textile design education

• University Home
• Parsons School of Design
• Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts
• College of Performing Arts
• The New School for Social Research
• Schools of Public Engagement
• Parsons Paris
• Continuing and Professional Education
• Current Students
• News & Events

Textiles MFA

Take the Next Step

• How To Apply
• Request Information
• Admissions Events

[email protected]   212.229.5150 (U.S. only)

Program Contacts Preeti Gopinath , Program Director Anette Millington , Associate Director Allison Broder , Program Administrator

Related Links

• Thesis Projects
• Tuition & Fees
• Financial Aid
• Download Viewbook
• Download Catalog

The MFA Textiles program at Parsons is a community of makers, designers, and scholars exploring and creating textiles—from locally crafted materials to 3D knitted matter to hand-embellished fabrics—and introducing innovation in textile-based industries and theory. You investigate these dynamics, dissolving the boundaries between technology and craft. In the process, you prepare for the growing array of creative and professional opportunities related to textiles in fashion design, product design, interior design, textiles research, set design, fine arts, architecture, and hybrid fields.

Program Highlights

Creative craft.

Learn and apply techniques such as fiber development, yarn sourcing and making, weaving, knitting, 3D printing, sustainable dyeing, pattern design, and embellishments.

Meaning and Making

Develop a critical understanding of textiles’ sociocultural, environmental, and emotional dimensions throughout human history and into the future.

Industry Access

Refine your aesthetic sensibilities and understanding of sustainable practices while deepening your collaborative and conceptual abilities on-site in NYC textile studios and design ateliers.

Cross-Disciplinary Coursework

Gain exposure to business best practices and insights from fields including art, architecture, and interior and industrial design, as well as fashion and autonomous design.

Individualized Mentorship

Receive mentorship that fosters and draws forth your creativity and enables you to realize your unique identity while receiving technical, conceptual, and personalized guidance.

Applicant Profile

The program welcomes students with backgrounds in textile making and research and from related fields including fashion, interior and product design, fine arts, and architecture.

• Degree Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Format Full-time, on campus
• Duration 2 years

The rigorous studio-based curriculum spans foundational textile knowledge, exploratory textile making, and critical, scholarly approaches to textiles. Our approach allows you to develop your authenticity, originality, and unique creativity in the field of textiles, helping you find your own voice and realize your potential as a professional textile maker. While valuing humanity and the environment through conscious making and innovation, you learn to harness the power of textiles to raise awareness and transform art and industry.

Career Paths

Graduates are prepared to take on roles ranging from textile design for fashion, interiors, and theater to ubiquitous computing, automotive design, acoustic design, healthcare, and consulting. They explore opportunities to reimagine textile production and design businesses, lend studio skills to companies, launch a business as an independent designer, fiber artist, or pursue advanced studies.

Student Work

See Our Work

Textiles faculty represent a broad range of expertise and are acknowledged as leading practitioners and scholars in their fields. They are committed to developing the next generation of textile designers and innovating new approaches to textile production — keeping in mind issues of sustainability, health, emotional wellbeing, and socio-cultural responsibility.

Beyond the Classroom

Research Labs

Research is integral to the Parsons learning experience, and students and faculty work together to challenge existing paradigms and advance emerging scholarship and practice. Explore the thematic research laboratories housed at Parsons and throughout The New School.

Industry Engagement

Connect to the organizations, businesses, and entrepreneurs driving global creativity and commerce. In classes, internships, and extracurricular projects, you gain marketable problem-solving skills in sectors ranging from government and nonprofits to tech and creative industries.

Internships

New York City’s thriving creative industry and cultural institutions are part of your Parsons education. Our Career Services Office is enmeshed in the art and design industries and can help you advance your career with industry-oriented internships. 

Funded Opportunities

Funds are earmarked for graduate travel, research, and work to support your study. Opportunities include paid teaching assistantships, research fellowships and assistantships (including ones offered throughout The New School), ample student employment, and other grants available to U.S. domestic and international students alike.

Making & Academic Resources

Enjoy access to extensive resources including New School libraries, computer labs, archives, and studios, along with Parsons’ state-of-the-art Making Center, facilities offering a broad array of tools to support your creative and academic growth.

New York Textile Month

New York Textile Month is a September celebration of textile culture initiated by visionary trend forecaster Lidewij Edelkoort, which highlights the community-based approach to promoting textile industries and to offer a launchpad for the MFA Textiles students. Local partners in the event become your direct mentors, inviting you into their studios and businesses one day a week to build your creative skills and networks. The growing global interest in textile-related creation brings international players into the fold to partner with the program, extending your understanding of conceptualization and production.

Related Programs

Graduate degrees.

• Fashion Design and Society (MFA)
• Industrial Design (MFA)
• Interior Design (MFA)

Graduate Minors

• Capitalism Studies
• Design Studies
• Transmedia and Digital Storytelling
• View all graduate minors

Program News

Take the next step.

• Request Info

Submit your application

Undergraduates.

To apply to any of our undergraduate programs (except the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs) complete and submit the Common App online.

