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Option in Apparel Design and Production

The Master of Science in Design and Merchandising, option in Apparel Design and Production, can help you advance your skill set with applied coursework that focuses on integrating theory and research in the field. A master’s degree is an industry-recognized professional qualification and prepares students for careers advancement or teaching in higher education.

Curriculum

Our industry-based curricula is taught by nationally recognized faculty in fully equipped design studios and classrooms. The master’s program requires 30 credit hours for completion and students may choose between a traditional research thesis or a design thesis option. The design thesis option is based on the creation of original work that represents processes of experimental design.

 

Course topics for the master’s degree include:

  • Research developments
  • Planning and proposal writing
  • Statistics
  • Functional design
  • Textile and Apparel Science 
  • Textile Engineering and Technology 
  • Consumer behavior
  • Theories of the creative process

Course information

 

Research and Faculty

Research in the Department of Design and Merchandising ranges from technology related applications on garments, comfort and protection in textiles, protective textiles and clothing, thermal protective textiles, and consumer behavior. Our research laboratories offer a variety of state-of-the-art equipment and technology that offers unique opportunities for research and collaboration, from 3D body scanning, virtual and augmented reality software, industry specific computer software and a fully equipped textile lab. Check out our Facilities and Technology link to learn more. 

 

Meet our faculty

Facilities and technology

College research initiatives

 

Admissions

The preferred annual deadline to apply is January 15, but applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

 

To apply to the MS in Design and Merchandising, option in Apparel Design and Production, submit the following:
Student in th lab

  • Graduate College application
  • GRE scores
  • Official academic transcripts (3.0 minimum GPA required)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of professional goals
  • Resume or CV
  • If English is a second language, applicants must submit results for TOEFL or IELTS tests.

Graduate student resources

 

Cost & Assistance

Students may be eligible for graduate assistantships. Currently enrolled students are also eligible for scholarships offered through the College of Education and Human Sciences. 

 

Assistantships and support

Cost

Financing graduate school

Scholarships

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