2025-2026 University of Wyoming Catalog
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
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252 Agriculture Building, (307) 766-4145
Web site: www.uwyo.edu/fcs
Department Head: Dr. Jill Keith
Associate Professors:
JENNIFER HARMON, B.S. Illinois State University 2009; M.S. The Ohio State University 2013; Ph.D. 2014; Associate Professor, Design, Merchandising, and Textiles 2021, 2015.
ERIN IRICK, B.S. Kansas State University 2000; M.S. 2006; Ph.D. Oklahoma State University 2013; Associate Professor, Design, Merchandising, and Textiles 2019, 2013.
JILL KEITH, B.S. North Dakota State University 2000; M.S. Capella University 2009; Ph.D. North Dakota State University 2016; Associate Professor, Human Nutrition and Food/Dietetics 2022, 2016.
ALYSSA McELWAIN, B.A. Kansas State University 2006; M.S. Purdue University 2008; Ph.D. Auburn University 2015; Associate Professor, Human Development and Family Sciences 2021, 2015.
BERNARD STEINMAN, B.A. University of Washington 1991; M.S. Mississippi State University 2004; Ph.D. University of Southern California 2010; Associate Professor, Human Development and Family Sciences 2022, 2015.
CHRISTINE WADE, B.S. Willamette University 2001; M.S. University of Wyoming 2005; Ph.D. 2008; Associate Professor, Human Development and Family Sciences 2015, 2008
Assistant Professors:
GRACE SHEARRER, B.S. University of Wyoming 2012; Ph.D. University of Texas at Austin 2016. Assistant Professor, Human Nutrition and Food/Dietetics 2020.
Academic Professionals:
JEFF GILIS, University of Toledo, Bachelor of Business Administration, 2007; Bowling Green State University, Master of Food and Nutrition, 2012; University of Wyoming, Assistant Lecturer, 2025.
DANA GOVAERTS, BS in Medicine, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 1998; Doctor of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, 1992, University of Wyoming, Assistant Lecturer, 2025.
SARAH LEE, B.A. and M.S. University of Wyoming 1981; 1996; Assistant Lecturer, Human Development and Family Sciences 2020.
TREVA SPROUT AHRENHOLTZ, B.S. 1993, 1997 University of Wyoming; M.S. 1995; Senior Lecturer, Design, Merchandising, and Textiles 2013, 2005.
Professor Emeritus:
Donna Brown, Bruce Cameron, Saul Feinman, Michael Liebman, Judith A. Powell, Rhoda Schantz, Virginia Vincenti, Mary Kay Wardlaw, Randolph R. Weigel, Karen Williams
Department Information
Our mission is to enhance the physical, social, and economic well-being of individuals, families, and communities, emphasizing healthy and sustainable living across the lifespan. We fulfill our mission through instructional, research, and outreach/extension efforts that challenge, motivate, and inspire.
Family and Consumer Sciences integrates the fundamental components of human life - food, shelter, clothing, human relationships, and family - with larger societal systems. Through majors in design, merchandising and textiles; human food and nutrition; and human development and family sciences, our department prepares learners to meet the opportunities and challenges of today’s complex world.
All students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the department of Family and Consumer Sciences are required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours that include a) University Studies requirements (USP); b) departmental core curriculum; and c) courses in one of the following majors: Design, Merchandising and Textiles; Human Development and Family Sciences; or Human Nutrition and Food. Majors in Design, Merchandising and Textiles must select one of three concentrations: apparel design and product development; interior design, or merchandising. Majors in Human Development and Family Sciences may select a concentration in family and consumer sciences teacher certification or professional child development. Human Nutrition and Food majors may choose to apply to the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Family and Consumer Sciences Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a degree from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences will be proficient in their major as well as be able to effectively communicate (both written and orally), possess intellectual skills (such as critical and creative thinking and problem solving), and demonstrate appropriate levels of professionalism.
Family and Consumer Sciences Core Requirements
A core curriculum is required of all majors in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. This requirement is based on a common body of knowledge in family and consumer sciences which contains concepts relevant to all majors and concentrations.
The Family and Consumer Sciences Core consists of the following requirements.
All majors must complete the following course:
Students must also select one course from each of the following categories outside their major, in consultation with their advisor:
Design, Merchandising and Textiles
The Design, Merchandising, and Textiles (DMT) program emphasizes the study of clothing and textiles, merchandising of textile and apparel products, interior design, retail business sector applications, and various aspects of apparel design, including both artistic and functional design options.
Human Development and Family Sciences
The Human development and Family Sciences (HDFS) program prepares students to work in a variety of critical fields that serve individuals and families across the lifespan.
Human Nutrition and Food
The Human Nutrition and Food Science (HNF) program enables students to pursue studies in areas such as human nutrition and metabolism, food product development, community nutrition, food microbiology, sports nutrition, and disease prevention.
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Application packets for Fall entry are due no later than March 1st.
NOTE: We DO NOT pre-screen applicants–you MUST fill out an application.
Requirements for all applicants:
- A bachelor’s degree based on a four-year curriculum from an institution accredited by one of the regional associations of the Commission on Institution of Higher Education or equivalent.
- A grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in the previous degree.
International students, in addition to the requirements above, must also meet the following requirements:
- A minimum Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 540 on the written exam or 76 on the internet-based exam. UW will also accept a minimum score of 6.5 on the IETLS exam or certification of level 112 ELS completion in lieu of the TOEFL requirements. Applicants from an English speaking country or those who have attended a U.S. institution within one year preceding application to UW may request a waiver through the Office of Admissions: https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/international/english-alternatives.html
- If you are accepted to our program, the Office of Admissions will request evidence of adequate financial resources to fill out your I-20 in preparation for your visa.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
To apply, please complete the Online Application and upload the following:
- Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended are required for consideration to our program; official transcripts will be required by the Office of Admissions if you are recommended to admissions with a Departmental Approval.
- Names and contact information for at least 3 people who will provide letters of recommendation about your preparedness and/or qualifications for the desired graduate degree program
- A statement of intent that includes:
- Why you are seeking this degree
- Your specific research interests
- How your educational, research, work, and/or other experiences have shaped your educational and research interests
- The faculty member(s) you are interested in working with and how your research interests and experiences fit with that mentor
- A brief resume or curriculum vitae
Please note that we cannot grant Application Fee waivers.
International applicants must also upload:
- GRE scores
- unofficial GRE scores are acceptable for consideration by the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
- Official GRE scores will be required after acceptance by the Office of Admissions
- Our department does not have a GRE minimum, however, it is important to note that our program is highly competitive and that applicants with higher GRE scores are prioritized during consideration.
- We do not grant GRE waivers.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
All applicants to our program are considered for a graduate assistantship; there is not a separate application procedure, and as such, the deadline is the same as your application to the program, March 1st. You are NOT REQUIRED to reach out to particular faculty members during the application process, but priority consideration is given to applicants who have researched the department’s objectives and possess research interests that engage with the faculty.
Graduate Assistantships are special opportunities for qualified, exemplary candidates. Selection for department-funded assistantships is highly competitive; these are highly sought after work positions that make the University’s learning experience affordable and superlative. There are three types of GAships available: Teaching, Research, and Administrative. Each comes with financial benefits that offset the costs of attending the University for your educational life. An extended overview of the benefits and duties of Graduate Assistantships can be found on the website for the Office of Graduate Education: https://www.uwyo.edu/uwgrad/enrolled-students/financial-assistance/assistantship-funding.html
Additional information can be found here: https://acalogcatalog.uwyo.edu/content.php?catoid=14&navoid=1189
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