Home Economist or Human Ecologist
Information you need to know to work as a Home Economist or Human Ecologist
Who is the licensing body responsible for Human Ecologists and Home Economists in Alberta?
In Alberta, the Alberta Human Ecology and Home Economics Association (AHEA) is the professional association. In order to call yourself a Professional Home Economist or Professional Human Ecologist, you must be a registered member of the Alberta Human Ecology and Home Economics Association (AHEA). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself a Professional Home Economist or Professional Human Ecologist.
What are the registration requirements for internationally educated Home Economists/Human Ecologists?
International applicants need to contact the AHEA registrar at registrar@ahea.ab.ca
What are the educational requirements for Home Economists in Alberta?
To be a Professional Human Ecologist or Professional Home Economist, you need a degree from an accredited university.
In Alberta, the University of Alberta in Edmonton offers Human Ecology and Nutrition and Food Sciences programs. Either of these programs qualify an individual for potential professional designation (note: not all students in Nutrition and Food Science have the Practices and Principles in Human Ecology course that is required. AHEA offers a self-study course.)
Red Deer College has an arrangement with the University of Alberta to offer coursework towards a B.Sc in Human Ecology.
Equivalent degree programs are offered at several other universities in Canada.
Applicants may apply with either an undergraduate or graduate degree in Human Ecology.
Applicants without a full university degree (such as a diploma or certificate from a college) may be eligible for membership as a Related Member. This does not give the individual professional status.
The following provides more detail on the education requirements:
Applicants with four-year Bachelor’s Degree with Specialization
- Twelve single-term human ecology or home economics courses, at least four of which must be the equivalent of senior courses at the University of Alberta;
- At least six additional human ecology or home economics courses or senior courses closely related to the specialization (e.g. biochemistry for nutrition specialization);
- Course (or parts of courses) that address professional ethics and the history, philosophy, and field of practice of human ecology/home economics; and
- Elements related to professional practice competencies such as communications program planning and evaluation, etc.
Applicants with four-year Bachelor’s Degree without Specialization
- Eighteen single-term human ecology or home economics courses, at least four of which must be the equivalent to senior courses at the University of Alberta;
- Course (or parts of courses) that address professional ethics and the history, philosophy, and field of practice of human ecology/home economics; and
- Elements related to professional practice skills.
Graduate Degree in Human Ecology or Equivalent
- Equivalent of six 3-credit human ecology courses at the senior or graduate level, plus the equivalent of two additional human ecology courses at the graduate level (latter could include graduate project or thesis);
- Course (or parts of courses) that address the history, philosophy, and practice of human ecology/home economics; and
- Elements related to research and/or professional practice competencies.
Degrees related to Human Ecology (e.g. Nutrition, B.Ed.)
- The same as the specialist degree in Human Ecology in most cases. Applicants with B. Ed. degrees will be evaluated following requirements for degrees without specialization.
What are the accepted English language proficiency tests and where can I be tested?
There are no formal English requirements for Home Economist/Human Ecologists. To learn more about where to take an English language proficiency test in Alberta, visit English Language Proficiency Tests and Locations.
What resources and supports are available for internationally educated Home Economists?
Directions for Immigrants offers workplace communication groups to help you integrate into the Canadian work environment. Clear Communication for Business is designed to help internationally educated professionals fine-tune their communication skills with colleagues, supervisors and clients. In one week, you will learn through role-play and scenarios the nuances and expectations of the Canadian business culture. Topics include active listening, assertiveness, conflict resolution, problem solving and teamwork.
What information resources are available for Home Economists?
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