The Family and Consumer Sciences Education (FACS) major prepares candidates to lead diverse teaching and learning experiences for middle and high school students in both occupational and non-occupational programs, as well as for adult and Extension education programs. Throughout the program, hands-on experiences help candidates develop and apply the teaching skills they gain in the classroom. The undergraduate FACS Education program offers two pathways, with specialized plans of study and Master's degree options to meet various professional goals.

Undergraduate Programs in Family and Consumer Sciences Education

• FACS MajorThe curriculum covers essential areas, including individual and family dynamics, nutrition and wellness, apparel, and consumer decision-making.
  • Pathway A: Teacher LicensurePrepares candidates to teach at the middle and high school levels, with North Dakota State University serving as the state’s designated institution for FACS teacher preparation.
  • Pathway B: Training and DevelopmentEquips candidates for educational roles in non-school environments, such as nutrition education, healthcare centers, Extension services, youth education, and non-profit organizations

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Professional Education Courses

Teacher candidates may enroll in the 300-level professional education courses before being formally admitted to the School of Education (SOE). Prior to enrolling in the 400-level courses, teacher candidates must complete the application for admission to the SOE; attain a minimum of a 2.75 grade point average overall in their course work and pass the Core Academic Skills for Educators exam or meet minimum scores on the ACT+.  

Student Teaching

Student teaching (clinical practice) is the culmination of the teaching program. During the clinical practice, teacher candidates apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their college courses to real-world classrooms under the supervision of experienced Family & Consumer Science teachers in middle or high schools. Faculty members from NDSU conduct regular on-site visits to support, encourage, and evaluate teacher candidates so that they gain the confidence and ability to join the teaching profession after graduation.

Student Advisement

Students will be assigned individual advisors who will work closely with them in program planning. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor(s) at least once a semester.

Licensure

Upon completing this program, teacher candidates are eligible for certification to teach Family & Consumer Sciences in most states. Our program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the North Dakota Education and Standards and Practices Board (ESPB).

For information regarding state authorizations please review: https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/registration/authorization

Career Opportunities

Family & Consumer Science teachers may also choose to pursue graduate degrees after building classroom experience. Those masters and doctoral degrees could lead to post-secondary academic positions and leadership roles in state and national educational organizations.