Family and Consumer Sciences
Help youth and families Flourish in their communities
The family and consumer sciences (FCS) major at UW-Stevens Point, offered on campus and 100% online, is one of the largest FCS programs in the country. Our program, which is approved by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) and provides coursework that meets the standards required for graduates to obtain the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designation, offers two options:
- Child Life and Family Studies: Be nationally certified to work with families in a variety of environments, agencies and programs. Child life and family studies graduates are often employed in community-based education, childcare settings, adoption agencies, family crisis centers and eldercare programs. Completion of 10 specific courses fulfills the academic requirements on the path to becoming a child life specialist.
- Certified Teacher Education: Be certified to teach family and consumer sciences in elementary and secondary schools and technical institutions or community colleges.
Why study Family and Consumer Sciences at UW-Stevens Point?
As part of your training you have the opportunity to put your skills to use working side-by-side with professionals such as student teaching in an FCS classroom or interning at foster care agencies, YMCAs or Boys and Girls Clubs in positions that often lead to jobs after graduation. In preparation for a diverse and global world, students are also encouraged to participate in one of our diversity immersion service learning programs. Past programs included projects in Romania, China, Puerto Rico and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation in South Dakota.
Option: Child Life and Family Studies
Child life and family studies students at UW-Stevens Point are nationally certified to work with families in a variety of settings, agencies and programs. Graduates take positions working in childcare, youth centers, adoption agencies, family crisis and elder care programs. Additionally, the Child Life Specialist Preparation Certificate leads to an occupation in which child life specialists provide evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions including therapeutic play, preparation and education that reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for children and youth.
Option: FCS Teacher Education
Become certified to teach family and consumer sciences in elementary and secondary schools and technical institutions or community colleges through the family and consumer sciences-teacher education program at UW-Stevens Point.
As part of your training you have the opportunity to put your skills to use working side-by-side with professionals such as student teaching in an FCS classroom.
Family and Consumer Sciences – Teacher Education
Hired Before Graduation
Macey Newby
Macey Newby was hired before graduation at D.C. Everest Senior High School as a family and consumer sciences teacher.
Family and Consumer Sciences – Child Life and Family Studies
Insights of Interns
Jessica Lange
Jessica Lange interned with the UWSP Academic and Career Advising Center as an academic peer adviser where she led group meetings for first-year students on topics including campus resources, the registration process, and major and career exploration.
Family and Consumer Sciences
Alumni Map
Where are they now?
UW-Stevens Point alumni live and work all over the world—so if you’re looking for networking opportunities close to a new home or contact info for fellow Pointer in another city, you’re in luck. Looking for a fellow Pointer near you or want to add your pin? Start with our map.
What to Expect?
As a family and consumer sciences major, you’ll learn about issues that influence individuals, families, and communities. Your learning experiences will cover topics related to basic human needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, and complex matters like child development, consumer economics, and family relationships, equipping you for a variety of career options, such as:
- FCS teacher in middle and high schools
- community agency director
- child life specialist
- sexual assault victims advocate
- family life and parenting coach
An undergraduate degree in family and consumer sciences also prepares you to complete a graduate-level teaching licensure program or pursue a master’s degree in fields such as:
- community and organizational leadership
- guidance and counseling
- marriage and family therapy
- social work
- student affairs
Get Involved on Campus
Recognized nationwide, our student organizations present at conferences from Wisconsin Dells to San Diego. Students network with professionals and stay up-to-date on contemporary issues in the field.
Family and Consumer Sciences
Navigate Your Major
Major Maps help students map their first day to the first job in their chosen field. While a four-year plan outlines classes to get a degree, Major Maps help students learn how to build career-ready skills and experiences outside the classroom. Each Major Map shows how students can get the most of their UW-Stevens Point journey from enrollment to graduation and beyond. It’s a roadmap to discovering your purpose!
United Kingdom
Study Abroad
International Perspectives on Family and Consumer Sciences
Through excursions in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Norway, readings, and discussions, students will explore research, practice, and education related to the field of FCS. Some of the trip highlights include a day trip to Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle, tour of Lochcarron tartan manufacturer, tea at Edinburgh Castle, visit to Atlantic Technological University St. Angelas in Sligo, day trip to Blarney Castle, and Norwegian fjords.
Meet Your Faculty and Staff
The faculty and staff members of the School of Health Sciences and Wellness are committed to developing professionals who study, promote and model lifelong wellness for individuals, families and communities, building a stronger, healthier community.
View all our faculty/staff
Cuiting Li
- Program Director – Family and Consumer Sciences
- Professor – Family and Consumer Sciences
Sterling Wall
- Professor – Family and Consumer Sciences
- Coordinator – Child Life Specialist Program
Susan Turgeson
- Professor – Family and Consumer Sciences
- Coordinator – Family and Consumer Sciences Education Prog…
DPI Accreditation
UW-Stevens Point’s teacher education programs are accredited by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
School of Health Sciences and Wellness
Programs
School of Health Sciences and Wellness
D127 Science Building
2001 Fourth Ave.
Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897
715-346-3766
health@uwsp.edu
College of Professional Studies