Family and Consumer Sciences

FACULTY Professor Wolfe (chair); Associate Professor Choi; Assistant Professors Drake, Keist, Newell, Olds, Sas, Vollmer; Instructor-in-Residence Nigg.

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences offers majors in dietetics; family and consumer sciences; family and consumer sciences educationhospitality leadership; public health education; and retail merchandising. The department also offers a minor in family and consumer sciences.

Career opportunities continue to expand in the fast-growing fields represented by this interdisciplinary department.  Careers in teaching, family and consumer sciences related business, social welfare, community health and wellness, dietetics, family and consumer sciences extension, family and child services, hospitality, and fashion and retail merchandising can all result from degree programs in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Departmental Requirements

All family and consumer sciences students must meet the family and consumer sciences core requirements listed below, a professional work experience, as well as the required courses for their chosen major. Students must take a minimum of 38 hours in FCS courses.

Family and Consumer Sciences Core

  • FCS 100 Family Dynamics - 3 hrs
  • FCS 220 Consumer Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs. or FCS 300 Consumer Issues in America - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 310 Community Program Planning and FCS 311 Community Program Evaluation or FCS 346 FCS Resource Management - 3-6 hrs.
  • FCS 442 Foundations of FCS - 3 hrs.

Total 12 - 15 hrs.

Required Professional Work Experience (0–13 credit hours, depending on major):

  • FCS 375, FCS 475 Hospitality Practicum I and II (required for FCSHLP)  - 6 credit hours
  • FCS 460 Retail Merchandising Practicum (required for FCSF) - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 461 Practicum in Dietetics (required for FCSD) - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 462 Public Health Education (required for FCSPH) - 3 hrs.
  • EHS 301 Cooperative Education - 0–3 hrs.
  • ETE 499 Student Teaching in the Secondary School (required for FCST) - 10–13  

Public Health Education Major

A major in public health education is an interdisciplinary, community-focused program that will prepare graduates to develop programs and materials to help individuals and community groups make healthy lifestyle choices. Through an innovative program, students will understand the concept of community wellness, disease prevention, and optimal well-being. A strong background in both the natural and social sciences along with a required minor in health will equip students to address today’s public health issues. Students graduating from this program will be eligible to take the national exam for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential.

Graduates with a B.S. in public health education will be competitive for jobs in public health: health education, social service agencies, healthcare providers, private and non-profit organizations such as local and state health departments, hospitals, agencies such as the American Red Cross and YMCA, and other human services groups. Graduates will also be well prepared to enter graduate school in a variety of programs, such as public health and health education.

University Requirements: 36 hours

Candidates for all baccalaureate degrees must complete requirements in the Bradley Core Curriculum, as outlined in the All-University Degree Requirements section of this catalog. BCC requirements emphasize eight "Areas of Inquiry" that will more deeply engage the student in the process of intellectual growth. Students in this major should choose the following:

  • CHM 100 Fundamentals of General Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 101 Fundamentals of General Chemistry Lab - 1 hr.
  • MTH 111 Elementary Statistics - 3 hrs.
  • PSY 101 Principles of Psychology - 3 hrs.
  • SOC 100 The Sociological Perspective - 3 hrs.
  • Others as advised and required by the Bradley Core Curriculum program and the required Health Minor.

Family and Consumer Sciences Core: 12-15 hours

  • FCS 100 Family Dynamics - 3 hrs
  • FCS 220 Consumer Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs. or FCS 300 Consumer Issues in America - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 310 Community Program Planning and FCS 311 Evaluation and Research Methods or FCS 346 FCS Resource Management - 3-6 hrs.
  • FCS 442 Foundations of FCS - 3 hrs.

Required Professional Work Experience: 3 hours

  • FCS 462 Public Health Education Practicum I - 3 hrs.

Additional Required FCS Courses: 22 hours

  • FCS 120 Foundations in Public Health Education - 1 hrs. 
  • FCS 203 School Health Promotion - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 220 Consumer Issues in Healthcare - 3 hrs. (included in FCS core hrs).
  • FCS 221 Introduction to Community and Public Health - 3 hrs. 
  • FCS 303 Nutrition - 3 hrs.                               
  • FCS 310 Community Program Planning - 3 hrs. (included in FCS core hrs).
  • FCS 311 Evaluation and Research Methods - 3 hrs. (included in FCS core hrs).
  • FCS 320 Public Health Intervention Strategies - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 341 Human Development through the Lifespan
  • FCS 420 Public Health Policy - 2 hrs.
  • FCS 421 Public Health Education Seminar - 1 hr.
  • FCS 464 Leadership in Public Health Education - 3 hrs.             

