College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

FCS Body of Knowledge

The innermost circle relates to the overall mission of Family and Consumer Sciences, which is to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities (the core concepts of FCS) through the basic needs – food, clothing, shelter and relationships – within the context of their environments.

The integrative elements (in the gray area) provide the framework for life development and the human ecosystem. Use and knowledge of the core concepts and integrative elements help professionals address critical, pervasive, and emerging societal issues related to the interrelationships of individuals, families, communities, and the environments in which they function (cross-cutting themes –the outer most circle).

Ultimately, the FCS Body of Knowledge illustrates how FCS is effective and vital in equipping individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle while building capacity – physically and financially – in an ever-changing and more diverse technological world.