Family and Consumer Science

Design Your Life. Build Your Career. Lead Your Community.

Are you ready to gain the skills that actually matter for your future? The Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) department, led by Chairperson Amber McKinney, is the ultimate destination for students who want to merge creativity with practical expertise. Our courses aren't just classes—they are experiences that prepare you for high-demand careers in education, design, culinary arts, and social services.

Fashion & Interior Design: Unleash Your Creativity

Transform your aesthetic vision into reality through our hands-on design pathways.

• Fashion & Textiles: Move from basic clothing construction to a deep dive into merchandising and textile science. Our Fashion Capstone even explores the history of Western dress and includes work-based experiences to jumpstart your career in the fashion industry.
• Interior Design: Learn to master space analysis, furniture arrangement, and sustainable design. You’ll create 3D drawings and hand renderings while learning the building codes and materials used by professional designers.

Nutrition, Wellness & Adulting

Take control of your health and your independence with courses designed for the real world.

• Advanced Nutrition & Wellness: Go beyond basic cooking. Explore food safety, meal planning, and cultural influences on food choices in our state-of-the-art laboratory environments.
• Adult Roles & Responsibilities: This is the ultimate "life hack" class. Learn to navigate independent living, consumer choices, and the integration of family and career responsibilities.
• Personal Finance & Interpersonal Relationships: Master your money (budgeting, investing, and credit) and your mindset (communication styles, conflict management, and building healthy self-esteem).

Education & Human Services: Impact the Future

If you are passionate about helping others and giving back to your community, these pathways offer professional certifications and field experience.

• Early Childhood Education: Prepare for your CDA (Child Development Associate) credential while working directly with children. Learn the foundations of early literacy and how to create inclusive learning environments.
• Education Professions: Thinking about becoming a teacher? Explore educational careers through hands-on experiences in district elementary schools, learning how to integrate technology and support exceptional learners.
• Human & Social Services: Dive into the psychology of relationships, diversity, and the helping process. This pathway prepares you for careers in counseling and community support, covering vital topics like group dynamics and professional ethics.

Why Choose FACS?

• Work-Based Learning: Many of our capstone courses include "all aspects of the industry" experiences, allowing you to learn on-site.
• Certifications: Earn industry-recognized credentials that make your résumé stand out to employers and colleges alike.
• Real-World Skills: From managing a household budget to understanding child psychology, you will graduate with the confidence to handle whatever life throws at you.

Invest in yourself. Explore your passions. Build a foundation for a lifetime of success.

Ready to join us?

Contact Amber McKinney at 317-387-4608 or stop by the FACS department to find the pathway that’s right for you!

Department Chair

Amber McKinney