Department of Human Sciences
Chair: Samii Kennedy Benson
Program Leaders: Jung-Im Seo, Kenyetta Nelson-Smith, Melissa Johnson
Associate Professors: Samii Kennedy Benson, Kenyetta Nelson-Smith, Jung-Im Seo
Assistant Professors: Melissa Johnson
Instructors: Gillian Sims, Courtney Johnson, Keisha Dandridge, Brandi Gunn, Alexis Perkins, Oscar Udoh, Yolanda Kyser, Brenda Williams, Kaala Lawla-Megress, Chantelle Jones, Leticia Sarkodee-Ado, Alexis Motely
Administrative Assistant: Deirdra Ricard
The Department of Human Sciences is "Leading the Human Race!" As a vanguard of possibility and progress, the Department of Human Sciences is dedicated to propelling humanity forward. Our unwavering mission is to elevate the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities through a commitment to excellence in teaching, cutting-edge scholarly endeavors tailored to meet the evolving needs of our constituents at both state and national levels, and impactful outreach initiatives spanning local, national, and global spheres. The department utilizes an integrative approach to teaching, research, and service to accomplish its mission.
Our comprehensive degree program is meticulously crafted to equip both men and women with the knowledge and skills essential for leadership, scholarly pursuits, and service in the dynamic fields of human sciences and family and consumer sciences. By fostering specific and applied expertise, our program empowers graduates to excel in a diverse array of professions and to thrive in advanced academic pursuits, including graduate studies. The culmination of this transformative journey is marked by the conferral of a degree upon the completion of a rigorous curriculum encompassing a minimum of 120 credit hours.
Human Sciences Concentrations
The department offers one degree, a Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences, with six concentrations. The areas of concentration include: (1) Child and Family Studies, (2) Child Life Specialist, (3) Fashion Merchandising, Design and Textiles, (4) Culinary/Food Management, (5) Nutrition and Health Informatics, and (6) Nutrition, Health and Wellness.
The Human Science degree program encompasses a diverse range of subject matter areas, including nutrition, food management, culinary arts, health and wellness, child development, family studies, textile evaluation, fashion merchandising, apparel design, and consumer education. This comprehensive curriculum not only offers a solid foundation in general education but also delves deep into the core principles of family and consumer sciences, emphasizing family systems theory.
Students in each specialization are required to complete an internship, practicum, or field experience tailored to provide hands-on, real-world exposure in their chosen field. These practical experiences are designed to equip students with the necessary pre-professional skills and knowledge.
The department's commitment to research and public service further enriches the academic program, offering valuable support and enhancement to the overall learning experience. Graduates of the program are expected to exhibit proficiency in oral and written communication, readiness for advanced studies or professional endeavors, adeptness in computer literacy, mastery of qualitative and quantitative analysis, and expertise in their chosen area of specialization, ensuring they are well-prepared for successful employment opportunities.
Degree Requirements of the Department
Requirements and procedures for admission, retention, and graduation are the same in the Department of Human Sciences as for the University. A Bachelor of Science degree in Human Sciences will be awarded to the student who has satisfactorily completed the minimum 120 hours of course work for the selected concentration. These credits include general education core courses, department core courses: FCSC 140 Orientation to Family and Consumer Sciences (1 Credit hr.) and FCSC 481 Family and Consumer Sciences Perspectives (2 Credit hrs.), and courses in respective concentration areas. A grade of C or better is required in all courses toward the concentration. Students must satisfy the African-American experience requirement as well as service learning hours to graduate.
Internship, Practicum or Field Experience
The Department of Human Sciences requires all majors to complete an internship, a practicum or field experience. The Department maintains linkages with businesses, cooperative extension services, hospitals, community and public health agencies, food service establishments, fashion, apparel and textile agencies, retailers, nursery schools, day care centers, kindergartens and various federal agencies to provide student internships and practical training.
Dietetic Internship
The Dietetic Internship is a post-baccalaureate, two-semester program that incorporates the Standards for Internship Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Students apply for a limited number of slots. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to complete the Registration Examination to become a Registered Dietitian.
Minor Options
The Department of Human Sciences offers a minor in four areas: (1) Child and Family Studies, (2) Fashion Merchandising, Design and Textiles, (3) Culinary/Food Management, and (4) Nutrition, Health and Wellness. A minor can be earned in conjunction with a major degree and allows an individual to specialize in an academic area and gain a competitive advantage for tomorrow’s workforce.