High School

You should follow a college preparatory program, which will include courses in English, mathematics, science, foreign language, and government. Take any classes related to family and consumer science, including child development, adult living, and health. Take art classes—art skills will help you if youre working with children, in interior design, or in furniture sales.

Postsecondary Training

The minimum requirement for work as a family and consumer scientist is a bachelors degree in family and consumer science or home economics. College teaching, research, and nutrition positions require masters or doctoral degrees in most cases. Many colleges and universities offer degrees in general family and consumer science, as well as specialization in subject areas of the field, including family and consumer science education, child development, foods and nutrition, dietetics, institution management, textiles and clothing, family economics and home management, household equipment and furnishings, and applied art. College work usually includes a core curriculum that gives the student an overview of the subject areas, as well as at least one internship. In addition to family and consumer science subjects, a broad background in liberal arts and sciences is helpful.

The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences accredits undergraduate family and consumer science programs. Visit its Web site, https://www.aafcs.org/about/groups/higher-ed, for a list of accredited programs.

Other Education or Training

The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences offers conference seminars, webinars, and other continuing education opportunities. Topics include typical practice issues, social media marketing, web applications and videomaking for family and consumer scientists, and other subjects. Contact the association for more information.

Certification or Licensing

For most business and sales positions, you wont need certification. To teach elementary or secondary school classes, youll need to be licensed under regulations established by the department of education of your state. The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences offers a voluntary certification program. To become certified by the association, you must have at least a bachelors degree and pass one of four standards-based examinations. The following credentials are available: certified in family and consumer sciences; certified in human development and family studies; certified in hospitality, nutrition, and food science; certified nutrition and wellness educator; and certified personal and family finance educator. 

Aspiring family and consumer scientists should participate in at least one internship during college to gain valuable experience and make industry contacts. These contacts could lead to a job offer after graduation. 

If teaching, you should have respect for your students and be dedicated to their future success. Patience and strong communication skills are also very important in teaching, as is organization. Youll need self-confidence in order to speak effectively before students of all ages. If working in the business sector, you should be ambitious, organized, and self-motivated. You should also be able to work well with others.