Welcome to the Human and Family Sciences web site.  Human and Family Sciences is the new name for a program that began in around 1840 and was known as Home Economics.   The profession evolved and changed and that was reflected in the names that were introduced in the 1980’s such as Human Environmental Science, Human Ecology, and Family and Consumer Sciences.  The profession has continued to grow and change, and thus, Northeastern State University selected Human and Family Sciences to reflect a more contemporary name for this important discipline.

The mission of Human and Family Sciences at Northeastern State University is to focus on an integrative approach to the reciprocal relationships among individuals, families and communities, as well as the environments in which they function. HFS provides leadership in:
•    improving individual, family and community well being;
•    impacting the development, delivery and evaluation of     consumer goods and services;
•    influencing the creation of public policy; and
•    shaping social change.

Threads common to all areas of HFS include:
•    basic human needs
•    communication skills
•    public policy
•    critical thinking
•    diversity
•    global perspectives
•    professionalism
•    independence, dependence and interdependence of    creativity thinking
•    community development
•    technology
•    moral, ethical, and spiritual development
 
The Human and Family Sciences program also provides interdisciplinary courses available to students majoring in other fields. An internship, for those who qualify, is included in the program. The student gains practical experience in a work setting related to the emphasis area. The internship is considered the beginning of the student's career. 

To see the online NSU Catalog

To request more information about programs in Human and Family Sciences,  email Dr. Penny Sommers or write to:

Dr. Penny Sommers,
 Human and Family Sciences, BT 210B
Northeastern State University
College of Science and Health Professions
Tahlequah, OK 74464 
(918) 456-5511, Ext. 2967

Last updated August 21, 2007