Program Overview
The primary purpose of the Master of Sciences in Family and Consumer Sciences is to prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills for advanced careers in business, education, hospitals, industry, government, and community agencies, or for entering a doctoral program in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) or in a related discipline. Graduates of the program will be able to synthesize and evaluate research and disseminate findings, demonstrate professional communication skills, and demonstrate advanced practice skills required of FCS professionals.
Program Outline
The degree plan offers thesis and non-thesis options; the requirements for these options differ. All students will take comprehensive examinations and complete a graduate portfolio as described in the departmental manual for graduate students.
[3.1] Thesis Option (30 hours)
Core Requirements (9 hours)
- FACS 6300 Current Issues in Family and Consumer Sciences
- FACS 6335 Evidence-Based Research or ASTL 6380 Research Methods or HLTH 6379 Research in Health Sciences
- FACS 6350 Statistical Methods or ASTL 6382 Educational Statistics or EXSS 6316 Data Analysis
Family and Consumer Sciences Courses (15 hours)
The student selects courses from the list below. Up to three hours may be taken from another department if approved by the major advisor.
- FACS 5V30 Special Topics (variable credit, 1-3 credit hours)
- FACS 5310 Program Development and Evaluation
- FACS 5311 Advanced Family Relations
- FACS 5312 Advanced Child Development
- FACS 5313 Advanced Adolescent Development
- FACS 5331 Advanced Parent Child Relations
- FACS 5332 Advanced Adult Development and Aging
- FACS 5355 Methods and Materials in Teaching Family and Consumer Sciences
- FACS 6301 History and Philosophy of the FCS Profession
- FACS 6303 History of Fashion
- FACS 6305 Problems in Consumer Textiles
- FACS 6306 Clothing Trends
- FACS 6309 Consumer Economics
- FACS 6310 Advanced Resource Management
- FACS 6320 Directed Study
- FACS 6341 Urban Development
- FACS 6342 Design Methods
- FACS 6355 Consumer Affairs
- NUTR 6307 Current Findings in Foods
Thesis Research (6 hours)
- FACS 6V44 Thesis Research
[3.2] Non-Thesis Option (36 hours)
Core Requirements (9 hours)
These are the same as for thesis option.
Family and Consumer Sciences Courses (27 hours)
The student selects courses from the list in §3.1.
University of Central Arkansas
Overview:
University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university located in Conway, Arkansas. It boasts a rich 115-year tradition of excellence and is committed to providing an innovative and collaborative education within a culture of student support and success.
Services Offered:
UCA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support for academic planning and course selection.Accessibility Resources and Services:
Offers accommodations and support for students with disabilities.Bear Card:
A multi-purpose card used for access to campus facilities, meal plans, and more.Bookstore:
Provides textbooks, course materials, and merchandise.Campus Safety:
Ensures a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.Career Services:
Assists students with career exploration, job search, and internship opportunities.Disability Resource Center:
Provides support and accommodations for students with disabilities.Financial Aid:
Offers various financial aid programs and scholarships to help students fund their education.Food Services:
Provides dining options on campus.Housing & Residence Life:
Offers on-campus housing options and residence life programs.Information Technology:
Provides technical support and resources for students.Library:
Offers a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.Student Health:
Provides healthcare services to students.Student Organizations:
Offers a wide variety of student organizations for students to join and engage in extracurricular activities.Veterans Services:
Provides support and resources for veteran students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCA offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved and make connections. Students can:
Join over 150 Recognized Student Organizations:
Catering to diverse interests and passions.Participate in various events and activities:
From sporting events to cultural performances.Live in on-campus housing:
With various residence halls and living learning communities.Enjoy recreational facilities:
Including a campus recreation center.Volunteer in the community:
Through service-learning opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
UCA Commitment:
A groundbreaking program offering a debt-free pathway for tuition and fees for incoming Arkansas freshmen with household income of $100k or less.Small class sizes:
Allowing for personalized attention from faculty.Engaging programs:
Providing hands-on learning experiences and internships.Supportive community:
Fostering a sense of belonging and success.Strong academic reputation:
With a focus on research and experiential learning.Academic Programs:
UCA offers a wide range of academic programs across five colleges:
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences:
Includes programs in art, history, literature, and more.Business:
Offers programs in accounting, finance, marketing, and more.Education:
Provides programs for aspiring teachers and educators.Health & Behavioral Sciences:
Includes programs in nursing, psychology, and more.Science and Engineering:
Offers programs in biology, chemistry, computer science, and more.Other:
UCA has a 14 to 1 student to faculty ratio.
The average ACT score for first-time undergraduate students is 22.4.
UCA offers over 141 academic programs and certificates.
UCA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
UCA is classified as a Community Engagement Institution by the Carnegie Foundation.
To be granted regular admission to the graduate school & the MS in FCS, students must have accomplished the following:
- Obtained a baccalaureate degree in Family & Consumer Sciences or an allied area from an accredited institution.
- Achieved a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.70 on a scale of 4.00 or at least a 3.00 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate study.
- One of the following:
- Satisfactory scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) OR
- Valid standard educator license OR
- Proof of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) certification
