, budgeting, and sustainable lifestyle practices.
- Food and Nutrition Science: Examines the role of nutrition in health and disease prevention, including dietary planning, food safety, meal preparation, and the science behind nutrient metabolism.
- Home Economics and Housing: Focuses on the design, management, and sustainability of living environments, covering topics such as interior design, energy efficiency, and space optimization for functional living.
- Textiles and Apparel Science: Studies fabric properties, clothing construction, fashion trends, and the environmental impact of textile production and consumption.
- Financial Literacy and Resource Management: Provides tools for personal and family financial planning, including debt management, insurance, retirement strategies, and long-term economic resilience.
- Community and Public Health Initiatives: Engages learners in developing and implementing programs that promote health equity, wellness, and quality of life at the community level.
Family and Consumer Sciences Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Family and Consumer Sciences Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Family and Consumer Sciences degrees, including . These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements.
Career salary data is not available for this program.
Top Universities for Family and Consumer Sciences by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Family and Consumer Sciences programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Family and Consumer Sciences is found at University of Utah (U of U) (119 graduates), Auburn University (AU) (18 graduates), Wayne State College (WSC) (8 graduates), Norfolk State University (NSU) (6 graduates), and Hood College (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 156 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
119 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
18 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Wayne State College (WSC) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Wayne, Nebraska | Public | wsc.edu |
| Norfolk State University (NSU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Norfolk, Virginia | Public | nsu.edu |
| Hood College |
Master's
|
4 | Frederick, Maryland | Private | hood.edu |
| University of Akron |
Master's
|
1 | Akron, Ohio | Public | uakron.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Family and Consumer Sciences programs
Which universities have the largest Family and Consumer Sciences programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Family and Consumer Sciences degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Utah (U of U) (119 graduates), Auburn University (AU) (18 graduates), and Wayne State College (WSC) (8 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Family and Consumer Sciences growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 147 in 2010 to 156 in 2023-24. This represents a 6% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
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