Undergraduate Adult Learners

To apply to any of our Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

To apply to any of our Master's, Doctoral, Professional Studies Diploma, and Graduate Certificate programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

Jump to Section

1. learn the basics of textile design, 2. master the fundamentals of textile design, 3. build a strong portfolio.

• Helpful Organizations & Resources for Textile Designers

How to Become a Textile Designer

By TACP Staff on July 30, 2019

Do you find yourself obsessing over fabric prints? If you are driven creatively, have an interest in emerging fashion and love exploring new techniques, you might enjoy an exciting and rewarding career a textile designer.

In their book about textile design,  Understanding of Textiles,  Collier, Bide and Tortora explain that the field of textile design enables individuals to apply their artistic talents to specific uses, such as the demonstration and application of fabric construction, the general development of textile designs, and the production of fabric designs that are specifically suitable for use in furnishings, apparel, and accessories. In other words, textile designers apply a wide range of fabric embellishments and manipulation techniques to create their personal designs.

A  textile designer  works closely with clients and design teams to create unique fabrics using a variety of design concepts and media, including textile CAD software programs, such as Pro-Weave, 3D Mapping, Photoshop, and other software suites, to create both single and regenerated concepts.

In order to create and utilize new concepts and ideas, the textile designer must first possess excellent communication skills to discuss, understand, and interpret the requirements and needs of his or her clients. The designer must also understand the basic principles of design research to assess the distinction of a specific design or designs; is it a current design, are the colors attractive and do they harmonize?

In addition to communication skills, textile designers must have strong organizational and computer skills. They must possess the ability to analyze and interpret test data and compile presentations; working along with creative teams of textile engineers, project managers, and graphic designers.

While a career as a textile designer has no specific educational requirements, textile designers often have degrees in surface design,  fashion design ,  art and design , or  textile design . Through proper training, prospective textile designers gain knowledge of the entire fabric design process. They learn to analyze and understand the various textile properties, such as weight, material, flammability and durability, and how the textile will be used, then base their designs on these factors. Even more importantly, they learn how to utilize textures, patterns and color through experimentation with printing, dying, manipulation, and embellishment techniques.

Schools that teach the fundamentals of textile design use specific principles to organize the structural elements of a given design. The principles include unity, balance, emphasis, proportion, and rhythm. The way these principles are applied affects the outcomes of the design.

Textile designers must also possess the design skills necessary to carry out the production of design samples and sketches, and the ability to create client presentations using various printed or digital designs; whether written, draw, or verbal. Knowledge of sewing or weaving, graphic design, and line drawing are also helpful skills to have. These design methods support the textile design work and determine final outcomes; positive or negative.

Color theory in textile design offers the guidelines and general principles that can help a textile designer create aesthetically pleasing color combinations. Analogies of tones, contrasts, and colors are all important elements used routinely in this discipline. Knowledge of luminosity, the solar spectrum, pigment theory, and color definitions are also important for all textile designers to have.

Although approaches can vary, there are usually two major techniques used in textile design; painting and art-based techniques. Techniques often applied by textile designers include airbrush, splatter or spraying, stippling, hatching, dry brush techniques, shading, sponge painting, and marbling, among others. Textile printing-based techniques commonly include batik, tie-dye, ikat, kalamkari, block printing, screen printing, stenciling, and transfer printing.

Building a strong portfolio is a crucial step in getting your foot in the door in the textile design industry. A designer’s portfolio is used to win job contracts, to demonstrate competency in the field, and to showcase original textiles. It should be carefully organized to illustrate a wide range of capabilities and skills.

Portfolios can be either physical or digital, but the textile designer can achieve better outreach by having both types, and both should be well organized. A physical portfolio should include at least twenty pages of original designs. A digital portfolio should have no less than thirty. Each portfolio should be tailored especially to the viewing audience(s) and should include appropriate examples for the role the textile designer will play in each job. Annotations and notes should be included on each page to give the viewer a greater idea of the context of each example. It is also a good idea to mention techniques used, the theory behind each design, and justification for its usage.

The goal of branding is to establish brand equity, brand awareness and brand loyalty to affect a brand image. Personal branding in the field of textile design identifies the individual textile designer as a marketable entity. It is used to differentiate oneself from the crowd by highlighting your particular talents and accomplishments. Personal branding can include the use of stationary, business cards, brochures, and other pertinent printed matter, as well as a strong digital presence through a website, social media outlets, and related professional organizations.

For many textile designers, industry success is dependent on making the right connections. The goal is to establish enduring and mutually beneficial relationships with clients and other people in the industry. A good place to start is in school. Many schools have outreach and placement programs that can put designers in touch with other industry professionals. Professional organizations such as  The Textile Society for the Study of the History, Art & Design of Textiles ,  The American Textile Manufacturers Institute , and The National Textile Center all have networking and referral possibilities. There are also trade publications that can be used for networking purposes. For instance,  Textile Service Magazine  has a directory of leading textile industry professionals and professional organizations that can be used for networking, and ultimately getting noticed.

