Requirements to Be a Home Economist

Home economists help families and communities.

Home economists specialize in helping communities and building stronger families through education. They offer assistance in everything that affects people from freezing food to balancing a budget. Their work centers on the basic human need for food and shelter. This field of study is commonly called "family and consumer science." Certified home economists have a bachelor's degree from a program accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Science (AAFCS) and have passed an exam. Home economists should enjoy working with people and educating adults and children.

Bachelor's Degree

Home economists may teach in schools.

Home economists are usually graduates of a Bachelor of Science degree program in family and consumer science that is accredited by the AAFCS. The programs emphasize teaching skills. The program at the University of North Dakota, for example, can lead to a teaching certificate. Graduates may teach in vocational schools, high schools and middle schools. The coursework includes early childhood development, fashion design, diet and nutrition, consumer economics, personal finance as well as teaching techniques. Family and consumer science programs include courses on teaching adults and communication skills as these are important skills for a home economist.

AAFCS Certification

Students completing a bachelor's degree in consumer and family science can obtain certification by successfully completing one of three exams. Certification s not required for all jobs but is an important differentiator for job candidates. Certified home economists may join the AAFCS and become part of a professional network that is beneficial in providing continuing education and career updates. The Family and Consumer Sciences composite exam is for generalists. Home economists may specialize by taking the "Hospitality, Nutrition and Food Science" exam or the "Human Development and Family Studies" exam. The exams consist of 150 multiple choice questions and must be completed within a three-hour time period. More information is available from the AAFCS.

People Skills

Home economists working in the field of family and consumer science may be teachers in high schools, middle schools or vocational schools. They may teach a variety of adult education classes at a county extension office or run programs like 4-H and Boy Scouts. People skills are critical to this career. Home economists must be skilled in communicating with people of all ages and from diverse backgrounds. They must be able to adapt their teaching methods to the audience. The College Board recommends that students of family and consumer science be "interested in helping children, families and communities" and that they be "open to different approaches."

Internships

Some university programs offer internships with hands on experience in the field of family and consumer science. Internships provide experience that helps the student choose a career path and provides relevant experience for a resume. While not required, it is an excellent idea to choose a program that offers internships.

References

• American Association of Family and Consumer Science: Achieving Certification
• AAFCS: Family & Consumer Sciences Examination Study Guide
• College Board: Major: Family and Consumer Sciences

Resources

• NDSU: Family and Consumer Sciences Education