| Purpose. The primary purpose was to determine to what extent alternative positions with regard to six selected issues pertaining to home economics in higher education were acceptable to home economics administrators in state universities, land-grant colleges, and other selected institutions. Those issues included: clientele served, whether home economics in a profession or a discipline, nomenclature, core requirements, international relations, and accreditation.;Design, Instrument, and Population. The design of this study was a descriptive modified Delphi Technique. Data were gathered from 49 home economics administrators of state universities, land-grant colleges, and selected institutions during two rounds according to the Delphi process.;Statistical Analysis. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics by frequency distributions, percentages, and the chi-square statistic.;Finding. Consensus was reached regarding the need for home economics to expand offerings in order to attract and serve a different mix of students. The respondents characterized home economics as a profession and expressed consensus that "home economics" is the preferred nomenclature. Core requirements were articulated as necessary for undergraduate and graduate programs. It was indicated that several opportunities already exist for international experience. The responding administrators advised that international relations should be encouraged but not required. Accreditation by the American Home Economics Association was considered a necessary feature for home economics programs in higher education.;Objectives. The objectives were stated in the form of research subquestions: (1) What are the important alternative positions on selected issues as perceived by home economics administrators in state universities, land-grant colleges, and selected institutions? (2) What is the extent of acceptance of alternative positions on the selected issues among home economics administrators in state universities, land-grant colleges, and selected institutions? (3) Are home economics administrators in state universities, land-grant colleges and selected institutions willing to make efforts to initiate change in light of the positions agreed upon? (4) What are the perceptions of home economics administrators in state universities, land-grant colleges, and selected universities regarding the importance of further study and discussion of issues for the future?... |
