“In high school, the family and consumer sciences electives I took were classes I enjoyed the most and felt like could be applied to my life in the future,” said Cheyenne Doss, sophomore family and consumer sciences major. 

About family and consumer sciences 

The family and consumer sciences program teaches students about specialty areas of education. These topics include family, human and child development; nutrition and wellness; fashion and textiles; housing and interior design; and consumer and resources management. 

“Honestly, I had no clue that family and consumer sciences could be a major until a high school teacher of mine mentioned it to me,” Doss said. 

The courses offered by family and consumer science teachers can be gateways for future career paths for high school students. Courses like interior design, family development and nutrition can introduce students to a passion they hadn’t previously identified. 

Doss is excited to be able to foster those passions in her future students. 

Finding balance 

“The classes aren’t only fun, but they give you an inside look at ‘adulting,’” Doss said. 

Family and consumer sciences graduates are in high demand in Missouri and throughout the nation. 

“Teachers who have completed the family and consumer sciences program are well-prepared for the classroom,” said Ben Johnson, former principal at Blue Eye High School in Blue Eye, Missouri. “They are very knowledgeable. With a strong work ethic and realistic expectations, graduates of the family and consumer sciences program are confident and perform as veteran teachers.” 

Doss is also a member of the Sugar Bears dance team. While being on an athletic team is a large commitment, Doss has found balance. 

“Sugar Bears is a commitment as are all athletics, so I have to be fully invested in both my activities and my school work,” Doss said. 

As a sophomore, Doss is still new to the family and consumer sciences major. However, she’s confident that her path forward is a bright one. 

“The family and consumer sciences program has the best teachers and advisers that are always open to helping you every step of the way.”