Helpful Organizations & Resources for Textile Designers

• Surface Design Association
• International Textile and Apparel Association
• Chartered Society of Designers
• Fashion Institute of Technology

Additional Guides

• How to Become an Accessory Designer
• How to Become a Costume Designer
• How to Become a Fashion Consultant
• How to Become a Fashion Designer
• How to Become a Fashion Merchandiser
• How to Become a Jewelry Designer
• How to Become a Makeup Artist
• How to Become a Fashion Model
• How to Become a Shoe Designer

The Art Career Project is a trusted resource for emerging and professional artists.

For Artists

• Art Careers
• Art Schools
• Scholarships
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Online Textile Design courses

• All courses
• Course bundles
• Domestika Basics New
• New courses
• Popular courses
• Gift ideas Gift
• Gift cards Gift
• Create your own bundle Layers
• Illustration
• Marketing & Business
• Photography & Video
• 3D & Animation
• Architecture & Spaces
• Web & App Design
• Calligraphy & Typography
• Music & Audio
• Textile Design
• Arts & Crafts
• Textile Illustration
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• Affinity Designer
• Adobe After Effects

Drawing with Thread

Learn to embroider and draw with thread. transfer your sketches to fabric to create realistic illustrations..

Creating Garments Using Crochet

Learn to create colorful and textured garments using a crochet hook.

Crochet wire jewelry

Learn the invisible spool knitting technique and design your own crochet wire jewelry..

Introduction to Japanese Sashiko Stitching

Discover the traditional japanese embroidery technique to stitch, patch, and mend existing garments, and embrace sustainable practices..

Crochet: Design and Stitch Romantic Garments

Learn to combine different stitching techniques to achieve striking textures and create garments from scratch.

Raised embroidery using the knot lace technique

Discover the needle knitting method and learn the art of knot embroidery.

Introduction to Colorwork Sock Knitting

Master the art of knitting colorful socks create stunning designs using magic loop and stranded colorwork..

Amigurumi Design and Creation

Learn the process and techniques needed to give life to an original crocheted character.

Crocheting Amigurumi Animals for Beginners

Explore the charming world of amigurumi and learn to crochet customizable animal characters that bring joy to people of all ages.

Top-Down: One-Piece Crocheted Garments

Learn how to design and crochet your own seamless designs.

Amigurumi: Learn to Crochet People

Learn to crochet amigurumi people from a standard model and transform them into absolutely anyone using needle and thread.

Realistic Embroidery Techniques

Learn how to create realistic embroidered pieces using the long and short stitch technique.

Tapestry: Crochet Techniques for Drawing with Thread

Learn to design crochet fabrics by turning your drawings into patterns and apply them to any object.

Basic Sewing with a Sewing Machine

Learn to create unique and functional pieces from scratch with your sewing machine.

Crochet Pattern Design: Find Your Signature Style

Create your own tapestry crochet patterns and turn them into unique works of art that reflect your personality.

Introduction to Photo Embroidery: Create Images with Texture

Learn to embroider photographs or paper images by hand using flat and raised stitches.

Crochet Garments with Color and Texture

Find your style by exploring crochet techniques and create stunning garments combining eye-catching colors and textures.

Rope Jewelry for Beginners: Make Your Own Necklaces

Learn to make three unique rope accessories using two basic macramé knots, the figure eight and the lark's head, as well as the winding technique.

Our website requires JavaScript. Please enable JavaScript in your browser. Not sure how?

Home » Academics » Textile Design (BFA)

Textile Design (BFA)

• Mission, Vision and Core Values
• Undergraduate

Fashion and Textile Design

• Fashion and Textile Management
• M.S. Textiles
• Master of Textiles
• Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s
• Online Master’s
• Ph.D. Fiber and Polymer Science
• Ph.D. Textile Technology Management
• Student Experience
• Study Abroad
• Internships
• Runway and Design Shows
• Competitions
• Student Advisory Board
• Sustainability
• K-12 Programs
• TATM Advising
• Student Resources
• Industry Engagement
• Industry Advisory Board
• Pope Industrialist-in-Residence
• Give Now 

This bachelor of science degree prepares students for creative design positions for both apparel and textiles. 

First-Year Experience

Our year-long program immerses our newest FTD cohort in the fundamentals of the creative process, builds community and lays the foundation of their education.

Students have the option of pursuing one of two concentrations within this degree: fashion design or textile design. The two concentrations differ in both curriculum and career track. However, students from both concentrations develop their own collections for the FTD Emerging Designers Showcase during their senior year. 

choose your best fit

Fashion and Textile Design – Fashion Design

A STEM education, industry connections and in-house cutting-edge facilities set our fashion design program apart. 

Learn more 

Fashion and Textile Design – Textile Design

Apply a foundational understanding of design, comprehensive fiber knowledge and a knack for understanding the consumer to develop materials for everything from apparel to car trims. 

Textile Designer Education Requirements

The educational requirements for a textile designer are typically a bachelor's degree in fields such as Graphic Design, Apparel and Textiles, Fine Arts, Specialized Sales and Merchandising, or Interior Design. According to Lorrie Ivas, Full-time Faculty at Santa Monica College's Photo, Fashion Department, "Your major in apparel and textiles has prepared you for the business and the art of this industry." They further highlight that this career offers diverse opportunities, including fashion apparel, accessories, textiles, interiors, and more.

What education do you need to become a textile designer?

What degree do you need to be a textile designer.

The most common degree for textile designers is bachelor's degree, with 73% of textile designers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 15% and associate degree degree at 7%.

• Bachelor's , 73%
• Associate , 15%
• Master's , 7%
• Diploma , 3%
• Other Degrees , 2%

What should I major in to become a textile designer?

According to the education requirements, a bachelor's degree is usually required for entry-level jobs in textile design, with common fields of study including fine arts, engineering, or architecture. Most programs include courses in drawing, computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), and three-dimensional modeling, as well as courses in business, industrial materials and processes, and manufacturing methods.

• Graphic Design , 34%
• Apparel And Textiles , 28%
• Fine Arts , 24%
• Specialized Sales And Merchandising , 2%
• Other Majors , 12%

Most common colleges for textile designers

Textile designers often get their degrees at Fashion Institute of Technology, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Rhode Island School of Design. Here are the most common colleges for textile designers in the US based on their resumes.

Best majors for textile designers

Best colleges for textile designers.

The best colleges for textile designers include Cornell University, Stanford University, Harvard University, and the University of Texas at Austin. These institutions matter for textile designers due to their strong academic programs, high retention rates, and impressive post-graduation outcomes. Graduates from these schools often enjoy higher earnings and better job opportunities.

1. Cornell University

Ithaca, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

2. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

3. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

4. University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • Private

5. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

6. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

7. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

8. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

9. University of Delaware

Newark, DE • Private

10. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Pomona, CA • Private

20 best online courses for textile designers

1. Visual Design (Part Time)

Gain the vocabulary and tools to tackle diverse design challenges on the job. Kickstart your portfolio and create beautiful, responsive designs for the web. This course is offered in person and live online, in a remote classroom setting...

2. Graphic Design Masterclass - Learn GREAT Design

The Ultimate Graphic Design Course Which Covers Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design,Design Theory, Branding and Logo Design...

3. Graphic Design Theory - Color & Contrast

Use Color And Contrast Masterfully In Your Design Projects...

4. Graphic Design Mastery- AI, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign

Graphic Design for beginners including Graphic Design Theories, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, AI & Creative Thinking...

5. Graphic Design Mastery: The FULL Branding & Design Process

Follows the FULL Graphic Design Process for A Company: Logo, Ad, Social Media, T-Shirt, Package, Website Design & More!...

6. Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects

Graphic design principles, typography, & color mastery using Illustrator, In Design, and Photoshop. For beginners & more!...

7. T-Shirt Design Workshop 02: Mixed Media Design

Create T-Shirt Designs using Photoshop, Illustrator, and hand-drawing techniques...

8. Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design

Design 4 Beautiful eye catching Graphic Design Projects from Scratch with Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design Basics...

9. Master Graphic Design & Software with Practical Projects

Conquer Popular Graphic Design Projects: Logo, Package, Magazine, Book Cover Design, Branding, Digital Graphics & More!...

10. 47 Graphic Design Projects for Photoshop Beginners

Photoshop graphic design for beginners!  Includes 47 Photoshop projects for your graphic design portfolio...

11. Color Theory for Designers

Get Inspired by Color for Graphic Design...

12. Digital Design Masterclass For Graphic Designers

Icon Set Design, E-book cover, Digitizing Sketches, Social Media Design, Wordpress Web Design, Adobe Xd, GIFS and more!...

13. Graphic Design Bootcamp: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

Bestselling Beginner Course! Use Photoshop, Illustrator, & In Design for logo design, web design, poster design, and more...

14. The Branding Masterclass The Entire Brand Design Process

Sketching, Graphic Design, Logo Design, Brand Voice, Color & Typographic Systems, Portfolio and Client Presentations...

15. Graphic Design Masterclass Intermediate: The NEXT Level

Up Your Graphic Design Skills: Logo Design, Photo Manipulation, Package Design, Infographics, Portfolio Building, Grids!...

16. T-Shirt Design Workshop 01: Foundation

Design a t-shirt like a professional: specialty printing methods, fabrics, inks, dyes, and washes...

17. The Complete Graphic Design Theory for Beginners Course

Learn Graphic Design Theory and the Basic Principles of Color Theory, Typography, Branding, Logo Design, Layout & More!...

18. Learn Professional 2D Game Asset Graphic Design in Photoshop

Become an exquisite game designer and start creating game art today!...

19. Become a Professional Graphic Designer

Learn what you need to know to break into the world of graphic design...

20. Design stunning Social Media Marketing Images with Photoshop

Learn how to design + 17 stunning social media images with Photoshop CC for your Social Networks. For Beginners...

Top 10 most affordable universities for textile designers

The most affordable schools for textile designers are California State University - Long Beach, fashion institute of technology, and florida state university.

If the best universities for textile designers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for textile designers.

1. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

Cost of Attendance

2. Fashion Institute of Technology

New York, NY • Private

3. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

4. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

5. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

6. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

7. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

8. California State University - Northridge

Northridge, CA • Private

9. Queens College of the City University of New York

Queens, NY • Private

10. Purdue University

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for textile designers.

