M.A. in Family and Consumer Sciences

This program is offered in-person

The graduate program in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) provides an advanced program of study with tracks in: 

• Child Life
• Family Science and Services
• Youth and Community Development
• Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design

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 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.

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

Why Family and Consumer Sciences at Western Michigan University?

• Choice of four excellent tracks: child life, family science and services, fashion merchandising and apparel design, youth and community development.
• Option of Accelerated Graduate Degree Program for current WMU undergraduate students. (Available for fashion merchandising and apparel design majors in Fall 2025)

Who should apply?

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.