Department of Health and Human Sciences

Chair: Associate Professor S. Mitchell

Associate Professor Bell, Bishop, Bloom, Fennel, Harrington, Jackson; Assistant Professors DeVane-Hart, Kincade, J. Mitchell, and Parker; Instructor Petitt

Department Contact Information

Mission

The primary mission of the Department of Health and Human Sciences is to provide an exceptional foundation of content knowledge and applied skills, and to foster a commitment to life-long learning and professional development for students in the disciplines of Counseling, Exercise and Nutrition Science, and Family and Consumer Sciences. Our courses offer an engaging learning atmosphere that provides students with opportunities to apply theory to practice as they become leaders in their chosen professions. All department programs are committed to the promotion of equity, health, and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. 

General Education

All students seeking an undergraduate degree at UM must complete a core General Education curriculum that includes courses in English, history, mathematics, the natural sciences, social sciences, fine arts, oral and written communication, and personal development.

The minimum requirements can be found in the General Education Credit Hour Requirements section of the Undergraduate Academic Policies   page.

FCS 291 - Individual and Family Development  and FCS 402 - Dynamics of Family Relationships  may be used to fulfill the Social and Behavioral Sciences requirement in general education.

FCS 281 - Introduction to Nutrition  and EXNS 120 - Health Wellness  may be used to satisfy the Personal Development option in general education for all students.

Family and Consumer Sciences Program

The mission of the Family and Consumer Sciences program is to develop graduates who effectively apply knowledge of human and environmental forces affecting the well-being of individuals and families. The mission is accomplished through accredited, integrative, quality, and professional programs in specialized areas related to the well-being of individuals and families within a diverse and global society.

The integrating focus for this program is the enhancement of interpersonal-relationships of people with their environment. Education, research, and service programs, contribute to the liberal arts education of students, and focus on concepts from the study of individual and family well-being., basic human needs, family strengths, and community vitality within a systems framework.

The undergraduate programs in Family and Consumer Sciences lead to a baccalaureate degree in Family and Consumer Sciences in one of three concentration areas: Family and Consumer Sciences Education (grades 6-12), Human Development and Family Studies, and Retail Merchandising. All undergraduate programs are accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. The Family and Consumer Sciences teacher education program is included in the unit accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The campus Child Study Center, which supports the major, is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Students enrolled in Family and Consumer Sciences concentrations may be required to participate in state and/or program-mandated background checks.

As a graduation requirement of the major, a student must earn a minimum grade of C on all work attempted in the FCS major course requirements and support courses.

Exercise and Nutrition Science Program

The undergraduate programs in Exercise and Nutrition Science lead to a baccalaureate degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science in one of four concentration areas: Allied Health, Health Promotion, Nutrition and Wellness, and Strength and Conditioning Program. Students should confer with an academic advisor to prepare a plan of study for their selected concentration in Exercise and Nutrition Science.

Programs and Courses

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

• •  Family and Consumer Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, B.A.
• •  Family and Consumer Sciences, General, B.A.
• •  Family and Consumer Sciences, Human Development and Family Studies, B.A.
• •  Family and Consumer Sciences, Retail Merchandising, B.A.

Bachelor of Science

• •  Exercise and Nutrition Science, Allied Health, B.S.
• •  Exercise and Nutrition Science, Health Promotion, B.S.
• •  Exercise and Nutrition Science, Nutrition and Wellness, B.S.
• •  Exercise and Nutrition Science, Strength and Conditioning, B.S.
• •  Family and Consumer Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, B.S.
• •  Family and Consumer Sciences, General, B.S.
• •  Family and Consumer Sciences, Human Development and Family Studies, B.S.
• •  Family and Consumer Sciences, Retail Merchandising, B.S

Minor(s)

• •  Exercise and Nutrition Science Minor
• •  Foods and Nutrition Minor
• •  Human Development and Family Studies Minor
• •  Retail Merchandising Minor

Courses

Family and Consumer Sciences

• •  FCS 400 - Adolescent and Young Adult Development
• •  FCS 402 - Dynamics of Family Relationships
• •  FCS 405 - Adult Development and Aging
• •  FCS 407 - Human Sexuality
• •  FCS 435 - Professional and Career Development
• •  FCS 451 - Retail Planning
• •  FCS 452 - Clothing Design-Flat Pattern
• •  FCS 453 - Clothing Design-Draping
• •  FCS 460 - Problems in Family and Consumer Sciences
• •  FCS 461 - Retail Merchandising Internship for Minors
• •  FCS 462 - Human Development and Family Studies Internship for Minors
• •  FCS 465 - Parenting and Guidance
• •  FCS 475 - Special Topics in Family and Consumer Sciences
• •  FCS 477 - Quantity Foods
• •  FCS 490 - Family Life Education
• •  FCS 491 - Methods and Materials for Teaching Family and Consumer Sciences
• •  FCS 497 - Family and Consumer Sciences Internship
• •  FCS 498 - Retail Merchandising Internship for Majors
• •  FCS 499 - Human Development and Family Studies for Majors