School of Human Ecology
Welcome to the School of Human Ecology!
Our purpose in Human Ecology is to prepare professionals to be effective agents for the well-being of children, families and communities.
Here, our rich historic traditions blend with current academics to prepare students for diverse careers.
Six Programs of Study are available:
• Child Life
• Family and Consumer Sciences Education
• Human Development and Family Science
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Architecture and Interior Design
• Fashion Merchandising and Design
The faculty and staff encourage you to explore our website. If you would like an individualized advising appointment, please visit our Student Success Center.
- Career Opportunities in Human Ecology
TN Tech Human Ecology graduates work in a variety of places. Some examples are:
Human Development and Family Science/Family Relations:
• Foster and Adoption Facilitator
• Child Care Center Director
• Children Services AgentChild Life:
• Child Life SpecialistNutrition and Dietetics:
• Eligibility to apply to Dietetic Internship to become Registered Dietitian
• Community Nutrition/Fitness and WellnessFamily and Consumer Sciences Education:
• Vocational or Occupational FCS Teacher
• Developmental Agencies
• Department of Human Services/Children's Services
• Careers in FCSArchitecture and Interior Design:
• Residential Design Planner/Consultant
• Housing and Furnishings Specialist
• Sales Representative/Real Estate AgentFashion Merchandising and Design:
• Clothing and Textiles Specialist
• Fashion Designer
• Merchandise Buyer/Sales Representative/Retail Manager
Check us out on Instagram!
Facts about the School of Human Ecology
Licensing and Credentialing
- Didactic Program In Dietetics (DPD)
Application Rate: Within the most recent three-year time frame 2020 - May 2022; 28 students graduated with a Verification statement and 22 applied to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation for an application rate of 79%. The Tennessee Tech DPD Benchmark for this measure is 60% of graduates will apply to a supervised practice program.
Admission Rates: Within the most recent time period, 2020 - May 2022, 22 students applied to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation and 18 students were accepted for a graduate acceptance rate of 82%. The Tennessee Tech DPD Benchmark for this measure is 50% of graduates are admitted to a supervised practice program within 12 months of graduation.
The 2022 national average for acceptance into a dietetic supervised practice program is 74%.
Registered Dietitian Exam Results*
Testing Year #Taking Exam # Passed %Passed National Avg 2021 12 9 75% 89.6% 2020 6 6 100% 89% 2019 11 9 82% 91% 2018 8 7 87.5% 93% Totals 37 31 84% avg *Exam testers within one year of first attempt; Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) required Benchmark for this measure is one year pass rate must be at least 80%.
- Family and Consumer Science Education
Family and Consumer Sciences Licensure Results
Year # of Licensed Teacher 2019 2018 3 2017 2 2016 0 2015 1 - Human Ecology Graduation Rate
Graduation Rate of First Time Freshman, 6-year Rate
Fall 2012 Cohort Fall 2013 Cohort Fall 2014 Cohort Fall 2015 Cohort # Enrolled in HEC 27 26 31 25 # Grad from TN Tech 18 13 22 18 HEC Grad Rate 67% 50% 71% 72% TN Tech 6 Yr Rate 52% 52% 52% 52% - Human Ecology Enrollment
Undergraduate Enrollment
Total 257 242 240 216 216 192 Concentration F2016 F2017 F2018 F2019 F2020 F2021 CDFR 75 92 84 73 57 39 Child Life 40 33 32 30 33 44 Nut/Dietetics 69 46 44 35 46 38 Housing 31 24 39 36 42 36 Merchandising 33 32 33 29 29 30 FACS Educ. 7 9 4 9 8 5 Graduate Enrollment
Total 13 Concentration F2021 F2022 F2023 F2024 F2025 F2026 MS Community Health & Nutrition 13 - Human Ecology Retention Rates
Retention Rates for First Time Freshmen
Cohort 2016 Cohort 2017 Cohort 2018 Cohort 2019 Cohort 2020 # Enrolled HEC 23 20 29 28 27 # Cont to 2nd Fall 17 18 25 23 23 HEC Retention Rate 74% 90% 86% 82.1% 85.2% TN Tech Retention Rate 78% 76% 77% 77.5% 72.9%
