East Carolina University    
College of Human Ecology
Child Development and Family Relations
 
 
Enriching Lives. Enhancing Communities.
   
Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Career Opportunities
If you are interested in teaching youth about families or working directly with families, you should consider the family and consumer sciences education program.  The family and consumer sciences (FACS) education program prepares students to teach in middle grades and high schools; to work with the Cooperative Extension Service or other educational agencies such as vocational education, workforce development programs, and career services; and for graduate study.  There is a severe shortage of FACS educators in North Carolina and the U.S., and jobs are plentiful.     "New" FACS Job Connection

Program Requirements
The FACS major prepares you to teach preadolescents, adolescents, and adults in both formal and informal settings. Freshmen may declare FACS as their major. The major consists of 126 semester hours (s.h.) that includes technical and career skills in work-based efficiency with six career areas: community and family services, culinary arts and hospitality, early childhood education, family and consumer sciences advanced study, food science, human services work development, and interior design services. Students also learn about workplace applications and leadership skills necessary to advise student organizations.

You will take courses in six distinct core areas: consumer education and resource management; family and interpersonal relationships; foods, nutrition and wellness; interiors, housing, and design; human development and parenting education; and textiles, apparel, and fashion.  You may elect a specialization in clothing design, foods and nutrition, interior design and housing, or parenting and child development. When you have met the criteria for field placement, you will complete an internship (student teaching) in a public school.

 
Prior to taking some courses, students must be admitted to Upper Division of Teacher Education. Admission includes successful completion of the following: grade of "C" or better in Early Experience course (must be taken at ECU), passing score on the PRAXIS I, essay outlining reasons for wishing to pursue a career in education, speech/hearing screening, satisfactory interview, a 2.5 or better GPA, and computer/technology competencies. Upon successful completion of all requirements for the FACS major, you are eligible for a license to teach in the public schools of North Carolina.  
     
Program Standards
The program follows national standards and guidelines of family and consumer sciences by providing opportunities and study of the following:
  • Plan, implement, and assess FACS programs consistent with the developmental needs of students in grades 7-12
  • Plan, implement, and manage a comprehensive career development delivery system
  • Develop skills to implement student professional organizations
  • Study family relationships and human development across the life span; family, work, and resource management; principles, selection, care and design of apparel and textile products; housing and interior design; and foods, nutrition, and wellness
  • Study the conceptual framework of teacher education: diversity, technology, reflections, and partnership

In addition to licensure, students are encouraged to become certified as family and consumer scientists (CFCS). For more information about national certification and state licensure, contact the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences at www.aafcs.org and the North Carolina Department of Education at www.ncpublicschools.org. 

 

FACS Check Sheet

FACS Four-Year Plan

Descriptions of CDFR and FACS courses can be found in:
Course Descriptions – Undergraduate

For more information, contact:
Susan Reichelt, PhD
Department of Child Development and Family Relations
College of Human Ecology
East Carolina University
261 Rivers
Greenville, NC 27858
252-328-1339 reichelts@ecu.edu
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