Required Supporting Courses: 26 hours

  • BIO 111 Introduction to Cell Biology – 3 hrs.
  • BIO 230 Human Anatomy and Physiology I – 3 hrs.
  • BIO 232 Human Anatomy and Physiology II – 3 hrs.
  • BIO 300 Population, Resources, and Environment - 3 hrs.                     
  • CHM 100 Fundamentals of General Chemistry - 3 hrs. (included in University Requirements hrs)
  • CHM 101 Fundamentals of General Chemistry Lab - 1 hr. (included in University Requirements hrs)
  • CHM 162 Fundamentals of Organic and Biochemistry - 4 hrs.
  • CHM 302 or NUR 391 Medical Terminology - 1 hr.
  • MTH 111 Elementary Statistics - 3 hrs. (included in University Requirements hrs)
  • NUR 263 Introduction to Personal and Community Health - 3 hrs.
  • PSY 101 Principles of Psychology - 3 hrs. (included in University Requirements hrs)
  • SOC 100 The Sociological Perspective - 3 hrs. (included in University Requirements hrs)
  • 6 hrs of electives (choose from PSY 201, 309, 313, SOC 313, 333, 341, 343) - 6 hrs.

Required Health Minor: 18 hours

Required: FCS 303, NUR 263, PSY 311, electives (9 hrs)

Open Electives for Student Personalization - 16 hours

Selected in consultation with advisor.

Dietetics Major

Careers in health care, community and public health, wellness, foods science, foodservice, product development, food marketing, communication, and business consulting offer many diverse opportunities for graduates in this major. Students choosing the dietetic major will be enrolled in the didactic program in dietetics (DPD). The DPD at Bradley University carries full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 1-800-877-1600. ACEND is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE). Students, who graduate from this program in compliance with all curricular requirements, and with an overall GPA of 3.0/4.0 and a science GPA of 2.75, will receive a verification statement that will allow them to pursue an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship, to take the national registration examination to become registered dietitians.

University Requirements

Candidates for all baccalaureate degrees must complete requirements in general education. Within the Math; Cultural Diversity and Social Forces; and Science categories, students in this concentration should choose the following:

  • MTH 111 Elementary Statistics - 3 hrs.
  • PSY 101 Principles of Psychology - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 100 Fundamentals of General Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 101 Fundamentals of General Chemistry Lab - 1 hr.
  • CHM 162 Fundamentals of Organic and Biochemistry – 4 hrs.

Family & Consumer Sciences Core: 12-15 hours

  • FCS 100 Family Dynamics - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 220 Consumer Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs. or FCS 300 Consumer Issues in America - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 310 Community Program Planning and FCS 311 Community Program Evaluation or FCS 346 FCS Resource Management - 3-6 hrs.
  • FCS 442 Foundations of FCS - 3 hrs.

Required Professional Work Experience: 3 hours

  • FCS 461 Practicum in Dietetics - 3 hrs.

Additional Required FCS Courses: 50 hours

  • FCS 104 Introductory Food Principles - 4 hrs.
  • FCS 220 Consumer Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 301 Nutrition Today – 3 hrs.
  • FCS 303 Nutrition - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 307 Life Cycle Nutrition - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 308 Nutrition Counseling – 2 hrs.
  • FCS 309 Investigation of Food Topics - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 310 Community Program Planning - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 311 Community Program Evaluation – 3 hrs.
  • FCS 405 Food Service Systems - 4 hrs.
  • FCS 407 Nutritional Assessment - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 408 Management in Food Service - 4 hrs.
  • FCS 410 Advanced Nutrition - 4 hrs.
  • FCS 411 Medical Nutrition Therapy I - 4 hrs.
  • FCS 412 Medical Nutrition Therapy II – 4 hrs.

