Human Ecology
Prepare for a career in human ecology, and fashion merchandising and design with student-centered learning at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Department of Human Ecology.
Chair’s Welcome
Dear Prospective Students and Families
I am delighted to welcome you to the Department of Human Ecology. Our core mission is to educate and prepare professionals who will serve individuals, families, and communities and enhance the quality of life in a diverse and global society. Our focus on family-centered professions makes us instrumental in supporting the well-being of families and communities.
As one of the oldest departments at UMES, we have a rich history of growth and innovation. Our primary goal is to prepare the next generation of professionals to serve families. Accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, our department is part of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, the university’s land grant arm.
Our department offers majors tailored to different interests and career paths. We have expanded our academic offerings by introducing a standalone B.S. degree in Fashion Merchandising and Design, an online option for the Child Development program, and an M.S. degree in Human Ecology. Students can also major in Human Ecology with a concentration in one of five areas: child development, dietetics, nutrition, family and consumer sciences, and family and consumer sciences education.
We provide hands-on learning opportunities for all students in our cutting-edge laboratories. Our dedicated faculty members are committed to enriching classroom teaching.
Please explore our website to learn more about our dynamic program. For an in-depth experience, I invite you to visit us and meet our dedicated faculty.
Dr. Grace Namwamba, Chair
Prepare for a Career in Human Ecology
The Department of Human Ecology will prepare you for careers, graduate studies and leadership roles with hands-on experiences in textiles, apparel construction, nutrition and dietetics, child development, or family and consumer sciences.
With a small-class environment and one-on-one professor interactions, we empower our students through education, discovery and community outreach to become professionals serving individuals, families and communities. Our graduates will improve the quality of life in a diverse technological and global society.
Our fashion merchandizing and design program participates in the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Visiting Student Program in New York City.
The Department is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. The Dietetic Internship and Didactic Program in Dietetics are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology – Child Development (Online Option)
- Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology – Dietetics/Nutrition
- Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology – Family and Consumer Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology – Family and Consumer Sciences Education
- Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Design – Fashion Merchandising
- Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Design – Fashion Merchandising- Fashion Institute of Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Design – Fashion Design
- Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
Aggregated Achievement Data for the Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology
Graduate Programs
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Ecology (online) – Child Development Track
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Ecology (online) – Family and Consumer Sciences Track
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Ecology (online) – Fashion Merchandising Track
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Ecology (online) – Clinical Nutrition Track
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Ecology (online) – Nutrition and Wellness Track
- Dietetic Internship (DI)
Student Life
Student life in the department is well-balanced between academic and social life. Human Ecology students can join the Human Ecology Club and Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society in addition to other campuswide clubs and organizations. Getting involved in college clubs and organizations, coupled with social events organized throughout the academic year, there’s something for everyone at UMES. Our strategic location within driving distance of major cities — such as Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia, PA; Richmond, VA; and New York City — makes student life at UMES vibrant and unique.
CHECK OUT our student magazine, Mixin’ It.
Paying for UMES
UMES is affordable. The UMES Office of Admissions and Recruitment offers numerous financial packages, and our department offers several financial assistance opportunities. The Department of Human Ecology degree undergraduates are also offered the opportunity to enroll in the UMES Land-Grant Scholarship Program. Learn more about tuition costs and financial aid opportunities at UMES.
Scholarships for Human Ecology students
- The James W and Anne W Taylor Endowment Fund
- The Brenda Eaton Edwards Scholarship Fund
- Ronnie and Brenda Holden Scholarship Fund
- The Julia Carter Lacy Endowed Scholarship Fund
- The Shirley Hymon Parker Endowed Fund
- Elka M Stevens Professional Development Endowment
- Williedean H Waring and Eddie Gregg Scholarship Fund
- Human Ecology Alumni Endowment Fund
- Dr. Youssef Hafez Endowment Fund
- The Savoy Fund for Human Ecology
- George A. & Peggy W. Stewart Endowment Fund
- The Retia Walker Scholarship Fund
Careers
The Department of Human Ecology opens up diverse graduate and career opportunities for our students. Some of the career fields or graduate programs you could pursue after graduation include:
Graduate Programs
- Family Science
- Social work
- Education
- MBA
- Marketing
- Nutritional Sciences
Careers
Child Development
- Child care center director
- Licensing specialist
- Program referral specialist
- After-school program coordinator
- Parent educator
- Child care center or family-based educator
- Head Start coordinator
Dietetics and Nutrition
- Registered dietician
- Nutrition specialist
- Cooperative Extension agent
- Food service specialist
Fashion Merchandising and Design
- Retail store manager
- Visual merchandising manager
- Retail buyer
- Merchandising coordinator
- Fashion coordinator
- Fashion consultant
- Fashion journalist
- Stylist
- Fashion designer
- Product development manager
- Entrepreneur
Family and Consumer Sciences/Education
- Cooperative Extension agent
- Home services director
- Parent education specialist
- Public affairs specialist
Take the Next Step
Whether you’re preparing to work with children and their families, in a food and nutrition-related career in a hospital or health center, or in the field of fashion merchandising, the Department of Human Ecology at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is ready to help you begin your journey.
Our Mission
To empower students through education, discovery and community outreach to become professionals serving individuals, families and communities to improve the quality of life in a diverse technological and global society.
The Department of Human Ecology is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Dietetic Internship and Didactic Program in Dietetics are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Over the past eight years, the DI program has had a 92% first-time pass rate and a one-year pass rate of 94%.
