The field of family and consumer sciences (FCS), founded as home economics, is the comprehensive body of skills, research, and knowledge that helps people make informed decisions about their well being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life. The field represents many areas, including:
- Human development
- Personal and family finance
- Housing and interior design
- Food science, nutrition, and wellness
- Textiles and apparel
- Consumer issues
Today’s FCS professionals practice in multiple settings and address the issues most important to our quality of life. They are:
- Early childhood, elementary, secondary, university/college, and Extension educators
- Administrators and managers
- Human service professionals,
- Researchers
- Community volunteers
- Business people
- Consultants
The Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Body of Knowledge is the current framework that serves as the foundation for the field. Click here for an overview and explanation of the FCS Body of Knowledge. To learn more about the development and evolution of the FCS Body of Knowledge, check out the AAFCS E-Book - Family and Consumer Sciences Compendium Series: Volume 1, Body of Knowledge.
See our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for additional information on AAFCS and FCS.