Online family and consumer science programs
are most frequently available through a master's degree program in
family and consumer science education. The program typically takes two
years to complete and covers core teaching topics, with the aim of
producing educators in areas such as nutrition, human development,
parenting and home economics.
Online Master's Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Program Overview
Typically, master's degree programs in family and consumer science
emphasize a teaching element. Students develop the skills necessary to
teach others about areas like family economics, human ecology,
nutrition, textiles and household management. To be eligible for
enrollment, students must have at least a bachelor's degree in one of
the family and consumer sciences, such as nutrition or
human development, or a teaching certificate.
There are only a few programs available online in this field; of
those, many are part of a collaborative online program between several
schools. Programs commonly lead to a Master of Science, though some may
grant a Master of Arts in Education (MAEd).
Family and consumer science programs are available entirely online.
The programs take about two years to complete. Students who pursue the
teaching specialization may need to complete a student teaching
experience in their local area. The online program is flexible and
allows students to complete courses on their own time and at their own
pace. They watch video lectures and complete assignments electronically.
In addition to hardware requirements, such as a webcam, DVD player
and a computer, students must also meet software requirements, like
having access to the Microsoft Office Suites. Free downloadable
plug-ins, including Adobe Flash and Acrobat Reader, may also be required
to view certain files.
List of Common Online Family and Consumer Science Courses
At the master's level, there are no general education requirements.
Students usually complete a series of courses that address both teaching
methodology in general and family and consumer sciences education
specifically. Electives that examine individual family and consumer
science topics in depth are also available.
Technology in Family and Consumer Sciences Course
This course trains students in specific ways to incorporate and use
technology in a family and consumer sciences classroom. The National
Education Technology Standards are typically taken into consideration.
Family Relationships Course
Students examine how family members interact with one another. They
discuss normal and abnormal relationships and discover the health, or
lack thereof, of relationships within their own families.
Parenting Course
In this class, students learn modern techniques for raising children.
They discuss the relationship between parents and their children and
learn how communities can support parents as they bring up their kids.
Teaching Methods Course
At the introductory level, topics of study in this course might
involve family and consumer sciences curriculum development, learning
environments, student assessment and educational leadership. An
intermediate teaching methods course might cover learning theories,
program planning and management of classrooms or labs. The National
Standards for Teachers of Family and Consumer Science are typically
taken into account.
Financial Planning for Families Course
Millions of families live in debt in the United States and around the
world. This course introduces students to taxes, insurance and real
estate. Topics include salary trends, ways to create a budget and
setting financial goals.
A master's degree in family and consumer science could lead to a
career in family counseling, parent education, childcare and economics
education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov),
vocational teachers made a median salary of $49,320 at the middle
school level and $52,550 at the secondary school level in 2009. Also in
2009, the salary for teachers in all fields and for all age levels
varied widely, with the lowest ten percent earning approximately $31,320
and the highest ten percent earning around $82,000.
Doctoral programs leading to a Ph.D. in Family and Consumer Science
Education are available, and some may allow students to complete certain
courses online. These programs are geared toward K-12 educators;
however, there are also programs leading to degrees like a Ph.D. in
Family Studies and Human Development or a Ph.D. in Human Sciences -
Family and Consumer Sciences that are intended for aspiring university
professors and researchers. These programs are usually campus-based.
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