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.