Department of Human Sciences

Veronica Oates, Ph.D., Interim Department Head
107 Frederick S. Humphries Human Sciences
and Nursing Education Complex
(615) 963-5601

Faculty: A. Barnett, F.C. Chen, R. Fleming, B. Harris, A. Kilonzo-Nthenge, M. Machara, G. Matthews, V. Oates, E. Shearer, H.W. Si, S. Suggs,

General Statement

The purpose of the undergraduate program in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences is to provide both a liberal and specialized education in which the interests and well-being of individuals, family members, and consumers are significant. The program includes a study of nutrition, food, health, clothing, textiles, management of resources, design, care and guidance of children, human growth and development throughout the life span, interpersonal relationships, and family relationships, with emphasis on breadth of knowledge and its application to the solution of contemporary human problems.

The unifying focus is on an integrative approach to relationships among individuals, families, and communities, and the environments in which they function. The program seeks to (a) empower individuals, (b) strengthen families, and (c) enable communities.

The mission of the Department of Human Sciences at Tennessee State University is to prepare students for leadership roles in Family and Consumer Sciences careers. Human Science professionals empower individuals, strengthen families and enable communities through education, development, and discovery (research), and extension (outreach).

The goals of the undergraduate programs in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences are to prepare individuals for (1) graduate and professional programs, (2) communicating family and consumer sciences concepts in formal and non-formal settings, (3) professional careers as entrepreneurs in business, the international arena, the public and government sectors and other agencies serving children and families, and (4) improved personal development including family life. In addition, the goal is to prepare empowered individuals who (5) can think critically, (6) empower others to live a more satisfying life, and (7) are committed to service.

Student Learning Outcomes

The graduates will:

Have specialized knowledge and skills in the concentration/major areas to address work roles in their professional careers in education, government, industry, and society;
Have the capability to write research reports including identifying implications of research;
Analyze and interpret data for implication in work and personal life;
Use critical thinking skills to utilize diverse approaches for determining alternative solutions for issues;
Communicate information to diverse groups at all levels of expertise;
Recognize, respect, and value individual and societal diversity;
Reflect on one’s own practices, articulate a philosophy and rationale for decisions, and continually self-assess as a basis for program planning and modification and continuing professional development;
Establish and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other professionals, and families and work effectively as a member of a professional team;
Practices ethical professional practice;
Have the knowledge and skills to become advocates for public policy as related to individuals, families, and communities;
Use technology effectively in their work and family life;
Pursue lifelong learning;
Have an understanding of their responsibilities to their communities and global society;
Demonstrate understanding of the synergistic, integrative nature of the family and consumer sciences profession with its focus on the interrelationships among individuals, families, consumers, and communities as taught in human systems theory and life course development and students apply this understanding the study of their areas of specialization.

Accreditation

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312)899-0040, ext. 5400.

Departmental Admission/Retention Requirements

All Family and Consumer Sciences majors must have a “C” or better in all courses in their area of concentration in order to graduate.

Admission/Retention Requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

The DPD at TSU provides the necessary coursework to meet the academic requirements of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Admission Requirements: Prospective students must meet admission requirements and must apply for admission to this program. These requirements include:

Cumulative GPA = 2.75 or better
Achievement of at least junior status at the university (i.e. 60+ hours). These hours must include the courses listed in items 3 and 4.
A grade of B or better in the following courses:
NUFS 1110 - Food Principles and Meal Management (4)
DHYG 2010 - Basic Nutrition (3)
A grade of C or better in each of the following courses:
BIOL 2210, 2211 - Human Anatomy and Laboratory (4)
CHEM 1110, 1111 - General Chemistry I and Laboratory (4)
CHEM 1120, 1121 - General Chemistry II and Laboratory (4)
Completion of the application packet, which includes:
1. DPD admission application
2. Current transcripts from TSU and/or any other relevant Universities or colleges attended
3. Completion of an interview with dietetics faculty

Upon admission, all students are required to complete the coursework outlined on the curriculum map. When the majority of the coursework has been completed, and the student has maintained a minimum of a 2.75 GPA, the student is eligible to apply for a post-baccalaureate supervised practice experience, i.e. a dietetic internship or ISPP.

Before entering an internship, students must receive a Verification Statement Form from the DPD Director. Criteria to receive the form include:

Completion of all required courses. The student must have a C or better in courses that are designated as meeting KRD’s.
Minimum 2.75 GPA
Passage (75% or greater) on the comprehensive DPD examination

Students in the Department of Human Sciences may choose a concentration in one of the following:

• Child Development and Family Studies

• Consumer Sciences Leadership, Education, and Communication

• Fashion Merchandising and Product Development

• Food and Nutritional Sciences (with or without Dietetics verification)

• Food Service Management

Upper-level students enrolled in any program can elect to complete the courses for the Family Financial Planning Program. The Department offers a Family Financial Planning Program that is designed to prepare professionals in personal financial planning who will have the knowledge and skills necessary to qualify to take the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) exam. Completing the six courses in Family Financial Planning courses at Tennessee State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree, passing the CFP exam, and gaining the appropriate work experience will lead to the granting of the CFP(r) certification which is a recognized standard of excellence for personal financial planning.

Due to the explosion of a rapidly changing and increasingly complex financial marketplace, families are searching and requesting assistance from financial professionals in managing their income, assets, debts, and much more. Financial service providers have noted this phenomenon and have extended their services to provide comprehensive financial assistance. Financial planners are employed in the marketplace with companies that specialize in retirement, equity trading, insurance, and real estate. In addition, personal financial planners may work as a personal financial counselor in a company or maybe self-employed.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Courses

Early Childhood, Child Development, and Family Relationships

Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Family Economics and Resource Management

Fashion Merchandising

Foods and Nutrition