Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Welcome to the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS)! We’re glad you visited! The mission of FCS is to advance equity, embrace diversity, and promote social justice to enhance quality of life for all individuals, families, and communities. In our department, we strive to work alongside our students to create a culture of belonging, innovation, and community engagement. We offer degrees in six distinct program areas:
- Child and Family Studies
- Consumer Affairs
- Fashion Merchandising and Design
- Gerontology
- Hospitality Management
- Nutrition and Food Science
Visit the individual program pages to learn more about the programs and careers they prepare students to enter.
We are the largest Family and Consumer Sciences program on the west coast and are accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. In addition, our program areas hold a variety of discipline-specific accreditations. Our faculty, many of whom are noted in their fields, are devoted to serving students. Many of our faculty continue to work in their respective fields, and enthusiastically share these experiences in the classroom.
Noteworthy news in FCS is the renovation of our Child and Family Center, a lab school that trains future child development professionals while providing excellent care to children of faculty, staff, students, and community members. We plan to open doors of the Center in the 2025/2026 academic year.
Thank you for considering our program for your academic needs. Feel free to reach out if you’d like more information. We look forward to welcoming you into our department!
Sincerely,
Virginia Gray, Ph.D.
Department Chair
Mission
To advance equity, embrace diversity, and promote social justice to enhance quality of life for all individuals, families, and communities.
Vision
We envision a world where collaboration, innovation, and knowledge drive lasting solutions to social challenges, creating a future of inclusive communities and equal opportunities for all.
Values
Equity and Social Justice. We are committed to dismantling barriers and advancing policies and practices that promote fairness and inclusivity.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration. We integrate knowledge from diverse fields to create holistic solutions for complex societal issues.
Lifelong Well-Being. We prioritize research and education that support individuals and families across all stages of life.
Community Engagement. We actively partner with communities to develop culturally responsive and impactful initiatives.
Innovation and Excellence. We strive for academic and professional excellence through continuous learning, research, and creative problem-solving
Scholarship Information:
Beach Scholarship
California Association -- AFCS Scholarships |
Bachelor of Arts: Consumer Affairs; Child Development & Family Studies; and Fashion Merchandising & Design-- (Also know as Home Economics)
Bachelor of Sciences: Food & Nutrition, and Hospitality Management
- The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.
- The Didactic Program in Dietetics and the Internship Program in Nutrition and Dietetics are accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- The Child and Family Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
- Family Life Education is approved by the National Council on Family Relations.
- The Hospitality Management program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration.
The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences is dedicated to promoting inclusive learning environments and exploring diverse perspectives across various dimensions of diversity. As a learning community, we are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment that embraces open dialogue, respectful interactions, and diverse perspectives. We unequivocally reject all forms of prejudice and discrimination including race, ethnicity and national origins, immigration status, gender and gender identity, sexuality, socio-economic class, body size, age, religion, and disability. Faculty and students are encouraged to cultivate an atmosphere of inquiry, mutual respect, and understanding. Effective group dynamics rely on mutual respect, active communication, and embracing constructive criticism.
Our collective goal is to establish a classroom environment characterized by respect, warmth, and inclusivity. We expect all members to contribute to creating an environment where honor, respect, and dignity are upheld in classroom discussions. Disagreements can be a part of the learning process and we encourage constructive discussions that can include multiple points of view. These discussions should be handled with sensitivity and respect. This way, we can dive into deep learning experiences together through respectful intellectual engagement.
