About Family and Consumer Sciences This is a multi-faceted degree, and as such, there are a great many directions graduate students may pursue. In general, a graduate program in family and consumer studies will include classes in child development, psychology, nutrition and dietetics, and merchandising, among many other areas. In fact, because of the wide range of areas covered by this degree, the student may choose to become an expert in a specific aspect of it, and focus most of his or her time honing the skills necessary to succeed in that particular area. Upon graduation, you may pursue any number of fields, including, but not limited to, design and manufacturing, consumer affairs posts in corporations, education, hospitality, and sales, among many others.