Graduate Programs in FCS
The Master of Science degree programs in Family & Consumer Sciences provide a specialized focus to the student's selected of which area of academic emphasis within the department.
Deadlines for submission of applications for M.S., Fall 2013:
- Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Science: Closed for Fall 2013
- Interior Design, Apparel Design and Merchandising, Consumer Affairs and Family Studies: May 30, 2013
Deadlines for submission of applications for M.S. Spring 2014:
- FCS/Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Science: October 1, 2013
- FCS/Interior Design, Apparel Design and Merchandising, Consumer Affairs and Family Studies: December 1, 2013
Options:
Click on the program to see the course requirements for the Master Degree.
Apparel Design & Merchandising
Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Science
Grade Point Average and Course Requirements for Entry
A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 is required for admission to the department as a "conditionally classified" graduate student. Students who have earned a bachelor's in a different area of study, will likely need to take some background courses and/or complete essential prerequisites.
It is possible to do this as a conditionally classified graduate student, as the university will allow students to earn up to twelve units toward the masters' degree before becoming fully classified.
For the Nutrition and Food Science program ONLY, students with an undergraduate GPA of 2.5-2.99 must also take the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) and score at least in the 50th percentile in two of the categories to be admitted into the program. For the Nutrition and Food Science program only, letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose are also required:
a. Submit three letters of recommendation, at least one of the letters must be from an instructor in the student’s undergraduate program, preferably in a science based discipline. Letters should be addressed to the Graduate Coordinator of the program.
b. A statement of purpose stating the reasons why the applicant is interested in the M.S. in Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science in 1000 words or less. The statement should also indicate which graduate pathway the student is interested in: M.S. in Nutrition and/or Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), or M.S. with an emphasis in Food Science. It can also include a description of any previous professional experience and any particular experiences and/or coursework that qualify the applicant for graduate work.
The deadline date for submission of recommendation letters to the M.S. option Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Science is October 1, 2013.
The letters of recommendation and statement of purpose should be mailed to:
Dr. Hira Cho
Graduate Coordinator
Department of Family Consumer Sciences
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge CA, 91330-8308
Your letter of acceptance to the program will include instructions about meeting prerequisite requirements or setting up an appointment with an advisor for further information.
Elements Required for "Fully Classified" status:
- A grade point average of 2.5 plus adequate performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a GPA minimum of 3.0.
- A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with selected approved upper division courses in Family & Consumer Sciences or the equivalent.
- The satisfaction of any other University requirements for classified status.
- Formal approval by the department based upon the total record of the student.
Requirements for degree completion:
Download this handy checklist and guide to graduation
Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 units of approved graduate work composed of the following:
Required courses:
- FCS 681 Research Methods (3)
- FCS 682 Research Applications (3) and
- At least 24 additional units of approved graduate courses. (12 units of these may be at the 400 level)
Also required:
- Thesis: FCS 698 (1-3) or
- Project: FCS 698 (1-3) or
- Comprehensive Examination: FCS 697 Directed Comprehensive Studies (No Credit) (Grade of "B" or better required on examination)
For more information, please contact us!
California State University, Northridge Family &Consumer Sciences 18111 Nordhoff Street Northridge, CA 91330-8308 818.677.3051