program description

the m.a. degree in family & consumer sciences (fcs) in the department of family, interiors, nutrition & apparel (fina) is designed to prepare students for advanced studies of individual, family, and community issues using an interdisciplinary approach. throughout the degree studies, students gain a greater understanding of current issues and trends as well as their implications to an optimum quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. 

student understanding in these areas provide the roadmap for the development of a culminating experience, which illustrates identification of issues and problem-solving methodologies. students have the opportunity to structure their degree around their specific interests within the emphasis areas noted below and also with other programs across campus.

the degree consists of 30 units, including completion of a master's thesis or field study project as a culminating experience. graduates of the m.a. in fcs have gone on to careers in the non-profit sectors, community agencies, early childhood settings, education, food, and nutritional sciences, and apparel and interior design industries. the m.a. also prepares students for continued education at the doctoral level. individual studies can be developed around the following specializations:

• apparel design & merchandising
• interior design
• dietetics
• family and consumer sciences