The hardest universities for textile designers to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Harvard University.

Some great schools for textile designers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for textile designers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Stanford University

Admissions Rate

SAT Average

2. Northwestern University

4. duke university, 5. cornell university.

6. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

7. University of Pennsylvania

8. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

9. New York University

10. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for textile designers

The easiest schools for textile designers to get into are Notre Dame de Namur University, university of the incarnate word, and mount saint mary's university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a textile designer without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for textile designers.

1. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

2. University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX • Private

3. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

4. Curry College

Milton, MA • Private

5. Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX • Private

6. Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Kingsville, TX • Private

7. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

8. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

9. Centenary University

Hackettstown, NJ • Private

10. Cardinal Stritch University

Milwaukee, WI • Private

Average textile designer salary by education level

Textile designers with a Doctorate degree earn more than those without, at $66,251 annually. With a Master's degree, textile designers earn a median annual income of $61,022 compared to $56,665 for textile designers with an Bachelor's degree.

Textile Designer Education FAQs

What is the best college for textile designers, search for textile designer jobs.

Updated April 5, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

• Assistant Designer Education Requirements
• Associate Designer Education Requirements
• Body Designer Education Requirements
• Color Adviser Education Requirements
• Color Expert Education Requirements
• Designer Education Requirements
• Freelance Designer Education Requirements
• Furniture Designer Education Requirements
• Head Designer Education Requirements
• Industrial Design Internship Education Requirements
• Industrial Designer Education Requirements
• Inventor Education Requirements
• Lighting Designer Education Requirements
• Product Design Internship Education Requirements
• Product Designer Education Requirements
• Assistant Designer
• Associate Designer
• Body Designer
• Color Adviser
• Color Expert
• Freelance Designer
• Furniture Designer
• Head Designer
• Industrial Design Internship
• Industrial Designer
• Lighting Designer
• Product Design Internship
• Product Designer
• What an Assistant Designer Does
• What an Associate Designer Does
• What a Designer Does
• What a Furniture Designer Does
• What a Head Designer Does
• What an Industrial Designer Does
• What an Inventor Does
• What a Lighting Designer Does
• What a Product Designer Does
• What a Product Development Designer Does
• What a Senior Industrial Designer Does
• What a Toy Designer Does
• Zippia Careers
• Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Industry
• Textile Designer
• Textile Designer Education

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs

• Visit Visit the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Apply Apply to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Give Give to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Education & Human Sciences Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design: Textile & Apparel Design

• 4-Year Plans
• Career Development

Description

College admission, grade rules, transfer credit rules, residency rules, degree application process, catalog rule, learning outcomes.

The textile and apparel design option emphasizes creative problem solving and the development of technical skills related to apparel and textile design and theory, apparel pattern making, computer-aided design, and printing and dyeing techniques. Professional support is provided in business and in art and art history, theatre arts and dance, or history. The program is planned for students with a professional interest in textile and apparel design, product development, and fiber arts.

College Requirements

Students accepted by the University must have an ACT of 20 or SAT of 950, a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average, or rank in the upper half of their high school graduating class and have the following high school preparation to be eligible for guaranteed admission to the College of Education and Human Sciences:  

• Four years of English that include intensive reading and writing experience.
• Two years of one foreign language.
• Four years of mathematics that include Algebra I, II, geometry, and one year that builds on a knowledge of algebra.
• Three years of natural sciences that include at least two years selected from biology, physics, chemistry, and earth science and one year of laboratory instruction.
• Three years of social studies that include at least one year of American and/or world history and one year of history, American government, and/or geography.

Transfer and Readmitted Students

Transfer students from universities or colleges outside of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and readmitted students seeking admission to the College of Education and Human Sciences must have an accumulated average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or above and no high school deficiencies. Students who do not meet these requirements must enroll as deciding students in the Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center or in another college. Once they have completed 12 graded hours at Nebraska with a minimum 2.0 grade point average and have removed any high school deficiencies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln students may apply for admission to the College.

Transfer and readmitted students must meet the graduation requirements for the College of Education and Human Sciences as stated in the current catalog in effect at the time they enter or reenter the College.

Students who left the College on academic warning, or who were dismissed, may seek readmission to the College after two semesters by applying to the university’s Admissions Office. Readmission is not assured. However, the admissions committee is receptive to giving students a second opportunity to be successful. The committee is interested in knowing what the student has done in the intervening period that would suggest the student will be successful when readmitted. Successfully completing correspondence courses and/or community college courses is an effective way to demonstrate one’s commitment to academic success.

Transferring from Other Colleges within the University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Students transferring to the College of Education and Human Sciences from another University of Nebraska–Lincoln college or from the Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, be in good academic standing, and meet the freshman entrance requirements that exist at the time of their admission to the College of Education and Human Sciences. Students must fulfill degree requirements that exist at the time of their admission to the college, not at the time they enter the University of Nebraska–Lincoln .

