Family, Consumer and Nutritional Sciences (FCSN) Vision and Mission

Vision - To be an innovative department renowned for rigorous, diverse programs of study steeped in the Catholic liberal arts tradition and distinguished by exemplary graduates responsibly engaged in the world.

Mission - Founded first on Catholic liberal arts tradition and offering rigorous programs of study, the Family, Consumer and Nutritional Sciences (FCNS) department educates women to be professional, ethical leaders. Grounded in science, the students become content experts with an innovative mindset and professional voice. The curriculum empowers students to understand and reflect upon the multi-faceted issues facing individuals and families today, challenging graduates to advocate for the dear neighbor without distinction in a socially responsible manner. Strong inter-professional and community collaborations prepare women for transformational leadership, life-long learning and a commitment to sustainability in the global context.

Home › Family and Consumer Science › Academic Plan

Academic Plan

The family and consumer science major combines courses from apparel design, fashion merchandising, foods and nutrition, and physical sciences. As a FACS major, you will also choose a concentration of three courses in a specific area of your choice. Possible concentrations include:

  • Early childhood family education (ECFE)
  • Business
  • Journalism
  • Communications
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Social work
  • Textiles/apparel
  • Foods/nutrition

Below is a sample course plan. Upon admission, you will work with an adviser to tailor your courses to fit your individual needs.

Fall

  • CORE 1000: The Reflective Woman*
  • CHEM 1010: General Chemistry*
  • PSYC 1001: General Psychology (with lab)
  • LANG: Foreign language course*

Winter

  • FASH 2100: Apparel Construction or FASH 2150: Sociocultural Aspects of Clothing
  • PSYC 2020: Lifespan Developmental Psychology*
  • WOST/CRST: Women's studies or critical studies course*
  • LANG: Foreign language course*

Fall

  • SOCI 3210: Marriage and Family
  • FASH 2050: Textiles (with lab)
  • FSNU 2900: Food Science
  • ENGL: English literature course*

Winter

  • FACS 3700: Interior Design
  • INDI 2000: Career Development for Women
  • HIST: History course*
  • PHIL/THEO: Philosophy or theology course*
  • EXSS: Exercise and sport science activity course*

Fall

  • FACS 4000: Mgmt. Approach to Family Systems
  • BIOL 1120: Biology of Women or Elective
  • PHIL/THEO: Philosophy or theology course*
  • Area of concentration course

Winter

  • FACS 3350: Child in the Family
  • FACS 3650: Personal & Family Finance
  • FSNU 2200: Food, Nutrition and You
  • EXSS: Exercise and sport science activity course*

Fall

  • CORE 3990: Global Search for Justice*
  • THEO 3850: Spirituality and Sexuality or Elective
  • MATH: Math course*
  • Area of concentration course

Winter

  • FACS 4604: Internship
  • FACS 3360: Parenting Education
  • PHIL/THEO: Philosophy or theology course*
  • Area of concentration course

* Denotes course is part of liberal arts and sciences core requirements (for all majors).

For detailed course descriptions, visit the courses page.

Writing requirements

Family and consumer and science majors satisfy the Writing Requirement for Majors by completing FACS 4000: Management Approach to Family Systems. You complete the Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Writing Requirement with three other writing intensive courses (CORE 1000: The Reflective Woman and CORE 3990: Global Search for Justice, and one other writing intensive course in this or another department).