Family & Consumer Sciences
Family & 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.
Programs Offered
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 & Endorsement
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Harding University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Address: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, Phone: 800-877-1600, ext. 5400, E-mail: 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 (DPD)) will no longer be available to new students. Learn more about the Didactic Program in Dietetics Transitional Plans in the catalog.
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 (ACEND) for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Address: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, Phone: 800-877-1600, ext. 5400, E-mail: ACEND@eatright.org, Website: www.eatrightpro.org/acend).
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.
Our Mission
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:
- Provide opportunities for students to develop their God-given talents for service to individuals, families, communities and the church.
- Enhance students' growth in the fruit of the Spirit through daily interaction and classroom strategies.
- Prepare students for diverse careers in family and consumer sciences.
- Provide a solid foundation for students who pursue advanced study.
- Prepare students for a life-long commitment to learning and professional development.
- Contribute to the preparation of professionals in other disciplines.
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