Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Graduate Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Graduate Catalog [NOTE!!!! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. FOR THE CURRENT CATALOG, GO TO CATALOG.NIU.EDU]

Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences


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The Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences is designed for professionals seeking advanced study in apparel and related topics or family and consumer sciences education.

The program is intended to serve two general groups, including bachelor-degreed apparel industry professionals who seek to augment their educational background regarding consumers of apparel and related products, as well as middle- and high-school educators in family and consumer sciences who wish to maintain their teaching certification while advancing professionally. This program will increase a student’s ability to use subject matter, research, and communication skills for employment in professional positions in business, education, non-profit organizations, or government. Graduates are prepared to continue their studies in doctoral programs.

With the assistance of an adviser, admitted students will complete a documented planned program of study by the end of the first semester. The program of study must support the student’s area of interest/thesis topic, meet graduation requirements, and be approved by the graduate faculty chair. Students will include in their program of study course work from a variety of programs within the university. A thesis is required.

This program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours.

Check departmental information for any additional requirements.

The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at http://www.niu.edu/assessment/clearinghouse/outcomes/index.shtml.

Comprehensive Examination


Students choosing a non-thesis option will fulfill the comprehensive examination requirement by successfully completing a proctored essay examination. Students must be enrolled in the term in which the comprehensive examination is taken.

Students choosing the thesis option fulfill the comprehensive examination requirement through the successful oral thesis defense and acceptance of the thesis by the Graduate School. Students must be enrolled in the term in which the oral thesis defense is given.

Requirements


Thesis Option


Non-Thesis Option


One of the following specializations (18)


Specialization in Apparel Studies


This specialization, oriented toward the human sciences, is designed to enhance students’ abilities in applying subject matter, critical thinking, and oral and written communication skills in the professional apparel industry. Individual project or thesis topics are selected with the approval of the adviser. The program also prepares students to continue their studies in doctoral programs.

Admission


An applicant is required to have a minimum of 9 semester hours of undergraduate courses in a textiles and apparel related curriculum. Three of the 9 hours must be at the upper-division level. Students may be required to complete undergraduate deficiency coursework by the end of the second semester of enrollment and/or prior to enrolling in certain major courses. Graduate students must complete all deficiency courses with a grade of B or better. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program. A combined total of no more than 12 semester hours of graduate credit earned as a student-at-large including transfer hours will be counted toward the M.S. degree. Because the admission/enrollment in the major is limited, declared majors in the Apparel Studies specialization have priority for course enrollment.

One from the following (3)

Three from the following (9)

Additional courses with approval of the adviser (6)

Specialization in Family and Consumer Sciences Education


This specialization provides a foundation for advanced graduate work and research within Family and Consumer Sciences Education, as well as the professional development of teachers in practice. This specialization does not lead to initial teacher certification in Family and Consumer Sciences.

A program of courses is developed cooperatively by the student and an advisor. In addition to completing the required courses, students may focus on an individualized area of interest through the selection of courses within and outside of the school.

Students-at-large intending to take courses required by this program should meet with the program coordinator.

Admission


Applicants are required to have completed a B.S. degree in family and consumer science education or a family and consumer science field. Preference will be given to applicants who are certified teachers of family and consumer sciences. Applicants will be admitted according to the vacancies in the program.

A combined total of no more than 12 semester hours of graduate credit earned as a student-at-large plus transfer hours will be counted toward the M.S. degree. Since admission/enrollment in the major is limited; declared majors in the Family and Consumer Sciences Education specialization will have priority for course enrollment.

Course work from the following (9)

Graduate-level course work in one of the following areas (9) with the approval of an adviser:

  • Family and child studies
  • Apparel studies 
  • Nutrition and dietetics

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