Online Home Economics Degree Programs

<p>The once common degree program in home economics is still available, although it has evolved over time and can now more commonly be found as a degree program in family and consumer sciences, according to the College Board (<i>www.collegeboard.com</i>). </p> <p>Degree programs in home economics can be found at the associate's and bachelor's degree levels, while degree programs in family and consumer sciences can be found at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree levels. Doctoral degree programs may be available in related areas, such as child and family studies. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b> Degree Levels</b></td><td> Associate, bachelor's and master's degrees available; doctoral programs may be available in related areas</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Undergraduate Courses</b></td><td> Child and human development, nutrition, family finances, textiles, sewing</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Other Requirements</b></td><td> Research paper or thesis at the graduate level</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Bachelor's and master's programs available online</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td> Teaching, family advocacy, family life education, program development</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $72,220 (<i>for all postsecondary home economics teachers</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 1% growth (<i>for all postsecondary home economics teachers</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIExpectFromAnUndergraduateProgram">What Can I Expect From an Undergraduate Program?</h3> <p>Associate's and bachelor's degree programs in home economics or family and consumer sciences include general education courses like introductory psychology and English composition. Your core coursework might address topics like child and human development, nutrition, family financial management and family relationships. Degree programs in home economics may also include other topics, such as fashion merchandising, sewing and consumer textiles. </p> <p>Undergraduate programs are designed to prepare you for roles in teaching, family advocacy, family life education or program development. If you're interested in becoming a teacher, some bachelor's degree programs in family and consumer sciences offer the opportunity to complete teacher training courses; you might be prepared to teach students at the elementary or secondary levels. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnInAGraduateProgram">What Will I Learn in a Graduate Program?</h3> <p>Master's programs in family and consumer sciences are generally geared towards those who want to obtain a teaching license or advance their careers. Some graduate degree programs include specializations in different areas, such as dietetics or human and family services administration. Programs cover topics such as employment skills, interpersonal communication, lifestyle choices and consumer practices. In addition to coursework, you'll be expected to complete a research project or thesis. Additional courses could include research methods, food systems management and educational statistics. </p> <h3 id="section---AreProgramsAvailableOnline">Are Programs Available Online?</h3> <p>You can find degree programs in family and consumer sciences online from a few schools at the bachelor's and master's degree levels. As an online student, you'll be able to access your coursework and other materials through online learning platforms like WebCT or Blackboard. You'll also be able to interact with instructors and peers using e-mail, phone conferencing or discussion boards. Additional technical requirements might include an updated operating system and a specific Web browser like Internet Explorer or Firefox.</p>