University Home Economics Programs In The United States: A Survey Of International Involvement

Abstract

One hundred and seventeen home economics institutions in the United States, including Puerto Rico, were surveyed to identify how international perspectives are incorporated into coursework, curricula, and research. Four units reported either an international major, minor, or emphasis area within home economics; three units reported required or elective home economics courses for institu tional international programs of study. About one‐fifth of the respondents planned student experiences in international settings and placed students in international positions after graduation. In contrast, almost half are involved in grantsmanship, research activities and curricular planning on an international scope. Contributions cited were training students from other countries and as sisting individuals and families to improve their quality of life throughout the world, especially women. Future directions recommended by respondents were building a research base for international program development and researching issues impacting quality of life. Since survey replies indicated that faculty involve ment in international programs appears to be based on interest, and activity ap pears to be limited in course and curriculum planning, many questions can be raised in home economics about present educational programs in home eco nomics and relevancy to intercultural‐international programs and research.