How Does FCS Differ from Other Helping Professions?

Students who graduate from the bachelor of science in family and community services (FCS) program at East Carolina University are grounded in family-systems thinking, which recognizes the interrelationship between family members and their environment. Family and community services professionals bring a family perspective and a focus on strengths when they work with people. Families are empowered to develop and achieve their potential.

What Do Students in the FCS Program Learn?

The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in research, theory, and practice in child development and family relations, while allowing each student the flexibility to personalize the program to fit his or her career goals. 

Key content areas are interpersonal relationships, personal communication, parenting, human development, family diversity, and internal dynamics of the family. Students learn skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating family life education programs. 

Hands-on experiences are an integral part of the family and community services curriculum. These opportunities allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world situations.

Family and Community Service Students engage in many service learning experiences. Last year students mentored children at the Little Willie Center in a cross-cultural service-learning project with school children in Uganda. Click Here to See What We Did!

What Opportunities Exist for FCS Program Graduates?
 
Students who graduate from East Carolina University with a bachelor of science in family and community services are prepared to work with individuals and families, or systems across the lifespan. Family and community services professionals provide assistance and educational opportunities both directly and indirectly in a wide variety of settings. The specialization areas within family and community services are diverse including community- and faith-based social services, family life education, family intervention, education, healthcare, government, public policy, and research. Additionally, the family and community services program prepares students for graduate education in related areas such as marriage and family therapy.
  
Here are just a few of the many employment opportunities you can have as an FCS professional:
 

Family life education
Youth development programs
Child development consultant
Adoption agencies
Early intervention programs
Teen pregnancy counselor
Gerontology programs
Head Start programs
Marriage and family enrichment
Parent education
Case management for family treatment plans
Crisis and hotline services
Divorce mediation
Family policy analyst
Cooperative Extension Service
Military family support services
Departments of child and family services
Community-based research for non-profit family agencies
Program evaluation and assessment

FCS 4-Year Plan

FCS Frequently Asked Questions

• Human growth and development throughout the life cycle from prenatal development to aging
• Resource development and practical application of financial management
• Strategies and methods of working with diverse families and clientele
• Teaching methods and curriculum development in family life education 
• Marital relationships and child rearing practices
• Community development and collaborative relationships with community agencies and organizations
• Program planning and evaluation