Family and Consumer Sciences, MA

Passionate individuals who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited school with a major closely related to the selected track AND current WMU undergraduate students eligible for the accelerated graduate degree program.

The tracks in child life, family sciences and services, and youth and community development include a minimum of 32 credit hours (or 34 credit hours if a Child Life practicum was not completed prior to entrance). The track in fashion merchandising and apparel design is a minimum of 30 credit hours. 

Half of the credits completed for the MA in FCS must be in courses at the 6000 level or higher, including at least two hours of FCS 7100 Independent Research. A minimum of 15 credit hours in Family and Consumer Sciences must be completed in Family and Consumer Sciences graduate level courses, planned in consultation with a program Graduate Advisor. 

The program is appropriate for students interested in pursuing professional positions or as a foundation for continued graduate work leading to a doctoral degree.

Our graduates are employed as:

• Brand and quality managers
• Marketing executives
• Childlife Specialists
• Youth advocates
• Parent educators
• Specialists and supervisors in community-based social services

• Bachelor's degree with GPA of 3.0 or higher in last two years of undergraduate work.
• Resume detailing previous education and experience over the past ten years.
• 500-750 word personal statement explaining applicant’s interest and experience.
• Three professional letters of reference.

• Tuition and fees
• Cost of attendance
• Scholarships
• CEHD assistantships
• WMU assistantships
• Grants
• Loans
• Employer-paid tuition
• Military and veterans