Family and Consumer Studies

Family and consumer studies Overview

As a family and consumer sciences student at San José City College, you will embark on a transformative journey exploring the intricate web of relationships between individuals, families, communities, and environments. Our program delves into the dynamic interplay of these factors and how they profoundly influence individual development in a variety of ways. 


Success Resources

FCS was formerly known as “home economics” but the name changed in the early 1990s to provide a more accurate depiction of the fact that FCS professionals study a broad range of issues surrounding individuals, families, and communities, rather than a sole focus on education related to managing the home or homemaking skills. At San Jose City College, FCS is offered closely with the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program.

Department Contacts

  • Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts Division
  • (408) 288-3785

Family and Consumer Sciences Student Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze current requirements and standards for early childhood educators and early care and education programs.
  • Design daily schedules and classroom interactions with children consistent with current knowledge of child development.
  • Document and assess the needs of individual children in early care and education settings.
  • Plan and implement classroom based activities consistent with a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
  • Communicate effectively with children, parents and coworkers verbally and in writing.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of professional and ethical standards required to function successfully in early care and education programs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The Family and Consumer Studies program at SJCC explores the relationships between individuals, families, communities, and environments. It examines how these interactions influence individual development and well-being. The program emphasizes ecological principles to understand the dynamics of family life and consumer behavior.

SJCC offers an Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree in Family and Consumer Studies. This degree prepares students to transfer to four-year institutions, focusing on areas such as nutrition and dietetics. It provides opportunities to pursue careers as dietitians, nutrition counselors, educators, and sports nutritionists.

The curriculum includes courses such as:

  • FCS 018: Principles of Foods With Lab: Studies the application of food science principles, emphasizing ingredient function, food preparation techniques, sensory evaluation standards, food safety, and maintaining nutritional values.
  • FCS 019: Nutrition: Covers the fundamentals of human nutrition, including the study of nutrients, their functions, and their role in health and disease prevention.
  • FCS 020: Child Development: Examines the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of children from birth through adolescence.

Specific prerequisites may vary by course. It's recommended to consult the SJCC course catalog or speak with an academic advisor to determine any required prerequisites before enrolling.

Graduates are prepared for roles such as dietitians, nutrition counselors, nutrition educators, sports nutritionists, child development specialists, and consumer educators. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers that promote healthy living and informed consumer choices.