Mailing Address: 225 S. 1400 E., Rm. 228, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0080
Office Hours: M-Th 9:30am-4:30pm F 9:30 am – 1pm
Website: www.fcs.utah.edu
Phone: 801-581-6521
Email: danielle.willardsen@fcs.utah.edu
Department Chair: Jessie Fan, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Director: Zhou Yu, Ph.D.
Graduate Director: Marissa Diener, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Advisor: Lindsay Dunn (Financial Planning and Counseling)
Graduate Advisor: Jenny Stout
Contact for Prospective Students:
Financial Planning and Counseling (Undergraduate): advisor.fpc@fcs.utah.edu
Human Development and Family Studies (Undergraduate): advisor.hdfs@fcs.utah.edu
Financial Planning and Counseling AND Human Development and Social Policy (Graduate): jenny.stout@fcs.utah.edu
Mission Statement
Our mission is to build, share, and use knowledge that supports human development and family well-being at all stages of life, in communities and society.
Overview
The Department of Family and Consumer Studies (FCS) takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the social, economic, and physical well-being of individuals and families within the broader context of communities and policy environments. Complex societal challenges — from healthy child development and safe neighborhoods to poverty alleviation — cannot be fully understood or addressed through any single academic discipline. Solutions require Combined disciplinary strengths.
Both graduate and undergraduate programs are grounded in theory, empirical research, and policy implementation. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with a department advisor early in their program to discuss career goals and develop a personalized academic plan.
Types of Degrees
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
Minors
Master of Science
Doctor of Philosophy
Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate students benefit from direct engagement with our award-winning faculty, along with opportunities for research, internships, and community-engaged coursework. For students seeking flexibility, both the HDFS major (non-emphasis track) and our FPC majors are available fully online.
Students are encouraged to connect with an academic advisor early in their program to determine the most appropriate emphasis or non-emphasis track and to begin developing a personalized graduation plan.
Graduate Program
Students in the HDSP master's and doctoral programs benefit from close faculty mentorship and a collaborative cohort environment. Working alongside their committee chair and graduate coordinator, students develop an individualized program of study that may incorporate community engagement and teaching opportunities. The FCS department is widely regarded by students as an exceptionally supportive academic community.
Additional Information
Professional/Career Opportunities
FCS graduates go on to build meaningful careers across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, social services, public policy, and nonprofit leadership, and financial counseling or planning. Alumni work in roles spanning direct client care, research and data analysis, program administration, and community outreach — reflecting the versatility of an FCS education. Many hold leadership positions as program directors, executives, and agency heads, while others pursue advanced degrees and licensure in fields such as law, social work, occupational therapy, and school psychology. Wherever they land, FCS alumni are united by a commitment to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities.