Program Assessment

The assessment process begins with the University, College, and Departmental mission statements, and includes the development of program educational objectives and desired student learning outcomes, collection of student data and work samples, preparation of detailed assessment documents, evaluation of the collected data, and a feedback loop that produces continuous improvement.

Departmental Mission

The mission of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences is to prepare professionals who help promote a better quality of life for individuals and families, enhancing the interrelationships of people and communities in diverse social, economic and physical environments. For graduates who wish further specialization, the curriculum prepares them for advanced training or degrees such as UT Martin's Master of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences.

A complimentary mission of the department is to provide service courses for individual and curricular needs of students outside the major, as well as professional and non-professional persons in the region. Dietetics and Child and Family Programs improve the quality of life for the individuals and families in the region through public service and research.

Departmental Vision

To produce outstanding graduates who use Family and Consumer Sciences knowledge and skills to address societal issues to promote the global well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Student Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate Major in Family and Consumer Sciences

Upon completion of the bachelor of science degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a major in family and consumer sciences, the graduate will be able to:

  1. Use technology that is appropriate for professionals in family and consumer sciences.
  2. Use professional skills for effective communication, team building and decision making consistent with standards of ethical practice.
  3. Exhibit appropriate interpersonal skills and professional attitude in professional and community settings.
  4. Engage in professional networking in their area of specialization
  5. Identify relevant issues and participate in the legislative process of public policy as it relates to family and consumer sciences.
  6. Interact effectively with individuals and families, taking into consideration social, economic, psychological, and cultural differences.
  7. Apply physical/biological and social sciences foundations in family and consumer sciences.
  8. Apply knowledge gained from the student’s specialty area in family and consumer sciences careers.
  9. Apply critical thinking skills for analysis of social, economic and political issues.
Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences

Upon completion of the master of science degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a major in family and consumer sciences, the graduate will be able to:

  1. Design research projects to address problems/issues that affect individuals, families, and communities.
  2. Demonstrate critical thinking skills in evaluating current research and its application to issues that affect individuals, families, and communities.
  3. Apply prevailing theories and/or evidence-based practices within FCS area of interest.
  4. Identify and relate public policy to issues (domestic and global) affecting various areas of family and consumer sciences.
  5. Demonstrate ongoing synthesis and application of relevant literature, current trends, and emerging issues within family and consumer sciences.
  6. Articulate and apply the standards of ethical practice in professional disciplines.

Student Performance and Achievements

FCS Graduates

One of the benefits of enrolling in Family and Consumer Sciences at UT Martin is the small class sizes. Students are able to get to know their classmates and work closely with faculty throughout their program of study. Over the past three years, the graduating classes in FCS concentration areas have been 24 students (in 2021), 18 students (in 2022) and 17 students (in 2023).

Many Family and Consumer Sciences graduates obtain jobs in their fields of study soon after graduation. For example, in each of the past three years at least one FCS graduate per year has been licensed to teach in a Tennessee middle or high school and at least two graduates per year have become registered dietitian/nutritionists. For details on other career paths FCS graduates take, see the Areas of Study section of our page.  A significant number of FCS students (between 11% and 26% in each of the last three graduating classes) have reported starting graduate school after receiving their bachelor’s degree.

Student Retention and Graduation

Students in FCS have the tendency to remain with their chosen major from year to year. For example: