Dec 07, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Bulletin

Department of Consumer and Human Sciences


Professor Jackson;
Associate Professors Bell, Bloom, Harrington, Parker;
Assistant Professors Birdsong, Couch, Smith;
Instructor Newell

Department Information

Dr. Latofia N. Parker, Chair
Bloch Hall 
(205) 665-6385
latofia.parker@montevallo.edu

Mission

The primary mission of the Department of Consumer 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 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 section in this Bulletin.

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  may be used to satisfy the Personal Development option in general education for all students.

Family and Consumer Sciences Program

The Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) major prepares students to make positive contributions to the well-being of individuals, families, and consumers, through professional careers in education, business and industry, community service, government, and science and technology. 

We strive to prepare professionals to be responsible and informed citizens, and for an increasingly diverse society by providing a range of experiences and opportunities that support their knowledge and skills. Capstone courses provide experiential learning and networking opportunities. 

The undergraduate programs in Family and Consumer Sciences lead to a baccalaureate degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with the option to select one of four concentration areas: Family and Consumer Sciences Education (grades 6-12), Hospitality and Tourism, 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 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.

Courses in Consumer and Human Sciences

Programs

Major(s)

Minor(s)