Vision
The School of Human Ecology will provide academically challenging programs that offer flexible learning opportunities, support, and educate generations whose goals are to lead and assist others in having a quality of life via technology, learning community, research and outreach.
Mission
The School of Human Ecology’s mission is to explore and enhance the human experience through the context of families and merchandising with emphasis on research, practical application, collaboration, and community service. Focusing on diversity, sustainability and wellness in an ever-changing world, we endeavor to create opportunities and educational experiences for students to become competent and engaged professionals.
Program highlights
The School of Human Ecology has been an integral part of Louisiana Tech University since the university’s foundation in 1894. The School’s programs were the first offered in its disciplines in the state.
Currently, The School of Human Ecology houses two undergraduate programs: Fashion Merchandising & Retail Studies and Human Development & Family Science.
The following data represents enrollment, retention, graduation, and licensing/certification performance indicators for the School of Human Ecology over the most recent three-year reporting periods.
Enrollment
| Enrollment Unit | Year 1 (2022-23) | Year 2 (2023-24) | Year 3 (2024-25) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Merchandising and Retail Studies - First Time Freshmen | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| Human Development and Family Science - First Time Freshmen | 12 | 12 | 9 |
| First Time Freshmen - Entire Family and Consumer Sciences Unit | 18 | 18 | 13 |
| Fashion Merchandising and Retail Studies - Total Enrollment | 33 | 25 | 21 |
| Human Development and Family Science - Total Enrollment | 100 | 95 | 64 |
| Total Enrollment - Entire Family and Consumer Sciences Unit | 133 | 120 | 85 |
Student Performance and Achievement Reported
| Program(s) | Year 1 Retention Rate (2021-22) | Year 2 Retention Rate (2022-23) | Year 3 Retention Rate (2023-24) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Merchandising and Retail Studies | 100% n=3/3 |
83% n=5/6 |
83% n=5/6 |
| Human Development and Family Science | 89% n=8/9 |
67% n=8/12 |
100% n=12/12 |
| Total Family and Consumer Sciences Unit | 92% n=11/12 |
72% n=13/18 |
84% n=17/18 |
| Program(s) | Year 1 Graduation Rate (2021-22)*** | Year 2 Graduation Rate (2022-23)*** | Year 3 Graduation Rate (2023-24)*** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Merchandising and Retail Studies | 50%* n=4/8 75%** n=6/8 |
80%* n=4/5 80%** n=4/5 |
100%* n=5/5 100%** n=5/5 |
| Human Development and Family Science | 60%* n=9/15 80%** n=12/15 |
67%* n=10/15 73%** n=11/15 |
69%* n=11/16 81%** n=13/16 |
| * incoming freshman cohort graduation rate of 5 years or less (starting and completing
same major) ** incoming freshman cohort graduation rate of 5 years or less (starting and completing at Louisiana Tech) *** national average is 64% (nces.ed.gov) |
|||
| Program(s) | Year 1 Graduates (2021-22) | Year 2 Graduates (2022-23) | Year 3 Graduates (2023-24) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Merchandising and Retail Studies | 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Human Development and Family Science | 33 | 33 | 42 |
| Total Family and Consumer Sciences Unit | 38 | 43 | 50 |
The School of Human Ecology also houses a Human Development and Family Science Program. Although the national organizations do not release test results data, graduates are eligible to pursue the following certifications:
- Certified Child Life Specialist (Human Development and Family Science graduates with concentrations in Child Life)
- Certified Family Life Educator (Human Development and Family Science graduates with concentration in Family Science)