Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
Total graduates
1,838
2025 · 73 schools
International share
2.4%
45 international students
Bachelor's degrees
1,502
0.7% international
Master's degrees
174
9.8% international
Overview
Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), also known as Human Sciences, is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the relationships between individuals, families, and their environments. This area of study encompasses various aspects of human life, including nutrition, family dynamics, personal finance, consumer behavior, and community development.
Students in this program learn to analyze and address the challenges and opportunities that families face in modern society. The curriculum often includes courses in food science, child development, family resource management, and human development, equipping graduates with the skills to promote well-being in various contexts.
Moreover, Family and Consumer Sciences emphasizes practical application, encouraging students to engage in community service projects and internships that provide real-world experience. Graduates often pursue careers in education, social services, public policy, and health promotion, among others.
This major plays a crucial role in addressing societal issues such as poverty, nutrition, and family health, making it vital for community and individual development. As societal challenges evolve, the field of Family and Consumer Sciences continues to adapt, integrating new research and methodologies to better serve families and consumers.
Overall, this discipline not only fosters personal and family well-being but also contributes to the overall health of communities, making it a significant area of study for those interested in enhancing quality of life through informed decision-making and resource management.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2002 to 2025, graduates fell 47% and the international share went from 2.4% to 2.4%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 73 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 1,065,210 | — | $76,320 |
| Farm and Home Management Educators | 8,220 | $29.35 | $61,060 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 2,770 | — | $81,940 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.