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Family and Consumer Sciences Education (B.S.)

  • Location IconBrookings Main Campus

Help families manage the complexities of work, life and relationships.

Families in today’s complex global society face many challenges when it comes to relationships, life-work balance, raising children, caring for aging family members, finances, food choices and housing. As a family and consumer sciences educator, the FCSE graduate is qualified to teach content in a wide range of settings, including in middle and high schools, occupational training programs, adult programs or to serve as an extension educator. The FCSE program prepares students with comprehensive subject matter background from all areas of family and consumer sciences, contributing to the versatility of the major. The program focuses on characteristics of various learners or clients, learning principles and different applications of the teaching-learning process.

Is it for you?

This program will be a good fit if you:

  • Work well with other people.
  • Are interested in helping youth and/or adults develop essential skills to successfully live and work.
  • Want to make a positive difference.
  • Have strong communication and leadership skills.
  • Are involved in your community.

Career Opportunities

  • Teacher
  • Child care center administrator
  • Youth services specialist
  • Professional development trainer
  • Extension educator

Recent Employers

  • South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa school districts
  • Extension

Internship Opportunities

  • Boys and Girls Club
  • Restaurants
  • Banks
  • Lutheran Social Services
  • Youth summer/day camps

Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?

If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices. 

In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.