Required Supporting Courses: 26-27 hours

  • CHM 163 Fundamentals of Organic and Biochemistry Lab - 1 hr.
  • BIO 111 Introduction to Cell Biology - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 113 Introduction to Cell Biology Lab – 1 hr.
  • BIO 230 Human Anatomy and Physiology I- 3 hrs.
  • BIO 231 Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab – 1 hr.
  • BIO 232 Human Anatomy and Physiology II – 3 hr.
  • BIO 233 Human Anatomy and Physiology II – 1 hr.
  • BIO 202 Microbiology and Immunology - 4 hrs.
  • ML 250 Interpersonal Effectiveness in Organizations - 2 hrs. or PSY 321 Industrial and Organizational Psychology – 3 hrs.
  • MTG 315 Principles of Marketing - 3 hrs.
  • PSY 303 Developmental Psychology or FCS 341 Human Development through the Lifespan
  • CHM 302 Medical Terminology - 1 hr.

ANSI-CFP accredited Food Protection Manager Certification or FCS 171 Sanitation, Health, and Safety (1 hr.) must be completed before enrolling in FCS 405 & FCS 408.

Family And Consumer Sciences Education

Students who choose the family and consumer sciences education program (FCST) can meet Illinois certification requirements for teaching family and consumer sciences in junior and senior high schools. Graduates receiving certification have found employment in public schools throughout the United States.

Student teaching (ETE 499) fulfills the professional work experience requirement. As in any good program, revisions are being made continually; students should consult the Department of Teacher Education chair about current program requirements. Secondary education teacher candidates should refer to the teacher education department for requirements in professional education courses for secondary education. Candidates will have an advisor in both Family and Consumer Sciences and in the Department of Teacher Education.

These courses are required for all secondary education majors in family and consumer sciences.

A minimum of 38 semester hours in family and consumer sciences, including the family and consumer sciences core, is required for all family and consumer sciences majors.

Family and Consumer Sciences Core: 12-15 hours

  • FCS 100 Family Dynamics - 3 hrs
  • FCS 220 Consumer Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs. OR FCS 300 Consumer Issues in America - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 310 Community Program Planning and FCS 311 Community Program Evaluation or FCS 346 FCS Resource Management - 3-6 hrs.
  • FCS 442 Foundations of FCS - 3 hrs.

Students should choose courses in the following concentrations:

Nutrition, and Wellness and Hospitality

Choose 12 hours from the following courses:

  • FCS 104 Introductory Food Principles - 4 hrs.
  • FCS 203 School Health Promotion or FCS 303 Nutrition - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 220 Consumer Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 306 Community Nutrition - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 309 Investigation of Food Topics - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 405 Food Service Systems or FCS 408 Management in Food Service - 3 hrs.

Apparel and Textiles

Choose 12 hours from the following courses:

  • FCS 131 The Fashion Industry - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 133 Apparel Production - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 233 Consumer Textiles - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 231 Pattern Making (3); or FCS 332 Advanced Clothing Construction (3); or FCS 330 Fashion Merchandising (3) and FCS 331 Fashion Merchandising Laboratory (1) - 3 or 4 hrs.
  • FCS 235 Apparel Product Development and Analysis - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 334 Visual Merchandising and Promotion - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 335 Survey of Fashion Designers - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 336 History of Fashion - 3 hrs.

Living Environments

Choose 12 hours from the following courses:

  • FCS 233 Consumer Textiles - 3 hrs.
  • **FCS 346 Family Systems and Applications - 3 hrs.
  • **FCS 300 Consumer Issues in America - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 334 Visual Merchandising and Promotion - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 357 Housing and Interior Design - 3 hrs.

**FCS Core Requirement

Hospitality Leadership

The Hospitality Leadership (HL) degree program at Bradley University prepares students for careers in the industry including such options as foodservice, lodging, event planning, and tourism. Current estimates show that the industry employs over 12 million people, and employers seek graduates with a hospitality degree. This industry is projected to add substantial numbers of new jobs/careers to the economy.

The HL major at Bradley prepares students for successful careers through coursework leading to a Bachelor of Science degree, including 640 hours of internship experience. In addition, HL majors, under the supervision of their academic advisor, are required to select an undergraduate minor from entrepreneurship, management, or marketing, setting them apart as highly prepared, qualified, and experienced professionals. Furthermore, qualified students are strongly encouraged to minor in a foreign language.

