Family and Consumer Sciences

Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5322 USA
(269) 387-3704

Accelerated Graduate Degree Program (AGDP)

accelerated gradUAte degree IN FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

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Admissions requirements

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and major GPA of 3.5.
  • Declared major in Family Studies, Child and Family Development, or Youth and Community Development or Family Science and Human Development (FSHD) with relevant concentration
  • Meet general admission criteria for the MA in Family and Consumer Sciences

Program overview

This program is offered in person to current WMU students.

Qualifying students can accumulate up to 12 credit hours toward the Master of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences while enrolled as undergraduates in the Family Science and Human Development concentrations. Designated 5000- and 6000-level courses are counted in both the bachelor’s degree and the master’s degree.

Why this program at Western Michigan University

  • Program completion leads to both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences with an accelerated completion time.
  • Earn up to 12 graduate credit hours at undergraduate credit prices for an estimated savings of over $8,000.
  • Flexible program with three different tracks to choose from: Child life, Family Science and Services, and Youth and Community Development.
  • We are the only institution in the U.S. that includes an optional co-curricular designation known as the WMU Signature. Pathways include: Teaching & Student Success, Leadership, Health & Wellbeing, Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Justice, and more! 

Who should apply

Motivated undergraduate students with select declared majors interested in advancing their education with a master's degree.

Admission Criteria:

  • Declared major in Family Studies, Child and Family Development, or Youth and Community Development or Family Science and Human Development (FSHD) w/ concentration in Child Development and Services, Family Studies, or Youth and Community Development
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (based on at least 45 earned credit hours, 15 of which shall be earned at Western Michigan University) and 3.5 GPA in the major (based on at least 12 earned credit hours)
  • Meet general admission criteria for the MA in Family and Consumer Sciences

To apply

1. As early as possible in the academic junior year or before, contact Dr. Suzan Smith-Ayers (May – August) or Dr. Karen Blaisure (September – April) to discuss this AGDP option and review the requirements, timelines, and application procedures.

2. Apply for a graduation audit even if you have not completed 88 credit hours. Contact your undergraduate advisor to request a graduation audit.

3. Complete an online admissions application. Go to WMU Apply and select the application type "Accelerated degree seeking - only available to current WMU undergraduate student." In a dropdown menu look for MA in FCS – Accelerated. The application is considered complete when all required information is received, including three letters of reference, transcripts, a resume, and a self- statement).

Career opportunities

Graduates are employed as:

  • Childlife Specialists
  • Youth advocates
  • Parent educators
  • Specialists and supervisors in community-based social services

Cost & Funding

Helpful links

Graduate Advisor