Northern Illinois University

School of Family, Consumer & Nutrition Sciences

Graduate Programs

M.S. in Applied Family
and Child Studies

The M.S. in Applied Family and Child Studies at Northern Illinois University provides professional career enhancement for:

  1. Programming and administration in family social services and child development settings in community and government agencies, including youth work, gerontological programming, child life programs in hospitals, infant and child care programs, family support services, family life, and parenting education
  2. Advanced graduate work and research
  3. Secondary and college teaching

Master of Science in Family & Consumer Sciences

The Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences is intended to serve two general groups:  bachelor-degreed apparel industry professionals who seek to augment their educational background regarding consumers of apparel and related products (Specialization in Apparel Studies), and middle and high school educators in family and consumer sciences who wish to maintain their teaching certification while advancing professionally (Specialization in Family and Consumer Sciences Education).


M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics

Graduate study in the M.S. degree program in Nutrition and Dietetics focuses upon applied human nutrition.  This focus ranges from nutrition as a primary factor in health promotion and disease prevention in the community to medical nutrition therapy in health care facilities.

Certificate of Graduate Study: Eating Disorders and Obesity

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Eating Disorders and Obesity is the only 12 credit program in the nation utilizing the study of Nutrition, Family Studies, and Body Image to assist students and current professionals in obtaining knowledge and developing skills related to the prevention and management of obesity and eating disorders.


Dietetic Internship

The Dietetic Internship at Northern Illinois University combines supervised practice experiences with Master of Science degree program in Nutrition and Dietetics. Upon program completion, dietetic interns are eligible to take the registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian and graduate with a M.S. degree in Nutrition and Dietetics.


Specialization in Apparel Studies

This specialization, oriented toward the human sciences, is designed to enhance students’ abilities in applying subject matter, critical thinking, and oral and written communication skills in the professional apparel industry.


Specialization in Family & Consumer Sciences Education

This specialization provides a foundation for advanced graduate work and research within Family and Consumer Sciences Education, as well as the professional development of teachers in practice.


Specialization in Marriage
& Family Therapy

The Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 54 semester hour program leading to a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Applied Family and Child Studies with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy.