Family and Consumer Studies Specialization

The Family and Consumer Studies (FCS) Specialization at Queens College is part of the Family and Consumer Sciences Program in the Department of Family Nutrition and Exercise Sciences (FNES).

Family and Consumer Sciences Program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

The program offers a Bachelors of Arts degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Family and Consumer Sciences requires the completion of 120-credits, including general college curriculum and courses specific to the program and specialization of family and consumer sciences. For more information on courses please go to Program Requirements.

            The Family and Consumer Studies Specialization has been approved for the Family Life Education Certification (CFLE) by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). The certification attests that the curriculum includes appropriate course work for each of the 10 family life substance areas required for the CFLE designation. Please go to CFLE for more information.   

            The mission of the Family and Consumer Studies Specialization is to prepare students to have knowledge of the family and consumer studies concepts and theories, and to apply the current and emerging knowledge to enhance the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.

            The goals of the FCS program are:

            1. to prepare FCS graduates to be competent family life educators

            2. to prepare students to become effective critical thinkers

            3. to enable students to understand the role of cultural diversity in the practice of family and consumer studies

            4. to enable students to develop effective communication skills

            5. to develop individuals who are able to demonstrate collaboration and teamwork, positive attitudes towards work, professional demeanor and leadership skills

            6. to develop individuals to become active members of professional organizations who will be committed to professional development.

The program provides students with broad knowledge on issues in family studies and consumer matters. Our graduates have gone to find positions in areas such as social services for children and families, doing workshops and classes at hospitals, in community education, in schools, government agencies, in mental health services, parenting programs, or consumer agencies. Others decide to continue their graduate studies. Please go to Career Opportunities for more details.

As part of the program we have the AAFCS Student Club.  A successful college experience includes academic excellence complemented by meaningful extracurricular activities. Being part of the AAFCS Club will provide you with guidance and support in becoming a well rounded Family and Consumer Science professional. Students are encouraged to join the AAFCS Club in order to develop communication and social skills, develop leadership skills, participate in activities, grow in professionalism by learning to participate cooperatively and assume responsibilities, make friends and have fun. For more information please go to AAFCS Student Club webpage.

We strongly encourage the students to join professional organizations in order to know and connect with professionals in the field, and have access to job/career opportunities listings.  We advise students to attend conferences in order to develop professionally, to increase their knowledge by participating to different sessions, connect with professionals in the field, learn how to present their work etc. For more information please go to Resources.