Supporting Requirements  

  • ATG 101 Survey of Accounting or ATG 157 Accounting Principles - 3 hrs. 
  • ECO 100 Introduction to Economics or ECO 221 Principles of Microeconomics - 3 hrs.
  • PSY 101 Principles of Psychology - 3 hrs.
  • MTG 315 Principles of Marketing - 3 hrs.
  • M L 250 Interpersonal Effectiveness in Organizations or 350 Managing for Results in Organizations - 2 hrs.

Family & Consumer Sciences Core   12-15 hrs.

  • FCS 100 Family Dynamics - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 220 Consumer Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs. or FCS 300 Consumer Issues in America - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 310 Community Program Planning and FCS 311 Community Program Evaluation or FCS 346 FCS Resource Management - 3-6 hrs.
  • FCS 442 Foundations of FCS - 3 hrs.

Additional Required FCS Courses 45 hrs.

  • FCS 104 Introductory Food Principles - 4 hrs.
  • FCS 170 Hospitality Leadership - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 171 Sanitation, Health, and Safety - 1 hr.
  • FCS 173 Lodging Operations - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 270 Special Event Planning - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 272 Facility Services I - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 301 Nutrition Today - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 370 Hospitality Management Accounting - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 372 Hospitality Law - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 375 Hospitality Practicum I  - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 376 Hospitality Seminar I - 1 hr.
  • FCS 405 Food Service Systems  - 4 hrs.
  • FCS 408 Management in Food Service  - 4 hrs.
  • FCS 470 Special Topics in Hospitality Business  - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 475 Hospitality Practicum II - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 476 Hospitality Seminar II - 1 hr.

Required Minor: Option I, II, or III

  • Option I - 15 hrs. 
    An entrepreneurship and innovation minor as described in this catalog under the Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

  • Option II - 15 hrs.
    A management and leadership minor as described in this catalog under the Department of Management and Leadership in the Foster College of Business.

  • Option III - 15 hrs.
    A marketing minor as described in this catalog under the Department of Marketing in the Foster College of Business

Required Certificate
ANSI-CFP accredited Food Protection Manager Certification or FCS 171 Sanitation, Health, and Safety (1 hr.) must be completed before enrolling in FCS 405 & FCS 408.

Family And Consumer Sciences

This flexible curriculum is designed for students who have interest areas in family and consumer sciences other than specific majors offered by the department at Bradley University. Examples of interest areas appropriate for this major include foods, nutrition, apparel, textiles, living environments, child development and family relationships, or careers in cooperative extension services. The major requires a minimum of 38 Family and Consumer Sciences hours, including the Family and Consumer Sciences core.

University Requirements

Candidates for all baccalaureate degrees must complete requirements in the Bradley Core Curriculum. Students in this major should choose the following:

  • ECO 100 Introduction to Economics or ECO 221 Principles of Microeconomics - 3 hrs.
  • PSY 101 Principles of Psychology - 3 hrs.

Family and Consumer Sciences Core: 12-15 hrs.

  • FCS 100 Family Dynamics - 3 hrs
  • FCS 220 Consumer Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs. or FCS 300 Consumer Issues in America - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 310 Community Program Planning and FCS 311 Community Program Evaluation or FCS 346 FCS Resource Management - 3-6 hrs.
  • FCS 442 Foundations of FCS - 3 hrs.

Required Professional Work Experience

Choose one of the following:

  • FCS 460 Retail Merchandising Practicum - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 461 Practicum in Dietetics - 3 hrs.
  • EHS 301 Cooperative Education Internship - 0–3 hrs.

Additional Required FCS courses:

1. Foods and Nutrition (choose at least two)

  • FCS 104 Introductory Food Principles - 4 hrs.
  • FCS 203 School Health Promotion - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 303 Nutrition - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 304 Sports and Exercise Nutrition - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 309 Investigation of Food Topics - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 405 Food Service Systems - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 407 Nutritional Assessment - 2 hrs.
  • FCS 408 Management in Food Service - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 410 Advanced Nutrition - 4 hrs.
  • FCS 411 Medical Nutrition Therapy I - 4 hrs.

