Family and Consumer Sciences Education Master’s Degree

Family and Consumer Sciences Education MSE program overview

Enhance your teaching, leadership, and classroom instruction skills for family and consumer sciences education. In the Curriculum and Instruction MSE program, you will explore instructional theory and new approaches to curriculum design that meet the needs of today’s elementary and secondary schools. The FCS program allows for extensive study on the FCS topic of your choice. You’ll examine literature and current trends in FCS, instructional techniques, and curriculum development, and then apply them in your own research.

Licensure: This program is designed for teachers who are already certified in this content area as an opportunity to go deeper into their specialty while simultaneously earning a master’s degree. This program does not meet initial certification/licensure requirements through the Nebraska Department of Education. It has not been determined if this program meets requirements for all other states. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska, please check that state's licensing board to determine their licensing requirements. Learn more about state authorization, licensure, and reciprocity.

Student learning outcomes for the MSE Curriculum and Instruction program:

Analyze literature to improve educational practices.
Develop learning environments that promote student achievement.
Cultivate professional relationships with all stakeholders.
Utilize evidence-based inclusive practices to develop meaningful learning experiences for students.

Download program handbook (PDF) View program courses

Family and Consumer Sciences Education MSE program of study

Students must complete the MSE Curriculum and Instruction core, FCS focus area courses, and electives to total at least 36 credit hours for the program. Up to 12 credit hours may be transferred in from another regionally accredited graduate institution and applied toward a degree. Credit that has been applied toward an earned degree will not be accepted except for courses that are part of the core requirements. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a total of 36 credit hours are needed to graduate with this degree.

Curriculum and instruction core courses (12 credits)

Credits: 3
Description: Beginning graduate students will develop a practical knowledge and application of basic types of research, as well as basic research tools and skills that will be helpful to them throughout their program. Graduate students will create a research plan and write a review of literature (paper). Students will create appropriate survey and interview questions, develop a beginning understanding of educational statistics, and the process for developing a research proposal including Institutional Review Board requirements and application processes.
Credits: 3
Description: This class is designed to acquaint students with the latest research related to instructional theory, and further, to create opportunities for teachers to try new instructional approaches. The course surveys systems that teachers may use to assess the pros and cons of various instructional approaches.
Credits: 3
Description: A course designed to examine the principles underlying the development of a PK-12 public school and post-secondary program curriculum. Emphasis on methods of determining priorities, objectives, scope and sequence and organizational patterns. The roles of state and local involvement will also be examined.
Credits: 3
Description: Philosophies and theories underlying the American educational system. An analysis of the differing philosophies of education and their implications for education in a democratic society.

Family and consumer sciences education focus area courses (15 credits)

Credits: 3
Description: This course will examine the current literature on instructional techniques and curriculum development; compare and contrast available curriculums; adapt and apply curriculums to meet needs of family and consumer sciences.
Choose 9 credits from the following courses:
- FCS 505 Special Topics in Family and Consumer Sciences (3-9 credit hours) – This course explores current trends and issues that affect the field of family and consumer sciences.
- FCS 591 Special Project (3 credit hours) – Study of a topic, or a presentation in a special area of interest. A maximum of 12 special project credits may apply toward a major or endorsement as determined by appropriate department chairs. Title of the project will be entered on the permanent record. Some disciplines may require a class fee. Prerequisite: Instructor and department chair approval.
- FCS 695 Independent Study (3 credit hours) – Advanced readings and research in selected problem areas to meet the special needs of the graduate student. A maximum of 6 credits may be applied to a graduate degree program. Prerequisite: Instructor, department chair, and dean approval.
- FCS 597 Internship (3 credit hours) – An actual work experience related to the student’s field of study. Internships require a minimum of 45-50 work hours for each 1 hour of credit. See the appropriate academic department for additional requirements. Prerequisite: Department chair approval.
- FCS 697 Internship (3 credit hours) – An actual work experience related to the student’s field of study. Internships require a minimum of 45-50 work hours for each 1 hour of credit. See the appropriate academic department for additional requirements. Prerequisite: Department chair approval.

Credits: 3
Description: An advanced course in children’s literature will focus on all genres including contemporary authors and multicultural materials for elementary school applications. An emphasis will be given to the integration of literature across the curriculum to facilitate literacy.
Credits: 3
Description: A course designed to enhance instruction and assessment of elementary and middle level students’ communication skills.
Credits: 3
Description: A study of theories of learning and motivation, conditions and processes of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning; personal qualities of a teacher; the teaching process, classroom management; teaching the exceptional learner; and the role of evaluation in learning and teaching.
Credits: 3
Description: This course offers intensive study of specific issues and trends that have direct impact upon education. Individuals will choose a topic to examine in breadth and depth. It presents a comprehensive approach to the exploration of the selected topics. The course offers opportunities for the students to examine relevant topics affecting education in breadth and depth.
Credits: 2
Description: This is an advanced course in literacy and language skills for PreK-K educators that provides deep knowledge of early literacy instruction. Topics include the integration of phonology, orthography, semantics, syntax, and morphology with an emphasis on the foundational concepts of language and reading development. This course is designed for those participating in specific training delivered through an Educational Service Unit, school district, or other approved entity.
Credits: 3
Description: This is an advanced course in literacy and language skills for K-12 educators focusing on phonology, morphology, fluency, reading difficulties, spelling, and assessment with an emphasis on the foundational concepts of language and reading development. This course is designed for those participating in specific training delivered through an Educational Service Unit, school district, or other approved entity.
Credits: 3
Description: This is an advanced course in literacy and language skills for K-12 educators focusing on vocabulary, word knowledge, reading comprehension, writing, and working with diverse populations. This course is designed for those participating in specific training delivered through an Educational Service Unit, school district, or other approved entity.
Credits: 3
Description: This course explores the legal, ethical, and political issues of school administration and implementing equity of educational opportunity and culturally responsive practices. The course will examine the principles of PK-12 education law and the management of school operations through the study of the legal system and student and employee rights.
Credits: 2-3
Description: Original research in the content area designed and conducted by the student and directed by a faculty advisor. Types of research include Final Research Paper, Final Research Project, Final Research Portfolio and Comprehensive Examinations. The results of the research project may be presented to faculty, school boards, community groups, or other appropriate groups. This course is the capstone research project for the MSE Curriculum and Instruction-Instructional Leadership emphases. It should be taken within one of the final two semesters of the program.
Credits: 0-6