Family and Consumer Sciences

The School of Family and Consumer Sciences prepares professionals who support families and individuals in meeting their basic human needs. The programs are based on an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on the behavioral sciences, natural sciences, and the humanities. Students learn theories and their application to professions in nonprofit organizations, private practice, government, education, and business. Graduates have the necessary foundation for a career as well as further study.

School Requirement

The student must be in good standing at NIU to declare a major or premajor in the School of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Policy on Dismissal

University policy requires that students be informed of the possibility of being dismissed from practicums, internships, and early field experiences. In the School of Family and Consumer Sciences, such a possibility exists in FSMD 356, FSMD 474, HDFS 293, HDFS 294, HDFS 393, HDFS 394, HDFS 398, HDFS 491, HDFS 490, HDFS 493, HOSP 296, HOSP 495, HOSP 396. A statement of grounds for dismissal is available from the coordinator of each internship.

The School of Family and Consumer Sciences standards committee may review a student who displays behavior that threatens the health and/or safety of others in settings such as a major class, practicum, internship, or school-related activity.

Recommendation

Students who plan to major in a program offered by the School of Family and Consumer Sciences should take chemistry and biology in high school.

Minors

Prospective minors should consult with the school’s undergraduate academic advisor so the school may plan to accommodate students in required courses. These minors are not open to students majoring in a program offered by the School of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Family and Consumer Sciences Faculty

Thomas Pavkov, Ph.D., Northwestern University, professor, chair
Julie Boggess. MPA, Roosevelt University, instructor
Starr Boeke (nee Chase), MS, LMFT, Northwestern University, Instructor
Susan P. Bowers, Ph.D., Ohio State University, associate professor
Emma Busken, M.A., LPC, Judson University, Simulation Facilitator
Christine Buckner, M.A., Northern Illinois University, Simulation Facilitator
Sarah L. Cosbey, Ph.D., Iowa State University, associate professor
DeAnna Harris-McKoy, Ph.D., Florida State University, associate professor and program director for SMFT program
Hyun-Mee Joung, Ph.D., Iowa State University, associate professor
Stephanie Lipira, M.S., CCLS, Northern Illinois University, instructor
Xiaohui (Sophie) Li, Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, associate professor
Amy Lofthouse, M.S., Northern Illinois University, associate director of CDFC and director of Preschool for All Expansion Program
MaryAnn Lorenz, M.F.A, Academy of Art University, clinical assistant professor
Yujun Liu, Ph.D., Virginia Tech, assistant professor
Bette Montgomery, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, associate professor
Sherie Newman, M.S., Northern Illinois University, instructor and CDFC Master Teacher
Jane Rose Njue, Ph.D., Iowa State University, associate professor
Dahlia Roman, M.S.W., Aurora University, instructor
Ecila Scaife, B.S., Northern Illinois University, instructor and CDFC Master Teacher
Kristin Schulz, M.S., Northern Illinois University, executive director of CDFC
Lin Shi, Ph.D., Texas Tech University, professor
D. Scott Sibley, Ph.D., Kansas State University, associate professor
Florensia Surjadi, Ph.D., Iowa State University, associate professor
Melissa Walter, Ph.D., Iowa State University, assistant professor
Charline Xie, Ph.D., University of Nebraska at Lincoln, professor