Department Information

Mission

Here is our mission statement: The Department of Consumer and Human Sciences is dedicated to creating an inclusive and dynamic educational environment. We prepare students for successful careers in Counseling, Hospitality, Retail Merchandising, Human Development, and Family and Consumer Science Education. Our mission is to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation to impact their professions and communities positively.

Family and Consumer Sciences

No graduate degree is offered in the program; however, students pursuing the Alternative Master of Education in Secondary Education with a Family and Consumer Science concentration may take FCS courses listed below to fulfill requirements. Students who have taken the courses as an undergraduate may not receive graduate credit for those courses, except for the internships, directed reading, and special topics. For information on the M.Ed. program, refer to the appropriate section under the Department of Teaching, Leadership, & Technology  

Counseling Program

The Counseling Program consists of three different concentrations. All concentrations are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling  - Clinical mental health counselors serve a diverse range of clients, including individuals, families, and groups, addressing mental health issues, emotional disorders, and life stresses. They work in various settings such as private practices, hospitals, community health centers, schools, and other therapeutic environments, providing personalized care aimed at improving their clients’ mental health and well-being. 
• Couples and Family Counseling  - Couples and family counselors serve couples and families seeking to improve their relationships and resolve interpersonal conflicts. They work in various settings, including private practices, family therapy centers, community agencies, and counseling clinics. These professionals use therapeutic techniques to foster communication, understanding, and emotional healing within family systems. 
• School Counseling  - School counselors serve elementary through high school students, assisting them with academic, career, social, and emotional challenges. They work within educational environments, including public and private schools, providing support, guidance, and resources to help students succeed and develop holistically during their formative years. The Alabama State Department of Education has approved this program concentration for the Alabama Class A Certificate in School Counseling.

Courses in Health and Human Sciences

• Courses of Instruction  

Programs

• Counseling, Clinical Mental Health, M.Ed.
• Counseling, Couples and Family, M.Ed.
• Counseling, School, M.Ed.