Family & Consumer Sciences

Programs studying families, consumers, nutrition, and human development across the lifespan. Includes dietetics, child development, textile science, housing, and consumer economics.

Common careers: Dietitian, Child Development Specialist, Family Counselor, Consumer Affairs Analyst, Nutrition Educator, Interior Designer

2,287Programs
1,235Schools
$25,838Median Earnings
$21,341$34,294Middle 50% Earnings
$16,995Avg Debt at Graduation

Specializations

Top Earning Programs

Highest median earnings one year after graduation

1
Family and Consumer Economics(masters)Texas Tech University, TX
$75,686
2
Housing and Human Environments(masters)University of Georgia, GA
$67,913
3
Housing and Human Environments(bachelors)Brigham Young University, UT
$67,737
4
Foods, Nutrition,(masters)Simmons University, MA
$64,455
5
Housing and Human Environments(bachelors)CUNY New York City College of Technology, NY
$64,192
6
Foods, Nutrition,(masters)Central Michigan University, MI
$63,726
7
Foods, Nutrition,(masters)CUNY Lehman College, NY
$63,287
8
Foods, Nutrition,(masters)Cedar Crest College, PA
$62,345
9
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences(doctoral)Kansas State University, KS
$61,403
10
Human Development, Family Studies,(masters)California State University2 campuses
$61,026
11
Foods, Nutrition,(masters)North Dakota State University-Main Campus, ND
$60,498
12
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services(certificate)Alexandria Technical & Community College, MN
$58,733
13
Foods, Nutrition,(masters)Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus, PA
$58,641
14
Foods, Nutrition,(masters)The University of Alabama, AL
$58,442
15
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences(masters)Iowa State University, IA
$58,434
16
Foods, Nutrition,(masters)Saint Elizabeth University, NJ
$58,330
17
Human Development, Family Studies,(grad-cert)Erikson Institute, IL
$57,564
18
Human Development, Family Studies,(grad-cert)Portland State University, OR
$57,021
19
Foods, Nutrition,(postbacc-cert)Syracuse University, NY
$56,839
20
Foods, Nutrition,(masters)Montclair State University, NJ
$56,488
21
Human Development, Family Studies,(masters)University of Illinois Chicago, IL
$55,655
22
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services(bachelors)Syracuse University, NY
$55,192
23
Foods, Nutrition,(masters)University of Bridgeport, CT
$54,775
24
Family and Consumer Economics(masters)New Mexico State University-Main Campus, NM
$54,079
25
Family and Consumer Economics(bachelors)Texas Tech University, TX
$53,997

Career Paths

Occupations linked to family & consumer sciences programs

Marketing Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

$159,660/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Technical Writers

Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

$91,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Materials Scientists

Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.

$86,620/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other

All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Fashion Designers

Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

$80,690/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Search Marketing Strategists

Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Dietitians and Nutritionists

Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.

$73,850/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Food Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.

$65,310/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Top States

States with the most family & consumer sciences programs

CA291 programs$25,177 avg
TX162 programs$31,334 avg
IL120 programs$30,872 avg
OH98 programs$33,187 avg
NY95 programs$32,216 avg
MI83 programs$31,426 avg
NC76 programs$26,902 avg
AL66 programs$30,549 avg
TN65 programs$30,763 avg
MO64 programs$30,359 avg
OK61 programs$31,566 avg
SC60 programs$29,121 avg
FL58 programs$25,408 avg
VA53 programs$27,293 avg
MN51 programs$29,639 avg