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What is family and consumer sciences education?

Family and Consumer Sciences educators impact individuals and the health and welfare of the community every day. Expertise with expertise to teach critical life skills needed in relationships, parenting, lifespan development, personal finance management, nutrition, interior design, work and family balance and more.  

Why family and consumer sciences education at OSU?

We offer the only family and consumer sciences education degree program in Oklahoma. Both a teacher certification option and a Cooperative Extension Service option are available. In both options, students participate in field experiences and a senior internship in either student teaching or a county Extension office. Upon degree completion, graduates of the teacher certification option are recommended to the Oklahoma State Department of Education for full teacher certification and are prepared to seek certification in other states. The high-quality reputation of our program makes graduates highly sought after for teaching and Cooperative Extension positions in Oklahoma and beyond.

Career Paths

Primarily career options include:

  • Family and consumer sciences teacher (6-12) and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) adviser
  • Cooperative Extension Service FCS county educator
  • 4-H educator 

Highlights

Extensive Experience

Students participate in field experiences in rural, suburban and urban schools and Cooperative Extension offices in both program options. All students complete a capstone semester internship, either in student teaching or a county Extension office. In addition, students participate in professional development activities to broaden their networks as well as in FCCLA and 4-H activities to further prepare for their career. On campus, the FCSE pedagogy courses provide wide-ranging, hands-on experiences equipping students to be effective educators who impact individuals from youth through adulthood with FCS content and leadership skills.

 

Mentoring

State and nationally recognized family and consumer sciences educator and leader Dr. Paula Tripp coordinates the program, teaches the pedagogy courses and provides personalized mentoring. We also offer extensive networking opportunities with professionals across the state and nation. 


OSU professor receives FCCLA Alumni Achievement Award

 

Student Perspective

Santana

"Choosing Family and Consumer Sciences Education has truly been one of the best decisions I have ever made, because it aligns so deeply with who I am and the kind of impact I want to have on others. A huge part of that decision came from my advisor, whose constant support, encouragement, and belief in me never wavered even when I doubted myself. The Family and Consumer Sciences Education degree program at OSU is incredibly well-structured and also genuinely supportive of students as individuals. I have felt challenged, encouraged, and cared for every step of the way. I am beyond excited to be stepping into this profession and putting everything I have learned into practice. I cannot wait to be in the classroom, making a difference in students' lives and doing the work I am truly passionate about."

- Santana Scraper
Family and consumer sciences education student

College of Education and Human Sciences

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