Department of Human Services and Consumer Sciences

Undergraduate Degree(s):

Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Consumer Sciences (Child and Family Development Concentration)
Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Consumer Sciences (Dietetics Concentration)
Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Consumer Sciences (Food and Nutrition Concentration)
Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Consumer Sciences Family and Consumer Sciences Concentration Certification
Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Consumer Sciences Family Consumer Sciences Family and Consumer Sciences Concentration (Without Certification)

Minor(s):

Human Services and Consumer Sciences

Graduate Degree(s):

The Department of Human Services and Consumer Sciences (HSCS) is one of eight units in the College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences (COLABS). The Department offers the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Human Services and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child and Family Development (CFDV).

The Human Services and Consumer Sciences Department (HSCS) is housed in the Cecelia Scott Lane Building. The Department Office is located in room 103 of that facility. HSCS Department personnel may be contacted at 713-313-7230.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Department of Human Services and Consumer Sciences is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in the global society through high quality programs, outreach services and research. The HSCS curriculum is aligned with the University's mission as a special purpose institution of higher education for urban programming with specialized training and experiences related to urban issues in homes, schools, and communities.

Specific goals of the multidisciplinary program include:

Preparing self-empowered, competent individuals for entrepreneurial, leadership, and professional roles in child development, human development, family studies, consumer and community services.
Increasing the competence of students in planning and conducting research in the areas of Human Services and Consumer Sciences.
Preparing individuals to function in roles as innovators, advocates, and knowledgeable Human Services and Consumer Sciences professionals.

The HSCS programs are designed to broaden the students' knowledge concerning:

Changing family structure and function; Behavioral aspects of the family;
Interrelationships within families and other societal subsystems;

Matriculation Requirements

In pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and Consumer Sciences, students are not required to declare a minor in a second academic discipline since the HSCS degree plans include concentration requirements. The Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and Consumer Sciences require a completion of a minimum of 120 semester credit hours. Transfer students may substitute FS 102 with any college level course to complete the total credit hours required for graduation by their degree plan.

Grade Requirements:
1. All students who major in HSCS programs of study must earn grades of “C” or better in all courses specified as major or concentration courses
Exam Requirements:
1. All HSCS majors must take and pass an Exit Exam before graduating. The Exit Exam is administered as part of the CFDV 437 Capstone in Child & Family Dev course.
Health Tests:
1. All HSCS majors must observe immunization record and health test requirements of clinical and practicum host sites.
Background Checks:
1. A background check is required of any student participating in a HSCS practicum or clinical experience or the Child and Family Development Lab experience.

Students are referred to the Harris County Criminal Courts Customer Service Department to request a background check. Students are responsible for any associated fees or paperwork.

Students desiring to pursue an undergraduate degree or the minor offered through the Department must first gain admission to the University, satisfy Texas Success Initiative (TSI) or equivalent requirements and must complete any identified deficiencies. They must also petition the Department for admission as TSI and/or equivalent requirements are completed. Once admitted, students will be assigned an official academic advisor with whom they must consult on a semester or term basis to ascertain progress toward completion of major degree or minor requirements. Additionally, majors in Human Services and Consumer Sciences disciplines should be advised that major courses, especially at the upper level, are offered in rotational sequences. Further, lower level major courses should be completed before enrolling in upper level courses. To ensure quality instruction and outcome competencies, course sequence restrictions will be observed for all HSCS majors.

The Child and Family Development concentration focuses on growth throughout the life span as well as family dynamics and the impact on individual family members. This program prepares individuals for management, entrepreneurial and other professional careers in agencies, institutions, and programs that focus on services for children, youth, adults and families. Some career options include:

case workers
parent educators
family-child educators
recreation workers/play therapists
civil servants in family service units of police departments
early childhood professionals in private, parochial, and public schools (with certification)
owners/ directors of schools for young children.

Art and Design Courses

AD 130 Environmental Design (2 Credits)

Lecture: 2, Lab: 0

Environmental Design (2) Introduction to the elements and principles of design. Two hours of lecture per week.

College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie