Family and Consumer Sciences Education

If you enjoy working with people to help them develop knowledge and skills which contribute to basic living skills, a career in Family and Consumer Sciences Education is for you.

Today, the realm of programs in which family and consumer sciences teachers are involved begins with elementary school children and continues through programs with senior citizens. Family and consumer sciences teachers are teaching in secondary and post-secondary vocational schools, in correctional and health care institutes, as well as in public and private elementary and secondary schools. Family and consumer sciences teachers are also involved in international programs in developing countries.

The knowledge of families, consumer product information and management, plus skills achieved in educational program planning, presentation, interpersonal relationships and management gained in this program ahve excelent transferability to other careers. Thus, the student completing this program will have career opportunities in addition to teaching.

Graduates hold positions as middle school/junior high school family and consumer sciences teachers, high school family and consumer sciences teachers, occupational family and consumer sciences teachers, instructors in adult education, consumer information specialists, and educational materials specialists for family and consumer sciences related industries. Some examples of places where consumer information and educational materials specialists are employed are Pork Producers, Maytag, Proctor and Gamble, Dairly Council, and Amana Industries. Individuals with this degree also work as coordinators of Missouri's Parents as Teachers Program. A major advantage of this program is diversity in subject matter.

A career as a teacher also has economic advantages. Starting salaries for a 9-month position are now comparable, at $21,000 and up, to starting salaries in many other 12-month positions. In addition, most school districts provide economic incentives and some support further coursework for professional development. Currently there is a severe shortage of family and consumer sciences teachers in the United States.

Download Family and Consumer Sciences Education checklist

For more information contact:

Dr. Frances Shipley
Chair and Professor
Family and Consumer Sciences Education
311A Ext. 1168

Nicole Thompson, Student Ambassador

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For more information contact:

Family and Consumer Sciences
Northwest Missouri State University
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468-6001
Phone: 660.562.1168
E-mail: shipley@nwmissouri.edu