Family and Consumer Communications
(formerly Family and Consumer Journalism; formerly Home Economics Journalism)

Even before the introduction of a major in Home Economics Journalism in 1933, some students had prepared for careers in journalism by completing majors in other fields of home economics and taking electives in the Journalism or Agricultural Journalism Department. Among these early graduates was Nell Nichols, who earned a Masters in foods and nutrition with a minor in Journalism in 1917, and who went to write for and later edit Women's Home Companion, in addition to authoring numerous cookbooks.

Wisconsin Country Magazine staff, 1935

During the early decades of the Home Economics Journalism major, students could choose to enrich their formal studies by writing for the Wisconsin Country Magazine, the student newspaper of the College of Agriculture. Students also gained experience in broadcasting by appearing on the WHA program Homemakers’ Program under Aline Hazard's supervision. There they might present a talk on interior decorating, on better buying, or on how to plan a buffet supper.

Nellie McCannon supervising two students, 1975

A family and consumer communications student reading a script

Between 1951 and 1974, the Home Economics Journalism major was included in the Home Economics Education and Extension Department. In 1974, with the introduction of the Home Economics Communications (later renamed Family and Consumer Communication) Department, the major finally achieved a greater degree of prominence. In addition to teaching students to employ an ever-expanding range of communication technologies, faculty members and students within the department have conducted research on the ways in which families and consumers use and respond to these media.