2. Clothing and Textiles (choose at least two)

  • FCS 131 The Fashion Industry - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 133 Apparel Production - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 231 Pattern Making - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 233 Consumer Textiles - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 235 Apparel Product, Development, and Analysis - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 330 Fashion Merchandising - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 331 Fashion Merchandising Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • FCS 332 Advanced Clothing Construction - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 333 Advanced Textiles - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 334 Visual Merchandising and Promotion - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 338 The World of Fashion I - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 433 Issues and Trends in Apparel and Textiles - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 438 Global Trends in Apparel and Textiles - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 536 The World of Fashion II - 3 hrs.

3. Human Ecology (choose at least two)

  • FCS 220 Consumer Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs.
  • **FCS 300 Consumer Issues in America - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 357 Housing and Interior Design - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 359 Applied Projects in Interior Design - 3 hrs.

4. Child/Family (choose at least two)

  • **FCS 346 Family Systems and Applications - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 307 Life Cycle Nutrition - 2 hrs.
  • FCS 341 Human Development Through the Lifespan - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 342 Child Development Laboratory - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 440 Family Relations - 3 hrs.

Total FCS hours for the major: 38 hrs.

*Some courses require prerequisites that will add additional hours.
**FCS Core Requirement

Retail Merchandising

Graduates in this area are prepared for careers in merchandising, sales, operations, buying, and other related areas in the fashion industry. A minor in Management and Leadership or Marketing is required for this major.

University Requirements

Candidates for all baccalaureate degrees must complete requirements in the Bradley Core Curriculum. Students in this major should choose the following courses:

  • CHM 100 Fundamentals of General Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 101 Fundamentals of General Chemistry Lab - 1 hr.
  • ECO 100 Introduction to Economics or ECO 221 Principles of Microeconomics - 3 hrs.
  • PSY 101 Principles of Psychology - 3 hrs.

Family and Consumer Sciences Core: 12-15 hrs.

  • FCS 100 Family Dynamics - 3 hrs
  • FCS 220 Consumer Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs. or FCS 300 Consumer Issues in America - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 310 Community Program Planning and FCS 311 Community Program Evaluation or FCS 346 FCS Resource Management - 3-6 hrs.
  • FCS 442 Foundations of FCS - 3 hrs.

Required Professional Work Experience: 3 hrs.

  • FCS 460 Retail Merchandising Practicum - 3 hrs.

Additional Required FCS Courses: 31 hours
(must earn C or better in each of these courses)

  • FCS 131 The Fashion Industry - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 133 Apparel Production - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 233 Consumer Textiles - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 235 Apparel Product Development and Analysis - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 330 Fashion Merchandising - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 331 Merchandising Lab - 1 hr.
  • FCS 333 Advanced Textiles - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 334 Visual Merchandising and Promotions - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 336 History of Fashion - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 337 Clothing and Human Behavior - 3 hrs.
  • FCS 438 Global Issues of Textile and Apparel - 3 hrs.

Required Supporting Courses: 6 hrs.

  • ART 227 Basic Graphic Design - 3 hrs.
  • MTG 381 Integrated Marketing Communications or COM 220 Advertising as Communication - 3 hrs.

Required Minor: Option I or Option II

Option I - 15 hrs.

A management minor described in this catalog under the Management and Leadership Department, Foster College of Business.

Option II - 15 hrs.

A marketing minor described in this catalog under the Marketing Department, Foster College of Business. 

Family And Consumer Sciences Minor - 15 hrs.

The minor in family and consumer sciences enhances other career options, provides career flexibility, and enhances personal knowledge. This minor will allow students to choose courses within:

  • Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Dietetics
  • Apparel and Textiles
  • Hospitality Leadership
  • Community Wellness

Transfer policies for minors are the same as for family and consumer sciences majors. Prior approval of transfer credit must be secured from the chair of Family and Consumer Sciences. The requirements for a minor in family and consumer sciences are:

  1. FCS 300 Consumer Issues In America - 3 hrs.
  2. FCS electives: 12 hours (9 hours must be in Family and Consumer Sciences courses above the 200 level.)

This is the official catalog for the 2018-2019 academic year. This catalog serves as a contract between a student and Bradley University. Should changes in a program of study become necessary prior to the next academic year every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes via the Dean of the College or Chair of the Department concerned, the Registrar's Office, u.Achieve degree audit system, and the Schedule of Classes. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the current program and graduation requirements for particular degree programs.