To remain current, College of Education and Human Sciences students must enroll in, and complete, at least one university course that will apply toward degree requirements during a 12-month period. Students who readmit following an absence of one year or more must meet all requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog in effect at the time of readmission and enrollment. Students who transfer to another University of Nebraska–Lincoln college and later return to the College of Education and Human Sciences will be considered readmitted students. Students who transfer out of a teacher education program, but continue their certification program while seeking a degree in another University of Nebraska–Lincoln college, are exempt from this policy.

International Students

The College of Education and Human Sciences welcomes undergraduate international students. As a part of admission to the College, international students must present a TOEFL score of 550 or higher and TSE score of 230 or higher.

Students seeking teacher education and state certification must meet the same requirements as any other undergraduate students. Students who have received a degree outside of the United States and are interested in teacher certification are required to have a transcript review completed by an approved agency not directly associated with the University of Nebraska. For more information, please contact the Student Services Center.

Removal of Deficiencies

Students admitted to the University with core deficiencies are expected to remove those deficiencies in a timely manner. Students with deficiencies are not eligible for graduation. The courses that students use to clear core deficiencies may also be used to meet ACE requirements or other graduation requirements. The Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences will make the final decision concerning any problems or questions that may arise in satisfying requirements to remove deficiencies.

College Degree Requirements

Minimum grade requirements.

Grade requirements vary from major to major. Please see the appropriate major listing or check with your advisor regarding minimum grade requirements.

Pass/No Pass Option

CEHS students are allowed to take up to 12 hours of Pass/No Pass (P/N) credit. The college departments vary on P/N policies. Students should check with their advisor to be certain they qualify for the Pass/No Pass option.

Grade Appeals

Any student enrolled in a course in the College of Education and Human Sciences who wishes to appeal alleged unfair and prejudicial treatment by a faculty member shall present their appeal in writing to the Dean’s Office no later than 30 days after notice of the student’s final course grade has been mailed from campus.

Students may use and are encouraged to use the following sequential procedures to appeal the grade. The problem may be solved at any of the levels of the appeal procedure.

• Contact the instructor. Frequently, the problems can be solved at this point.
• Submit a request to the chair of the department.
• Take the case to the departmental Grading Appeals Committee. The Committee is contacted by the department chair.
• Take the case to the College Appeals, Retention and Certification Committee by contacting the Dean’s Office.

The complaint will be forwarded to a committee consisting of faculty and student representatives. After a hearing, the Committee will make a written recommendation regarding the appeal. The Committee’s recommendation is binding on the appealing student and faculty member.

Acceptance of Transfer Grades

• Grades earned at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, UNO, UNK
• Grades of D-, D, D+, and C- satisfy requirements in all programs in the College unless specified otherwise. Students who receive a grade of D-, D, D+, C-, however, are encouraged to retake the course.
• Grades earned outside the University of Nebraska system

The college will accept no more than 9 credit hours of grades less than a C from any program outside the University of Nebraska system. Grades below a C can only be applied to general education requirements and elective classes.

Maximum Number of Hours for Transfer

Transfer courses are evaluated by the University and by the College to determine University of Nebraska–Lincoln and College course equivalencies. The College determines which courses will be accepted and how they will apply toward degree requirements. Sixty (60) is the maximum number of hours that will be accepted on transfer from a two-year college. Ninety (90) is the maximum number of hours that will be accepted on transfer from accredited four-year colleges and universities.

Courses taken 10 years before admission or readmission to the College will be evaluated by the major department to determine if it is appropriate to accept those courses for transfer credit and for application to degree requirements. Specific courses will be reviewed in keeping with the guidelines specified by each department.

Transfer Credit from Technical, Non-Accredited and Foreign Institutions

Students who desire to transfer from these institutions must have each course evaluated by the appropriate departmental representative. All rules stated above in reference to grades and maximum credit hours apply. For additional information and guidance in this process, contact the Dean’s Office.

Transfer Agreements with UNO and UNK

Transfer agreements between the three institutions within the University System allow for a smooth transition for students interested in taking courses from UNO, UNK, and/or the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Although restrictions noted above on grades and maximum transfer hours still apply, there are some exceptions. For purposes of residency, courses from UNO and UNK fulfill these requirements. Students planning to major in a program in the college should read the specific requirements noted with individual programs. Questions about academic transfer should be addressed to the Advising Office.

Transfer Agreements with Community Colleges

Articulation agreements and “Transfer with Ease Programs” with Nebraska community colleges indicate how courses and programs will transfer to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the College of Education and Human Sciences. The same guidelines noted above on the acceptance of courses, grades, and hours also apply to these institutions. Students interested in transferring from a community college should consult with their school or the Student Services Center to determine which courses will transfer to fulfill specific College of Education and Human Sciences requirements.

Courses from accredited two-year institutions will generally not be substituted for 400-level human sciences classes in the College. The 300-level courses will be considered on an individual basis by the respective departments in the College of Education and Human Sciences.

Courses taken prior to course articulation agreements will be accepted contingent upon departmental validation of the credit.

Students must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours to earn a degree.

All students are expected to complete at least 30 of their final 36 hours of credit at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska Omaha, or University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Graduation Requirements

Students are expected to develop a clear understanding of degree requirements and to plan their course of study with a College advisor. Students requiring clarification of outstanding degree requirements should visit with a College advisor promptly.

