Reich College of Education

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) educators make a difference by teaching critical life skills to diverse individuals and families.

The Family and Consumer Sciences, Secondary Education major prepares students to teach FCS in middle and high schools, work in the Cooperative Extension Service, and assume a variety of educational positions in business, industry, and government.

Challenging Undergraduate Program

The Family and Consumer Sciences Education major is a broad-based program preparing students to teach family and consumer sciences in middle schools and high schools, to work with the Cooperative Extension Service, and to assume a variety of educational positions in business, industry, and government.

Students gain a background in all subject matter areas of Family and Consumer Sciences, including family living and parenting, child development, apparel and textiles, interior design, foods and nutrition, and consumer education. Students also gain an understanding of the teaching-learning process, becoming competent in communicating ideas and helping diverse individuals learn and grow.

The department offers several resources to enhance students' education, including a computer lab, educational resource center, apparel design studio with both commercial and home sewing machines, and child development center (which allows students to work with children from six weeks to five years of age).

The curriculum includes the requirements for teacher certification established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and qualifies students to teach middle school and high school Family and Consumer Sciences. The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, including FCS Education, is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Student Teaching

All family and consumer sciences education students complete a 15-week student teaching experience in a public high school during their final semester. Through this experience, student teachers enhance their teaching skills, gain self confidence in the classroom, and begin their development as a professional. See the Student Teaching Handbook for further details.

Student Organization

Students have opportunities to develop leadership skills by participating in student organizations such as the Student Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities are abundant for Family and Consumer Sciences Education majors.

Our graduates have found success as:

• Middle and high school teachers
• Community college instructors
• Cooperative Extension agents
• Adult educators in community agencies

Other opportunities include:

• Private school teacher
• Educator in business or industry
• State department of education consultants
• Career center instructors

For more information, contact:

Dr. Cheryl L. Lee, Professor
Family and Consumer Sciences Education
504C Reich College of Education
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-2634
leecl@appstate.edu