Overview
Undergraduates enrolled in the family science and human development, and fashion merchandising and design majors have the opportunity to accelerate their graduate education by earning up to 12 credits toward the Master of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences while still completing their undergraduate degree. This option allows eligible and motivated students, at Western Michigan University, to begin advanced coursework early, reduce overall time to degree completion, and gain early exposure to graduate-level training in family and consumer sciences.
The Master of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences provides an advanced program of study with tracks in child life, family science and services, fashion merchandising and apparel design, and youth and community development. You will work closely with graduate faculty to develop a plan of study and individual research agenda that fits with personal career and academic goals. At WMU, we prioritize your career outcomes by blending rigorous interdisciplinary coursework with high-impact field experiences and internships. Our graduates don't just find jobs—they find their calling as youth advocates, child life specialists, designers, and community leaders, with an impressive 100% of our alumni employed in their field within months of graduation.
Meet Maggie
A recent family and consumer sciences graduate, Maggie had the opportunity to complete her child life practicum at the John Hopkins All Children's Hospital.
Accelerated Graduate Degree Programs
The Accelerated Master's in Family and Consumer Sciences (AGDP) is for current Family Science and Human Development, and Fashion Merchandising and Design undergraduate students at Western Michigan University with majors from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. Once accepted, students may take up to 12 credit hours of graduate course work and apply it towards both degrees.
Track options
Child Life
Track for individuals looking to pursue a career in the child life profession.
Family Sciences and Services
Track for individuals interested in leadership roles in child, youth and family programs.
Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design
Track for individuals interested in preparing for advancement within key sectors of the fashion industry.
Youth and Community Development
Track for individuals looking for professional development for leaders in informal learning environments and the out-of-school time sector.
More information
Our faculty
More about the WMU experience
