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Family and Consumer Sciences

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Arts and Sciences
Family and Consumer Sciences

Family and Consumer Sciences has been an integral part of the Harding University academic curriculum since its founding in 1924. We offer our graduates a competitive edge in the world of professional practice. An excellent faculty dedicated to God and their students is the mainstay of the department. Each student is given opportunities for networking with professionals through on-campus lecture series, career shadowing, field trips, internships and attendance at professional meetings. Leadership development is fostered through departmental organizations as well as the state affiliates of professional associations.

Vision

Christian professionals dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening families and enabling communities.

Mission

Prepare Christian professionals to assume leadership roles that support quality of life of individuals and families in contemporary society.

Goals

In congruence with the mission of the University and the standards of The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, the department seeks to:

  1. Provide opportunities for students to develop their God-given talents for service to individuals, families, communities and the church.
  2. Enhance students' growth in the fruit of the Spirit through daily interaction and classroom strategies.
  3. Prepare students for diverse careers in family and consumer sciences.
  4. Provide a solid foundation for students who pursue advanced study.
  5. Prepare students for a lifelong commitment to learning and professional development.
  6. Contribute to the preparation of professionals in other disciplines.
We assist individuals, families and communities in making informed decisions about their well-being, relationships and resources to achieve optimal quality of life.

Family and Consumer Sciences is multidimensional with the overall mission of assisting individuals, families and communities in making informed decisions about their well-being, relationships and resources to achieve optimal quality of life (AAFCS, 2010). It is one of the most exciting, diverse, and interesting professions that offers graduates a rewarding career in a variety of settings. The common link between all practice areas is the way in which professionals address the social, physical and economic well-being of individuals, families and communities in their environment. The building blocks of human existence - food, clothing, shelter, human relationships, family life, consumer products and services remain the foundation of research, practice and public policy advocacy.

The FCS department offers academic programs in dietetics, child development, child life, community engagement, event management, FCS education, family life education and more. Learn more about our Academic Programs.

 

Accreditation and Endorsement

The didactic program in dietetics at Harding University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Address: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, Phone: 800-877-1600, ext. 5400, Email: ACEND@eatright.org, Website: www.eatrightpro.org/acend). Effective Fall 2021, the Harding University Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (didactic program in dietetics) will no longer be available to new students. Learn more about the Didactic Program in Dietetics Transitional Plans.

The Master of Science in Applied Dietetics Practice Program at Harding University is a candidacy program seeking accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Address: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, Phone: 800-877-1600, ext. 5400, Email: ACEND@eatright.org, Website: www.eatrightpro.org/acend).

This is the logo for the ACLP endorsement for FCS.The child life major is endorsed by the Association of Child Life Professionals through April 2024. This recognition assures that the program meets the requirements set forth in the ACLP’s Standards for Academic and Clinical Preparation Programs, confirming that the program’s structure, curriculum, resources, support system and sustainability are of the highest quality.

Thank you for requesting additional information from the Harding University Department of Family and Consumer Sciences! Your request is important to us, and we will respond quickly.
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Contact Information


Family and Consumer Sciences
501-279-4472
fcs@harding.edu

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