Students should access their Degree Audit via MyRED at least once each term to review degree requirements and progress toward graduation. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure their Degree Audit accurately reflects their current College and program of study.

Students who believe their Degree Audit has errors or omissions should visit with a College advisor promptly. It is important that you resolve these matters as soon as practicable to avoid a delay in graduation.

Each student with MyRED access must submit an online Application for Graduation via MyRED for each degree to be received by:  

• The fourth Friday in January for May graduation
• The second Friday in June for August graduatio n
• The second Friday in September for December graduation

Students submitting an electronic Application for Graduation via MyRED will be billed a $25.00 per degree fee on their student account. Students without MyRED access may apply for graduation in person at Husker Hub in the Canfield Administration Building , or by mail. Applications for graduation submitted in person or by mail must be accompanied by a check or money order in the amount of $25.00 payable to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Failure to submit a timely Application for Graduation may preclude the awarding of a degree in the intended term.

Your Application for Graduation and required $25.00 fee are good only for the term marked on your application. Neither your application nor your fee are transferrable to another term. If you submit an Application for Graduation and pay the $25.00 fee for a specified term but do not complete your degree requirements in that term, you will need to reapply to graduate in a future term and incur another $25.00 fee.

Commencement ceremony information will be emailed to all degree applicants approximately one month before graduation. Each student who has applied for graduation must submit an online Commencement Attendance Form via MyRED, which will be available when the informational email is distributed.

Only those students who have applied for graduation, had the application accepted, and fulfilled all degree requirements as of the last day of the academic term may participate in the commencement ceremony for that term. Because the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has a commencement for each term, ceremony participation is allowed only in the term during which the student has properly and timely applied for graduation and fulfilled degree requirements.

Students are responsible for following the rules, policies, and requirements found in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Undergraduate Catalog for the academic year in which they were last admitted to a program in the College of Education and Human Sciences. Students must complete all program requirements from a single catalog year. In consultation with their advisor, a student may choose to move to and follow a subsequent catalog if it is in their best interest.

Graduates of textile and apparel design will be able to:

• Communicate ideas clearly and effectively in oral, visual, and written forms.
• Apply processes and theories to solve problems in the textiles and apparel product life cycles.
• Analyze and synthesize the cultural, behavioral, historical, and aesthetic dimensions of the global textiles and apparel industry.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively in group decision making contexts.
• Use technologies relevant to research, product development, and innovation in the soft goods industry.

Option Requirements  

Ace requirements.

All UNL students will be required to complete a minimum of 3 hours of approved coursework in each of the 10 designated Achievement-Centered Education (ACE) student learning outcome areas. These can be viewed at http://ace.unl.edu . Students will be provided a list of classes they can select from to meet each of the 10 ACE Student Learning Outcomes (SLO). There may be required courses within an education option program that will also satisfy ACE requirements. Therefore, it is highly recommended that students contact their advisor prior to registering for ACE classes in order to ensure that each of the class selections are in the best interest of the students’ academic program.

Minor Options

Students may receive a minor in hospitality, restaurant and tourism management (19 hrs) or a business minor (18 hrs). See advisor.

Additional Major/Endorsement Requirements

Pass/no pass.

No required coursework in the textiles, merchandising and fashion design department can be taken Pass/No Pass by textiles, merchandising and fashion design majors. Should a student have earned a Pass in one of the courses prior to starting the option, the Pass will be reviewed. All courses for the degree (except electives) must be taken for a letter grade.

Substitution and Waiver Forms

Substitution and waiver forms must be processed prior to the semester of graduation and must be processed prior to enrolling in the substituted course. All course prerequisites must be met prior to enrollment.

Internship or Study Tour Requirement

All students are required to participate in either an internship or study tour experience, or both, during their program. Internships are qualified by a minimum GPA requirement. Textiles, merchandising and fashion design majors have the opportunity to study abroad at institutions such as the American Intercontinental University in London, for both the summer and semester education abroad programs.

Requirements for Minor Offered by Department

C- and d grades.

Only grades of C or above will count toward graduation requirements for TMFD courses.

No TMFD course can be taken Pass/No Pass.

Description: Computer aided design software functions and processes specific to textiles, merchandising and fashion design. Introduction to desgin software at the basic level.

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Technical experience in stitch applications, garment construction and finishes and fundamental fit. Experiences in diverse disciplines within the dapartment and their relation to the global texile and apparel professions and industries.

This course is a prerequisite for: TMFD 216

Credit Hours: 3

Non-majors only.

Description: An introduction to animation and design fundamentals and their application in visual communications. Problems and solutions will be explored relative to the needs of various professions that use images and animations to convey meaning.

ACE: ACE 2 Communication Competence

Description: Analysis of social, cultural, aesthetic, and economic influences on clothing and human behavior.

ACE: ACE 9 Global/Diversity

Prerequisites: Good standing in the University Honors Program or by invitation.

Description: Describe, analyze, interpret and evaluate two and three dimensional design forms.

This course is a prerequisite for: TMFD 312 ; TMFD 314

Description: Explore color concepts in two and three dimensional formats. Emphasis on applications to visual merchandising, product development, and fashion design.

