Chair:  Deborah Krichbaum, Ph.D. 
Contact: Susan Ganz
Hall Memorial Building (HMB)  S135

TTY: 202-448-6918
Voice: 202-448-6918

Declaring a major in FCS is a four step process:

Step One

• Go to the FCS department home page on the Gallaudet website and click on "Directions for Applying to Become a Major" in the menu. Download the application form "Declaring a Major in FCS".
  
  
• Send a copy of your completed application through an attachment to the FCS chairperson, Dr. Krichbaum, at deborah.krichbaum@gallaudet.edu.
  
  
• Submit, in person, a copy of your transcript to Dr. Krichbaum. Her office is located on the first floor of HMB, S136. If Dr. Krichbaum is not available, you may leave your transcript with the Ms. Ganz, Administrative Secretary, in HMB S134.
  
  
• The FCS faculty will review your application and your transcript. Dr. Krichbaum will contact you to let you know if you meet the criteria to proceed to Step Two.

Step Two

• Type an essay (not to exceed three pages, double spaced) introducing yourself to the department. In the essay you should describe yourself and explain why you are interested in becoming a major in FCS. Be sure your essay includes your answers to these questions:
  
  
  • Why did you decide to apply to become a FCS major?
    
    
  • What do you see yourself doing after you graduate?
    
    
  • Describe your previous experience(s) working with children, if any.
    
    
  • What words describe you and your work habits?
    
    
  • How well does your GPA reflect your abilities?
    
    
  • Why should FCS accept you as a major?
    
    
• Send this essay as an email attachment to Dr. Krichbaum.

Step Three

• The FCS faculty will review your essay. When they complete their review, Dr. Krichbaum will contact you to schedule a group interview with the FCS faculty.
  
  
• Following the group interview, Dr. Krichbaum will inform you whether or not you meet the criteria to proceed to Step Four.

Step Four

• Make an appointment with Dr. Krichbaum to fill out Gallaudet's "Major Selection"
  
  
• Take the form to get the signature of your previous academic advisor.
  
  
• Take the form to the Registrar's Office so that they can record your new major and update your "Degree Audit"
  
  
• Bring the yellow copy of the "Major Selection"
  
  
• Congratulations! You are now officially a major in Family and Child Studies!