Master of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences

Advisors: Karen Blaisure (September - June),
Suzan Ayers (July and August),
Room 3326, Kohrman Hall

The graduate program in Family and Consumer Sciences provides an advanced program of study with a concentration in child life, dietetics, family life education, or textile and apparel studies.

The student will work closely with graduate faculty to develop a plan of study and individual research agenda that fits with personal career and academic goals. The program is appropriate for students interested in pursuing professional positions or as a foundation for continued graduate work leading to a doctoral degree in another department or at another institution.

Dietetics, Family Life Education, and Textile and Apparel Studies Concentrations

Admission Requirements

For admission to the master’s program in Family and Consumer Sciences, students must satisfy all the requirements identified in the Graduate Catalog as well as specific departmental requirements. No one requirement is sufficient to guarantee admission or dictate denial of admission.

Possess a Bachelor of Science from an approved accredited school and a major closely related to the selected concentration.
Have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the last two years of undergraduate work. Non-degree, probationary status may be granted to students with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 in the last two years of undergraduate work. Students with that GPA range may establish eligibility for regular admission to WMU by completing nine credit hours of approved graduate-level courses toward their M.A. with a grade of “B” or better in each course.
Include a resume indicating previous education experiences and listing positions held over the past 10 years. Indicate the exact title of each position, the agency, school, or firm where employed, and the duration of each employment. Also note particular awards or accomplishments.
Submit a two-page, word-processed essay that provides the following information:
1. Describe experience(s) that influenced your career choice and your desire to return to graduate school.
2. Explain how having a Master of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences degree will advance your career.

Program Requirements

All master’s programs include a minimum of 30 semester hours, half of which must be in courses at the 6000-level or higher, and at least two hours of FCS 7100, Independent Research.
A total of 20 hours in Family and Consumer Sciences must be completed in graduate level courses, planned in consultation with a program advisor.

Assistantships may be available to those wishing to pursue full-time graduate study.

Child Life Concentration

The Master of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences (concentration in Child Life) prepares students to pursue a career in the child life profession. This 32 hour concentration involves course work aligned with recommendations of the Association of Child Life Professionals, the primary professional organization of child life specialists. The curriculum provides classroom and field experiences enabling students to build on skills and knowledge key to working as a child life professional. See the department website for information on admission requirements and the admissions application process.

Child Life Admission Requirements

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
A bachelor’s degree or minor in human development, family science, child and family development, health services, or a related field;
An undergraduate or graduate course in child development;
An undergraduate practicum/internship and/or volunteer or work experience with children, youth, and/or families.
Recommended: Undergraduate course work in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology with a grade of “B” or better.

Child Life Program Requirements

The concentration in Child Life includes a minimum of 32 semester hours, 15 of which must be in courses at the 6000-level or higher, and at least two hours of FCS 7100, Independent Research.
Students who have taken undergraduate or graduate coursework that meets the ACLP academic eligibility requirements for certification as a child life specialist may select alternate graduate courses with the approval of the Graduate Advisor.

Assistantships may be available to those wishing to pursue full-time graduate study.