The mission of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences is to prepare students who will be uniquely qualified to improving the quality of life for individuals, families, communities, and the environment in which they function. Further, the mission is to empower individuals and families across the life span to manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse, global society. This is accomplished through the integration and application of knowledge and skills from family and consumer sciences as well as a variety of other disciplines. The department values the scholarly and creative contributions of its faculty and students, as well as professional and community service.

Students can select one of several undergraduate programs (or pursue a master's degree in FCS) 

• Apparel Design. The apparel design option prepares students for a career in the global fashion design industry. Students develop skills in design and the construction of apparel using various techniques such as drafting, draping, computer-aided design, fashion illustration, and textile properties. In addition, students learn about the business side of apparel design.
• Child Development. The child development option prepares students for careers working with young children and their families. Students attain the skills to teach or direct child development programs, work as developmental therapists, home visitors, or in other areas of the early care and education field.
• Child Life Specialist. The child life specialist option assists students in meeting academic requirements for becoming a child life specialist. These individuals work in healthcare settings, primarily hospitals, and assist pediatric patients with developmental needs. Volunteering in a hospital setting, in addition to academic course work, is important for later acceptance at an accredited hospital.
• Dietetics (four-year program). The Didactic Program in Dietetics prepares students for opportunities in clinical and normal nutrition, food service systems management, and administration of community nutrition programs. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA).
• Family Studies. The family studies option prepares students for careers in working with individuals and families across the life cycle. Careers may include working in family agencies, county extension, family and parent education, and family policy advocacy. Graduates are eligible for Family Life Educator certification through the National Council on Family Relations.
• Vocational Family and Consumer Sciences Education. This program prepares graduates to teach family and consumer sciences classes in public or private schools. The focus of these classes in schools today is on family roles, child development, life skills, consumer rights and responsibilities, and community contributions. Graduates who complete this major also qualify to become extension educators or work for other public and private agencies.
• Fashion Merchandising. The Fashion Merchandising option prepares students for a career in the global fashion industry as store managers, retail buyers, product developers, fashion consultants, merchandise managers, visual merchandisers, fashion forecasters, personal shoppers, and stylists. The fundamentals of promotion and marketing, retail buying, apparel manufacturing and wholesaling are covered.
• General Family and Consumer Sciences. This option prepares students for careers in business, community and public agencies, government and as family policy advocates. This option is combined with a minor outside of the department.
• Hospitality and Food Management. This program provides a pathway to upper-level management positions in hospitality and the food industry. The degree offers students a blend of theory of management practices and experiential learning in areas such as food service, lodging, catering, and event planning.
• Interior Design. Accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, the interior design option prepares students for entry level positions in a variety of firms and organizations such as entertainment design, facilities management, government/institutional design, health care facility design, hospitality design, store planning, and residential design. Approval to pursue the departmental option in interior design involves a selection process in addition to admission to the university. The process requires submission of a supplemental application for admission and faculty review of past performance.
• Residential Property Management. The residential property management option combines aspects of housing and business, preparing students for the challenges involved in the management, marketing, and design of multifamily living environments. The program is approved by the National Apartment Association, allowing students to sit for the National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) and Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) exams. An RPM minor is also available.

In addition to the above accreditations, the entire department is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, and the Child Study Center is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.

The department also provides the opportunity for students to qualify for the Certified Family Life Education (CFLE) program, a national certification program. Family Life Education incorporates a preventive and educational approach to individual and family issues such as communication and relationship skills, parenting education, marriage education, diversity, and social issues as they relate to the family. The program, sponsored by the National Council on Family Relations, certifies that students have received training in ten substantive family areas.