High School Students
Pathways for Students in High School
The best path to becoming an FCS teacher is to attend college to study Family and Consumer Sciences Education and obtain an FCS Pre-Credential Program Bachelor of Science. This degree prepares students with a vast subject area of knowledge, classroom management skills, and teacher preparation to be successful FCS teachers. CSU Sacramento and CSU Northridge are the only two California State Universities that offer the Pre-Credential Single Subject Program.
Paths to an FCS Teaching Credential
With any FCS or FCS-related degree, students can pass the California State Examination for Teachers (CSET) to obtain a Home Economics/FCS Credential. With this credential, teachers are qualified to teach in any FCS industry pathway (Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation; Education and Child Development; or Fashion and Interior Design).
Teach FCS with a Single Subject Teaching Credential
With any FCS-related degree, students can pass the California State Examination for Teachers (CSET) to obtain a Home Economics/FCS Credential. With this credential, teachers are qualified to teach in any FCS industry pathway (Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation; Education and Child Development; or Fashion and Interior Design).
B.A. or B.S. degree in Family and Consumer Sciences
OR
Major in a related field (such as Hospitality Management, Child Development, Food Science, Nutrition, or Education) and pass the CSET to confirm subject area proficiency.
Complete a fifth year credential program consisting of curriculum and instruction coursework and student teaching.
OR
Apply for a two-year paid internship program where you complete the curriculum and instruction coursework (unlike student teaching, you must find your own teaching position).
Single Subject Teaching Credential Programs
The following public institutions offer Home Economics (FCS) Single Subject Credential programs in California.
CSU Sacramento
- On campus
- Fifth year
- Spring internship available
CSU Northridge
- On campus
- Fifth year
- Spring internship available
CSU Bakerfield
- On campus
- Fifth year
Tulare County Office of Education, IMPACT Program
- On campus
- Internship available
Los Angeles County Office of Education
- Pre-service program and internship
- In-person, online, or hybrid
CSU Sacramento
- On campus
- Fifth year
- Spring internship available
CSU Northridge
- On campus
- Fifth year
- Spring internship available
CSU Bakerfield
- On campus
- Fifth year
Tulare County Office of Education, IMPACT Program
- On campus
- Internship available
Los Angeles County Office of Education
- Pre-service program and internship
- In-person, online, or hybrid
For private institutions that offer FCS Single Subject Credential programs and detailed credential requirements, please see the Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.
