The FCS faculty includes individuals trained in business education, demography, education, family economics, gerontology, human development and family studies, psychology, and sociology. This mix of backgrounds has helped the Department to cultivate an inter-disciplinary environment that influences faculty research and faculty service as well as our undergraduate and graduate programs. Courses in our undergraduate majors also support a number of other programs on campus including Behavioral Science and Health, Child Life Specialist, Early Childhood Education, and Environmental Studies. Many of our classes have a Service Learning component.
Minors are also available in all three areas of study.
Graduate training emphasizes the acquisition of principles fundamental to theory, empirical investigation, and application to public policy planning, service delivery and program evaluation. The program prepares students for potential employment with both public and private agencies as well as for doctoral work in related programs. Financial support is available for graduate students participating in the program. There are several special resources within the FCS department. The Child and Family Development Center consists of several preschool laboratories that provide learning opportunities for children, students, and parents.