Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 EIU Graduate Catalog 
    
2015-2016 EIU Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Family and Consumer Sciences


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 Mission Statement:  The Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences graduate program prepares students through teaching and experiential learning, research, and theoretical application to improve our diverse global society. The program’s integrative approach is designed to prepare graduates for leadership positions by advancing critical thinking, reflective practice, knowledge, and communication skills.

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for degree candidacy, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (see “Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs”). Applicants who have not completed a baccalaureate family and consumer sciences program will be expected to satisfy undergraduate deficiency course requirements in addition to their graduate course requirements.  The graduate coordinator will identify any undergraduate deficits at the time the admission decision is made.  Potential undergraduate deficiencies could be FCS 1800- Life Span Human Development, FCS 2100- Personal Nutrition and FCS 3300- Personal and Family Finance.

Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically in the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the “Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates” section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the program coordinator.

 

 

Degree Requirements


Degree requirements include those outlined for the master’s degree by the Graduate School (see “Requirements for the Master’s Degree”). Each program is designed to meet individual student needs.  Students may select an area of interest and develop a study plan in consultation with and approval of the assigned academic advisor and committee.  Courses may be selected from such topics as human development and family life, consumer studies, textiles or foods and nutrition.  Thirty semester hours with thesis or 32 semester hours without thesis are required.

Core Requirements


Total. Credits: 12

The following graduate level Family and Consumer Sciences courses are required:

Suggested Electives


Electives must be approved by the student’s graduate committee (21-23)

Other Requirements


In addition to Family and Consumer Sciences core courses, 21-23 semester hours of electives are to be selected by the student with prior approval of the advisor.  Selection of electives will be determined by undergraduate preparation, inclusion of foundational program’s content area at the 5000 level, professional goals, interests, and needs of the student.
MS in FCS graduate students are required to choose one or more of the following options to include in their program for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 semester hours: internship (FCS 5980), thesis (FCS 5950) or complete an approved independent study (FCS 5990). Either the comprehensive exam or thesis is required as the Certificate of Comprehensive Knowledge. Programs of study are completed in consultation with a graduate adviser and program committee and require a presentation component as determined by the program committee in graduate internship, independent study or thesis. Effective for program admissions beginning Fall 2008.

Graduate Assistantships


Graduate Assistantships are offered each year in foods courses; the child development laboratories; Nutrition Education Resource and Referral; as the Financial Health Coordinator; in student organization management; overseeing the textile laboratory; through Child Care Resource and Referral; and in general support for the School of Family and Consumer Sciences. Brief position descriptions can be found at the following web site: http://www.eiu.edu/~msfcs
The weekly work obligation is 18-19 hours. Applications for graduate assistantships for the following academic year are due to the graduate coordinator in the School of Family and Consumer Sciences by February 15 or the following business day. Information on graduate assistantships may be obtained by contacting the Coordinator of Graduate Studies or Chair, Family and Consumer Sciences, 1030 Klehm Hall, EIU.  The following link provides an assistantship application checklist:
 http://www.eiu.edu/~msfcs

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