BSFCS Human Development and Family Sciences - Teacher Certification in Human Development and Family Studies

Majors choose one of three different degree plans. Students choosing the Consumer Affairs major with a concentration in personal financial management study personal financial decision making, consumer law, financial counseling, the role of the consumer in the economy and they select a minor. Students prepare for careers in financial services for individuals and families, financial counseling, consumer advocacy, or government agencies. The concentration in Family and Consumer Sciences offers students the opportunity to take courses from all areas of Family and Consumer Sciences and select a minor. Graduates seek employment in business, the extension service, and community agencies. The teacher certification, approved by the Texas Education Agency, certifies graduates to teach Family and Consumer Sciences in 6-12th grades. See note at the bottom regarding background checks for this option.

Human Development and Family Sciences majors are prepared for careers that address the needs of families and individuals across the lifespan, including child life specialist, activity coordinators at assisted living centers and children's museums, parent educators, early childhood intervention, child protective services, early childhood educators, foster care and adoption programs and other family or human services agencies (nonprofit, fait-based, secular). Students may choose courses focused on a particular Career Option including, Child Services and Administration (non-profit programs and agencies), Child Life (hospital settings), or Research and Analytics (graduate school). Students may seek high school teacher certification. As a condition for participation in required courses that necessitate either observation or participation at the campus Child Development Center, students must undergo a criminal background check and provide verification of an annual TB test. See note below regarding admittance to the Child Development Center and Texas Teacher Certification Requirements.

Fashion Merchandising majors are prepared for a variety of careers in the fashion industry including: product development, retail management, buying,  fashion marketing and promotions. Students gain valuable hands-on experience through computer-based assignments, cutting-edge merchandising technology, internships, and study tours. Majors are required to complete a business administration minor to enhance their preparation for the fashion industry. Students pursuing the planning and presentation concentration receive training on the latest industry software for store and merchandise planning and allocation.

The interior design major prepares students for careers in all areas of the field, including residential and commercial interior design. The program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), the recognized accrediting agency for the discipline in the United States and Canada. Students learn to develop and communicate design concepts, solve design problems, and present solutions in an effective and professional manner. They also learn the specific knowledge and skills necessary to practice interior design, such as color theory, design history, hand and computer drafting, space planning, selection of interior finishes, building codes, and interior lighting.

Majors study the relationships between the dietary intake of whole foods versus processed foods, nutrients, dietary supplements, the health of individuals and populations, as well as health equity. Majors prepare for careers in medical nutrition therapy, food service administration, public health nutrition, government agencies, private practice, and consulting. The program also prepares majors for pursuing advanced degrees, academic research, and careers in food and wellness industries. There are three degree tracks. One degree track involves a nutrition and foods major accompanied by a minor. The second degree track is the dietetics concentration, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and fulfills didactic requirements for Texas licensing. Graduates of this track who complete all ACEND requirements will receive a Verification Statement and are qualified to apply for post-graduate dietetic internships in pursuit of Registered Dietitian certification. The third track is for students pursuing the Texas Teacher Certification Requirements. See note below regarding background checks for this option.

Child Development Center. Be advised that in the State of Texas, criminal convictions may affect a person’s ability to be present in a Licensed or Certified Child Care facility (Chapter 42, Human Resources Code). Therefore, students enrolling in course work which requires any of the following: observation or participation at the campus Child Development Center; or observing or student teaching in K-12 grade Texas schools must undergo a criminal background check. Criminal history will be reviewed and students may be subject to an investigation based on that criminal history.

Texas Teacher Certification Program. Criminal Background checks are required for progression through the Educator Preparation Program. Based on the information recorded in your criminal history, you may be ineligible for issuance of a certificate upon completion of the Educator Preparation Program. If you have a criminal history, the Office of Educator Preparation (OEP) recommends you pay for a Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation, from the Texas Education Agency, schedule an appointment for free legal counseling services through Texas State University's Attorney for Students, and disclose this information to the OEP.