Master of Family and Consumer Sciences (M.F.C.S.)
The College of Human Sciences offers a nonthesis, professional master’s degree program offered completely online through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (or GPIDEA).
Students select one of the following specializations (all require 36 credits): Dietetics, Family Financial Planning, Gerontology, and Youth Development
The Program of Study committee, in consultation with the student, establishes the courses to be taken and the acceptability of transfer credits. The major professor is selected from the discipline in which the concentration of coursework will be taken. Written and oral final integrative examinations are required in lieu of a thesis or creative component. A thesis or creative component could be included on mutual agreement of the student and major professor, with approval of the Graduate College.
Admission requirements for the MFCS include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university, minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average for unrestricted admission, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a goal statement. Students pursuing the Dietetics specialization must currently hold the credential of Registered Dietitian (RD) or be RD-eligible. Non-English speaking international students are required to have a TOEFL score of at least 550 at time of admission.
Graduate Certificates
https://www.hs.iastate.edu/graduate/
Graduate Certificates
Four graduate certificates are available:
- Family Financial Planning (18 credits) is offered for students who do not need a master’s degree and want to obtain the educational requirements of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards CFP® Certification Examination.
- Gerontology (15 credits)
- Youth Development Specialist (13 credits)
- Youth Program Management and Evaluation (13 credits)
For additional information, students should contact the College of Human Sciences Dean's Office, E262 Lagomarcino, Ames, Iowa 50011-1041, gpideainfo@iastate.edu