Bachelor of Science, Major in Family and Consumer Sciences with Emphasis in Community and Family Services

at Pittsburg State University USA

The Department of Communication offers a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Education, and Master of Arts degrees within a collaborative and collegial environment. Our top-ranked faculty are highly active in their professions and emphasize the importance of fusing theory with applied skill. We have more than 250 majors across the five emphasis areas of human communication, media production, multimedia journalism, strategic communication, and theatre. The department stresses an integrated and active approach to learning. Please explore our website and let us know if you have any questions.

Strategic Communication - Emphasis
Strategic communication involves the applied research, creative development, and planned distribution of informational and persuasive communication messages across a wide variety of channels including: television, radio, print and digital journalism, mobile and social media platforms. Strategic communicators often work on behalf of public and private corporations and non-profit organizations, regionally and globally. Specialized career opportunities are available in many sectors such as: sports and entertainment, travel and tourism, health and wellness, policy and public affairs.

Located within the Kansas Technology Center, the Department of Automotive Technology is recognized by industry as offering one of the best academic programs in the nation. Our professors are accomplished professionals with industry experience and our laboratories offer students access to the latest technology. Learn more about our department and discover why you belong at Pittsburg State University.

Automotive Mechanical Design - Emphasis
This program is the perfect choice for students whose career plans are to work in automotive corporate or dealer technical positions. An emphasis area within our 4-year Automotive Technology program, the Technical program focuses on the advanced automotive technical areas of the automotive industry.

The Department of Psychology and Counseling offers a Masters of Science Degree with a Major in School Counseling.

The School Counseling program prepares candidates for careers as professional school counselors in Pre K-12 settings. Candidates interested in pursuing this program are strongly encouraged to complete an undergraduate degree in education. While two years of teaching experience is no longer required for candidates planning to secure employment as school counselors in the state of Kansas, it is still recommended. Candidates without a degree in education or teaching experience will be required to complete additional coursework and other requirements. In addition to completing the 48 hour program of study in School Counseling, a passing score on the PRAXIS II specialty test for Professional School Counselor is required.

Options available for the degree include:

Option I: Thesis
This option is designed to prepare students for a doctoral program, for advanced professional careers, or for students wanting to complete an in-depth research experience.

Option II: Research Problem
This option is designed to provide a research experience that can include a specific problem, creative and aesthetic efforts such as performances, exhibits, or creative programs, or an internship.

Option III: Coursework
This option requires completion of coursework that demonstrates evidence of advanced coursework in an area of concentration. Departments will require evidence of competency through activities such as research papers, portfolios, practice, internships, comprehensive exams, or other individual work. Students should check with their major department for specific requirements for the coursework.

The Department of Music offers a Master of Music degree, with a variety of emphasis areas, including performance, conducting, and music education. Within the area of conducting, students may select a choral emphasis. This degree is designed to prepare individuals for professional advancement or for entry into further study at the doctoral level.  

Awards for graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Recipients of these awards will assist with teaching as well as the administration of ensembles or other areas of the program.

The Department of Psychology and Counseling offers a Master of Science Degree with a Major in Psychology. Within the program, students will select from two different emphasis areas, General or Clinical.

The Clinical emphasis is designed for students who wish to pursue master’s level licensure in psychology or counseling and provide direct clinical service to individuals with psychological disorders. Students who earn the degree, complete post-degree supervision, and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology are eligible for designation as Licensed Clinical Psychotherapists in Kansas. The program includes a 750 clock hour practicum and internship sequence. The program meets educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in most states, including Missouri, but requirements vary by state. Additional post-degree supervision and national examination are required for licensure as a professional counselor and also varies by state.

Pittsburg State University's Department of Chemistry prepares students for careers in science, chemical engineering, pharmacy, chemistry teaching, pre-engineering, and other university programs that require rigorous training in chemistry. It offers eight Bachelor of Science Degrees, two Master of Science Degrees, and one minor.

Biochemistry - Emphasis
Biochemistry is the field of science resulting from the overlap of biology and chemistry. Biochemists explore the reactions, architecture, and role of biological molecules within a living system. To prepare students for careers in biochemistry, the Department of Chemistry at Pittsburg State University offers a four-year Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Chemistry and Emphasis in Biochemistry.

Studying biochemistry at Pittsburg State University combines the excitement of a vital area of science with the benefits of a regional university, which include hands-on undergraduate and graduate research opportunities and one-on-one interaction with highly qualified faculty.

The Department of Family & Consumer Sciences offers baccalaureate degrees and a cooperative master’s degree program. B.S. programs are offered in Nutrition and Wellness, Community and Family Services, and two tracks in Child Development. A B.S.E. program is offered in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. The department has an Early Childhood Unified: Birth - Kindergarten program. The department offers minors in Child Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Human Ecology, Nutrition and Wellness, and Youth and Adolescent Development. The department also contributes to minors in Women’s Studies and Public Health. 

Child Development - Emphasis
The Early Childhood Development program prepares individuals to work with children ages birth through eight in a variety of programs within the community.

Coursework:

Core courses such as Lifespan Human Development, Interacting with Children, Developmental Planning: Preschool and Kindergarten, Early Childhood Program Organization and Management, and Development of the Child: Birth-8 help provide a solid foundation of knowledge for early childhood professionals.

Students are able to tailor their program to fit their needs by selecting electives that help customize their program to match professional goals. All early childhood development students will select a minor that meets their interests and career goals. Suggested minors include but are not limited to: EC Special Education, Sociology, Psychology, Recreation, Spanish, and Business Administration.

Located within the Kansas Technology Center, the Department of Automotive Technology is recognized by industry as offering one of the best academic programs in the nation. Our professors are accomplished professionals with industry experience and our laboratories offer students access to the latest technology. Learn more about our department and discover why you belong at Pittsburg State University.

Collision Repair and Insurance Management - Emphasis
This program is the perfect choice for students whose career plans are to work in insurance or collision repair positions. An emphasis area within our 4-year Automotive Technology program, the Collision Repair and Insurance Management program focuses on this 10 billion/year sector of the automotive industry.

The PSU School of Construction's mission is to provide a quality construction education and develop professional leaders for the construction industry through extensive recruitment, real-world education and successful placement. We strive to improve the community through service, economic development and applied research.

Our vision is to be an innovative leader in an effective, people-centered, collaborative, accessible learning environment maximizing the potential of construction students, faculty and industry constituents.

The Department of Music offers a Master of Music degree, with a variety of emphasis areas, including performance, conducting, and music education. Within the area of performance, students may select an instrumental (string, wind, brass, percussion, or keyboard) emphasis. This degree is designed to prepare individuals for professional advancement or for entry into further study at the doctoral level.

Awards for full-time graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Recipients of these positions will take active leadership roles in the department's ensembles, teaching and accompanying private lessons, and/or serving as an assistant to the ensemble director.