College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences Requirements

Dean: Orlando F. McMeans

Executive Assistant to the Chancellor-Dean: Lisa Williamson

Special Assistant to the Chancellor-Dean: Jacqueline Dixon

Associate Dean: Renita W. Marshall

Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor-Associate Dean: Michelle Briscoe-Long

College Overview

The College of Agricultural Family and Consumer Sciences (CAFCS) embraces a mission that is consistent with the University’s tripartite mission of teaching, research and public service. The CAFCS prepares students for professional careers in food, fiber, urban forestry and natural resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and agricultural sciences using innovative strategies, up-to-date technologies, and current information. The program provides students with the fundamentals underlying their chosen disciplines, practical applications and solutions to discipline-related problems, and opportunities to transfer knowledge to others in a variety of formal and informal settings.

The research programs in agricultural sciences, urban forestry and natural resources address problems that hold promise for enhancing agricultural productivity and profitability while protecting the environment. The research programs in Family and Consumer Sciences focus on nutrition, health and wellness, textiles, and quality of life indicators for children, adolescents, families and consumers. The results from this research contribute to improving the quality of life and well-being of the people of Louisiana and society in general.

The College provides public service by developing, packaging and transferring information and technology in agricultural, family, and consumer sciences to clientele groups in Louisiana and society in general. Faculty and staff in the College maintain relationships with public and private universities; local, state and federal agencies; and businesses and organizations to maximize opportunities for its graduates.

The College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences has three departments – the Department of Agricultural Sciences, the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, and the Department of Urban Forestry and Natural Resources. The Department of Agricultural Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science degrees: in Agricultural Sciences with concentrations in Agricultural Business and Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Pre-veterinary Medicine, and Plant and Soil Sciences. The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences offers one degree, the Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences, with concentrations in Apparel Merchandising and Textiles; Child Development and Family Life; and Human Nutrition and Food. The Department of Urban Forestry and Natural Resources offers degrees in Urban Forestry at the Bachelors, Master’s and Ph.D. levels.

Academic programs are described in the respective sections of this Catalog. Graduate programs are described in the Southern University Graduate School Bulletin.

Admission Requirements

For regular admission to the College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences, the student must complete the requirements (or equivalent) of the Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement with no less than a 2.0 grade point average.

Transfer of Credits

A student transferring to the CAFCS from another college or university must have the institution to send an official transcript to the Registrar of Southern University, Baton Rouge. All work pursued at other institutions or in another college or school at Southern University shall be reviewed and approved by the dean of the CAFCS for its applicability to the specific general education and major requirements for a degree.

Degree Requirements

To be awarded a degree in the CAFCS, students must successfully complete an approved program of study with the prescribed credit hours and academic average as specified in the respective curricula. Students must pass a comprehensive examination in their respective curricula and satisfactorily complete all other required examinations and appropriate community service requirements.

The Bachelor of Science degree is awarded to students who complete the requirements of the CAFCS as stated below:

• The completion of an approved program of study with a minimum overall 2.0 GPA and with no grade of less than “C” in all CAHSC courses and ENGL-110 and ENGL-111. See the section on Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for details.
• The completion of the required minimum number of credit hours in a major field. The specific semester-hour requirements for the curriculum or curricula in each program is outlined in the description of the program.
• The completion of the following general education requirements:

(See University General Education requirement for specific information) In addition to the college requirements, students must complete Freshman Seminar (FRMN-110 and 111), a community service requirement, an African-American experience, a writing proficiency examination, and a comprehensive examination in the chosen program area. For additional details, consult the section on University General Education Requirements.

Freshman Seminar

To meet graduation requirements, students must take freshman seminar or its equivalent during the first year of matriculation at Southern University. In addition, transfer students must adhere to the following:

• Students who have earned 24 credit hours or less at another institution are required to take freshman seminar or its equivalent.
• Students who have earned more than 24 credit hours from another institution are not required to take freshman seminar as a requirement for graduation.

Core Requirements

Special admission and graduation requirements pertaining to departmental curricula and curricular concentrations are described in respective sections of this Catalog.