The Department of Human Ecology offers baccalaureate degrees in three major areas:

• Food and Nutritional Sciences
• Textiles and Apparel Studies
• Consumer Sciences

Option: Food and Nutritional Sciences (FNS)

The Food and Nutritional Sciences Program in the Department of Human Ecology at Delaware State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). This program provides students with the knowledge and skills required for the practice of dietetics. The Food and Nutritional Sciences curriculum fulfills the ADA requirement for Dietetics and general education requirement for a baccalaureate degree. The curriculum prepares graduates for the task of providing science-based nutrition information essential to the health and wellbeing of individuals. A Baccalaureate degree is conferred upon completion of 34 credit hours of general education courses, 42 credit hours of supporting courses and 48 credit hours of FNS core courses. The FNS program prepares students for further studies in nutritional sciences, public health, preventive medicine, medical, dental and pharmacy school, nutrigenomics, and sports nutrition.

Upon completion of the program and acquiring a BS degree in Human Ecology, students are issued a Verification Statement signifying completion of ADA requirement, and that students are eligible to apply for dietetic internship in an ADA accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) program or pursue graduate studies.

The Food and Nutritional Sciences Program has the following emphasis areas:

• Food, Nutrition and Dietetics: Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
• Minor in Food and Nutrition

To become a Registered Dietician students must:

1. Complete a baccalaureate degree
2. Complete a supervised practice dietetic internship
3. Pass the Registration exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
4. Complete continuing professional requirement to maintain registration

Examination Application

All candidates approved as eligibility to take the exam for the first time will automatically receive an examination application from the testing service. Candidates who established eligibility previously must request an examination application. Candidates must contact the Commission on Dietetic Registration, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995; by telephone (312/899-4859); or by fax (312/899-4772) or website (www.eatright.org) to request an examination application. The request should include name and CDR/ADA identification number. The examination application expires one year from the date of processing. Expired applications or photocopies of applications will not be accepted.

Option: Textiles and Apparel Studies (TAS)

The TAS program provides students opportunity to develop professional skills in communication, analytical thinking, teamwork, and ethical behavior that sustain graduates as they apply management and marketing theory, and business principles to the global fashion industry. Students in the TAS program have opportunities to develop knowledge of retail functions, merchandising principles, forecasting trends, and textile selection and evaluation. Majors are required to complete an approved internship after completion of all junior level fashion merchandising courses. TAS graduates are prepared to address the production, distribution and consumption of textile and apparel products from a variety of perspectives: global, economic, social, political, technological and marketing. Students have the opportunity to participate in summer internship at collaborative industries in the nation, earning variable credit hours. Summer internships with industries provide students hands-on experience in design, and fashion merchandizing, and exposure to new products. A Baccalaureate degree is conferred upon completion of 34 credit hours of general education courses, 42 credit hours of supporting courses and 49 credit hours of TAS courses.

Option: Consumer Sciences (CS)

A specialization in Consumer Science provides students knowledge in consumer affairs. Students are expected to develop strength in business and economics, education and communications. Consumer Science studies prepare our graduates for career opportunities in consumer affairs, banking, consumer education, community and government agencies, including consumer advocacy groups. Graduates in consumer sciences serve as important liaison function; representing consumer’s viewpoint to the company or agencies. A Baccalaureate degree is conferred upon completion of 34 credit hours of general education courses, 42 credit hours of supporting courses and 49 credit hours of CS courses.

Land-grant mission

Research: The department has made significant efforts by integrating teaching and research for the purpose of providing students hands-on laboratory experiences and develops data that can be presented at scientific meetings.

A concerted effort is currently being made to add a Food Science program to provide additional career opportunity for students in Nutrition and Dietetics and to train students who are capable of meeting the nation’s growing demand of professionals in the food and agriculture industries. Scientists are currently working on the development low-glycemic index and high monounsaturated fatty acids products that could be used to combat obesity and manage type II diabetes. This research effort will be used to promote a Food Science and attract students into the department.

Academic Policies

Each Departmental major is required to earn a "C" grade or better in all courses in the major field. Departmental majors cannot earn more than one "D" grade in any course designated as a Major Support Course.

D's in Major Courses: Students may not earn a "D" in any major course. Major courses are courses with the "18" prefix designation (for example 18-105).

D's in Major Support Courses: Students may graduate with no more than one "D" in major support courses. Each option area will designate major support courses. All other requirements must be satisfied to qualify for graduation.

Add/drop monitoring: The Department encourages students to work hard to avoid the need to drop a course. If a student decides to drop a course, the student will be asked to complete an add/drop slip, to obtain the advisor's signature or initials, and the signature of the Department chair. The student must sign an add/drop release which states: "The Department cannot guarantee that the course you are dropping will be offered again within the next academic year. By signing this release, I acknowledge that I understand that dropping this course may delay the completion of my degree by one or more semesters."

Admissions

To be admitted to the Department of Human Ecology you must meet general admission requirement of the university . The department is looking for students who have interest in sciences and human health, and would like working with people.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

A variety of scholarships, federal and state grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities are available to qualified students. For application forms, call the Financial Aid Office at 302-857-6250.