In 1951, after accepting the appointment as President of Brigham Young University, Ernest L. Wilkinson was given the charge to further the development of the home economics programs on campus. This charge led to the establishment of the College of Family Living in 1954. The college was then subdivided into five departments with Homemaking Education being one of them. The already-established program expanded and thrived in the new college.

In 1966, a name change was proposed and accepted and the department became known as the Department of Home Economics Education. In the mid-80's, the department changed its name again, shortening it to Home Economics. Around 1989, the department was merged with the Family Sciences department.

Now, home economics classes are offered under the Home and Family Living department. During the department's existence, the faculty was noted for their willingness to participate in local, state, and national activities. The Brigham Young University Home Economics Education teacher training program was the most respected program in the state of Utah and one of the top training centers in the United States. The graduates were highly recruited.