Online Family & Consumer Sciences Education Master's Degree Programs
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About the Program
Texas Tech offers two online master's degrees through the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA).
The first program is with initial teaching certification (Option A) and is designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree in a family and consumer
sciences (FCS) content specialization or a related area and are seeking initial teaching
certification/licensure in family and consumer sciences in the state of Texas. The
program will offer the pedagogy (professional development) courses needed for certification/licensure
in Texas. These may include additional courses in the teaching specialization, testing,
and other requirements such as a background check. Students must be admitted to the
Educator Preparation Program (EPP) which requires a minimum of a 2.75 GPA and 12 hours
of FCS-related content. Interested students without these qualifications should discuss
admission requirements with an academic advisor. Following admission to the master's
program and EPP, students will be required to develop a certification plan for the
state of Texas. All clinical student teaching or internship hours must be completed
in a Texas school district.
The second program (Option B) is designed for professionals in FCS Education including certified teachers and
Extension educators who seek professional development and career advancement. This
program provides continuing education to maintain and sustain high-quality FCS programs
in middle/junior and high schools, Extension, administrative, and other settings.
Demand for Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers
The online Master's Degree program was developed in response to the need to increase the supply of FCS teachers, a need that has been documented by historical data showing dramatic declines in the number of FCS teacher preparation programs and the number of individuals completing these programs. According to the most recent National Directory of the Family and Consumer Sciences Division of the Association for Career and Technical Education (2003-04), there were only 168 pre-service family and consumer sciences teacher education programs in the U.S., representing a decline of 40% during the last twenty years. Several states have only one institution that offers FCS teacher preparation and some have none.
In response to a 1990s survey by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), most state administrators reported an inadequate supply of qualified FCS teachers. The majority believed their state faced a severe shortage. The survey results showed that undergraduate enrollments in FCS teacher preparation programs would supply only about 25% of the demand for new FCS teachers. A study published in 2006 confirmed that most states continue to experience a serious shortage of FCS teachers and revealed that shortages are particularly severe in rural areas. All of the states participating in the IDEA FCS Master's Degree program reported that the supply of FCS teachers was inadequate. The state of Texas recognizes family and consumer sciences teachers (included in Career and Technical Education) as a critical shortage area.
Benefits of Online Courses
The format of online courses is flexible and convenient and allows distance education students the opportunity to take courses that fit into their work and home schedules. Instructors will include interactive learning experiences, such as e-mail, online chats, and threaded discussions.*
* Also known as "asynchronous web-talk," threaded discussions are a form of discussion-over-time allowing students to develop critical thinking skills, reflect on questions more carefully, and respond in an assertive and thoughtful manner.
Student Resources
Master's Program - Degree Requirements
The program consists of 38-41 semester credit hours of course work, including 10 3-credit courses, 2 credits of practicum, and 6-9 credits of internship. Courses are offered over a three-year period, with at least two institutions sharing the teaching responsibility for each course. The home/degree-granting institution is responsible for placement of students for practicum and internship experiences.
The National Standards for Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences provided the framework for designing the program. The following pedagogy courses are required:
- History and Philosophy of FCS (3 credits)
- Occupational FCS Programs (3 credits)
- Multicultural Education (3 credits)
- Adolescent Learning (3 credits)
- Special Needs Learners (3 credits)
- Literacy in the Content Area (3 credits)
- Educational Technology (3 credits)
- Research in FCSE (3 credits)
- Curriculum and Instruction in FCS (6 credits)
- Practicum (2 credits)
- Internship (6-9 credits)
- Electives (as needed or desired)
Technical Requirements
You need a computer meeting the minimum specifications, and the capability to access and download materials from the Internet with a current browser. You will be expected to use your university email to communicate throughout the program and with faculty. In order to access classes, you will be guided through the process by each teaching institution. For example, if you take a course taught at North Dakota State University, you will access the course through the NSDU learning management system and communicate with the faculty member teaching the course through the NDSU system (not your Texas Tech email or to a personal email provider such as Gmail).
Concerns about the educator preparation program can be addressed via a complaint policy on file with Texas Education Agency with this form. For more information and student resources related to the EPP, visit the College of Education's website. If you have concerns about courses, per TTU policy, you should follow the university process outlined in the student handbook, https://www.depts.ttu.edu/dos/studentcomplaints.php.
Application Requirements & Process
Texas Tech University reviews applications to the program on an ongoing basis. If you select TTU as your home/degree-granting institution, you must take the following steps to be admitted:
- Apply for admission to the Texas Tech Graduate School. For information on how to apply online, visit TTU Graduate Admissions.
- Work with the FCSE Graduate Advisor to develop a certification plan and program of study.
If you have further questions please contact the IDEA Campus Coordinator (ashlee.murden@ttu.edu).
Financial Aid
To qualify for financial aid, all graduate students must be enrolled as full-time students in the fall, spring, (5 hours) and summer semesters (3 hours).
FAFSA forms must be filled out for all government loan programs. This form uses last year's income. If you've had a change in circumstances (i.e., quit work to go to school, have large moving or medical expenses) contact the Texas Tech Financial Aid Office. They may be able to adjust your aid package based on this information which could not be conveyed on the forms.
You may also reach the Financial Aid Office at (806) 742-3681 or by email: finaid.Advisor@ttu.edu. The fax number is (806) 742-0880.
Tuition and Fees
Students admitted to the program at Texas Tech University enroll at TTU for all courses, whether they are taught at TTU or by a participating university. All courses will have a common price of $610 per credit hour for graduate courses and $440 per credit hour for undergraduate courses*. There is no in-state or out-of-state tuition. This price will cover all course costs except textbook or course packet purchases.
*Common tuition rate set by IDEA Board of Directors in connection and cooperation with participating institutions.
Course Registration
Students enroll for all courses through their home institution by contacting the IDEA Coordinator. Students will have only one enrollment process to complete and one check to write. All coursework completed will be recorded on your home institution's transcript.
Students who have not been admitted to the IDEA program may enroll in a course if space is available. Each course has a maximum enrollment, and those who have been admitted to a degree program at one of the participating universities will be given preference.
Classroom Instruction
Courses are taught online using a course management system accessed through your web browser. Some courses have supplemental materials and others may require virtual conferencing.
The format of online courses is flexible and convenient and allows distance education students the opportunity to take courses that fit into their work and schedules. Instructors will include interactive learning experiences, such as e-mail, online chats, and threaded discussions that allow students to develop critical thinking skills, reflect on questions more carefully, and respond in a thoughtful manner.
Course Materials
As is true for other courses, textbooks and supplemental materials required for each course are the responsibility of the students. The American Psychological Association (APA), 7th edition style is required for coursework.
Transcripts
The Dean of the Graduate School will maintain a transcript for students admitted to the program at Texas Tech University. Each semester, course rosters and grade sheets will be exchanged among institutions, allowing grades to be automatically recorded on your transcript at your home institution.
For more information on FCSE please contact fcse@ttu.edu.
Faculty
Interdisciplinary Human Sciences
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Address
Interdisciplinary Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 41161, Lubbock, TX 79409-1161 -
Phone
806.742.3031 -
Email
hs.webmaster@ttu.edu