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Family and Consumer Sciences

Family and consumer sciences (FCS) teachers aim to prepare students for success in their personal and professional lives by providing them with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to be responsible and successful citizens. 

Program Information

The Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) program prepares students as they study various subjects related to individuals, families and community. The fully online program meets the SDE and IDCTE standards for the Family Consumer Sciences Education (grades 6-12) endorsement. Join us, find your future at ISU, and make a positive impact on students’ lives by teaching in-demand practical skills.

Preparing Professional Educators for teaching and leadership in family and community!

  • Students can pursue both teaching and non-teaching careers in family and consumer sciences that include: 
    • Major in Family and Consumer Sciences, secondary education endorsement
    • Bachelor’s Degree in General Family and Consumer Sciences (non-teaching) 
    • Minor in Family and Consumer Sciences (non-teaching)
  • Family and consumer sciences impacts include:
    • Developing healthy habits and lifestyles
      • Food preparation
      • Food science and meal planning
      • Nutrition and Wellness
      • Consumer education and purchasing decisions
    • Improving the financial literacy and decision making skills
      • Personal Finance
      • Budgeting
    • Home management and interior design
    • Textiles and fashion
      • Sewing
      • Fashion Design
      • Apparel  
    • Child development and family relationships 

Learn More about Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America

TEACH CTE

Application, Funding, and Support

Idaho State University Admissions Process

For Undergraduate Students:
  1. Create an account with Idaho State University 

  2. Materials needed include:  

    • Transcripts or GED

    • Official ACT or SAT scores

    • $50 application fee

      (waived for graduates of Idaho high schools)

For Transfer Students:

Must have a 2.0 or better cumulative GPA in fourteen (14) or more credit hours to apply.

  1. Fill out the application 
  2. $50 application fee (waived for graduates of Idaho high schools)
  3. Submit final official transcript(s) from each college attended. If currently attending, in-progress transcripts are accepted, but a final official transcript must be sent upon completion of coursework.

Career Opportunities 

A degree in family and consumer sciences (FCS) can lead to a variety of careers in fields such as education, human services, health, and business. Some of the most common career options for graduates include:

  • Secondary Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher 
  • FCS Program Manager
  • Family Services 
  • Designer- clothing, interior, textiles etc. 
  • Nutritionist
  • Garment Construction
  • Hospitality Manager
  • Retail Buyer
  • Store Manager

Job Placement and Salaries 

Because family and consumer science skills are highly desirable in today’s job market, the job outlook includes: 

  • Job Placement Rate: Near 100%
  • Average Salary according to the government’s Occupational Outlook Handbook the median salary for a secondary education teacher is $61,820. 
  • Alumni jobs include: 
    • FCS Teacher/ Advisor
    • Nutritionist 
    • Interior Designer
    • Consumer Educator 
    • FCS Department Chair
    • Career Technical Education Administrator
    • District CTE Director
    • CTE Program Manager

News/ Professional Organizations 

Brenda Jacobsen

Dr. Brenda Jacobsen, PhD

Associate Professor

Office: Garrison 621

(208) 282-4967

jacobren@isu.edu