Description: Develop perceptual and analytical drawing skills through visual problem solving using various media and techniques. Emphasis on developing skills applicable to fashion and textile representation.

Prerequisites: Sophomore standing.

Description: Fibers, yarns, fabric construction, and finishes as they affect use and care.

ACE: ACE 4 Science

Description: Analysis and evaluation of apparel structure. Design, style, and construction variations as related to quality, price, and performance.

Description: Textile and apparel industry processes. Social, cultural, and economic influences on the industry including entrepreneurship.

Prerequisites:  TMFD 112 and TMFD 212

Description: Creative experience in apparel design through the use of flat pattern methods.

Prerequisites: TMFD major. TMFD 144 , TMFD 145 , TMFD 146 , and TMFD 212 .

Description: Drawing garments and the fashion figure. Aesthetic styling and presentation, refining product specifications, and interpretations of current trends. Intermediate application of computer-aided design in flat drawings and visual presentations.

This course is a prerequisite for: TMFD 495

Prerequisites: 3 hrs MATH or STAT

Description: Role and responsibilities of apparel and/or home furnishings merchandisers in a retail operation. Fundamentals of merchandise mathematics and its application to computer technology.

Prerequisites:  TMFD 144 , TMFD 145 , and TMFD 146

Description: Store and non-store visual merchandising and promotion for textiles and apparel. Includes strategies for branding and target market in both real and virtual platforms.

Description: Readings in current literature and individual problems.

Credit Hours: 1-5

Prerequisites:  TMFD 212 & TMFD 216 for TMFD 403 ONLY

Description: Creative experience in designing apparel through the use of draping techniques.

This course is a prerequisite for: TMFD 471 , TMFD 871 ; TMFD 495 ; TMFD 823

Prerequisites: Prerequisite for TMFD 405 ONLY: TMFD 206 ; CHEM 105A and 105L or CHEM 109A and 109L or CHEM 113A and 113L .

Description: Recent advances in the production and performance of fibers, yarns, finishes and dyes for textile products. Lab experiences designed to familiarize the students with standards, methods and equipment for evaluating textile product performance.

Prerequisites:  TMFD 206 required for TMFD 406 only

Description: Physical and chemical analysis of textiles using standard testing procedures. The calculation, interpretation, and evaluation of test results.

Prerequisites: Junior standing, AHIS 101 or 102 or 3 hrs HIST 130 or 131 for TMFD 407 ONLY

Description: Theoretical approach to the history of dress from ancient times through the twentieth century; examining dress in the context of social, economic, and artistic development of Western culture.

This course is a prerequisite for: TMFD 876 , ANTH 883

ACE: ACE 5 Humanities

Prerequisites:  TMFD 408 : Junior standing, TMFD 206 , AHIS 101 or 102 or 3 hrs HIST 130 or 131 . Undergraduate Only.

Description: Textiles in the context of social, technical, political, aesthetic, and economic developments in the cultures of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between social, technical, and aesthetic qualities of textiles, and their tranformations, as well as stylistic similarities and differences across cultural and historical contexts.

Prerequisites:  TMFD 410 ONLY: Junior or Senior standing; 3hrs PSYC or SOCI; TMFD 123 .

Description: Theories and research findings about the social, cultural, and psychological aspects of clothing and appearance in relation to the self and others. Special emphasis will be placed on relationship(s) between the body, dress, and personal and social identites.

This course is a prerequisite for: TMFD 910

Prerequisites: SR Standing; For Merch and Textile and Apparel Design option: TMFD312, MRKT300 & 6 hrs from following: ACCT200, ECON200, BLAW300, FINA300, MNGT300. For Textile Sci & Textile, Merch & Fashion Design Comm option: TMFD312 & ECON200. for TMFD412 undrgrd only

Description: Synthesis of process involved in product development from product initiation to the development of market strategies. Career and portfolio development.

ACE: ACE 10 Integrated Product

Prerequisites:  ACCT 200 or 201 or 201H , MKRT 300 or 341 or 341H, TMFD 313 and 314 ; for Undergraduate ONLY.

Description: Problems involved in consumer decision making, merchandise development and planning, retail strategies, and marketing practices specific to the textile and apparel industry.

This course is a prerequisite for: TMFD 907 ; TMFD 913

Prerequisites:  TMFD 212 , 216 and 403 .

Creative experience.

Description: Designing apparel, computer-aided design, pattern making, and line development for specific markets.

This course is a prerequisite for: TMFD 495 ; TMFD 823

Prerequisites: Undergraduate only TMFD 212 ; Jr. standing or above

Description: Small business start-up, launching products within organizations or setting new growth strategies in a short period of time. Emphasis on knowledge of entrepreneurial management and development strategies and growth in team-work settings.

Prerequisites: Senior Standing and TMFD 313 for TMFD 422 ONLY

Description: Comprehensive study of issues involved in global sourcing, including the scope, trends, and sustainability of current practices. An analysis of cultural, political, ethical, and economic perspectives related to global sourcing, production, trade and distribution of textiles and apparel products.

Prerequisites:  TMFD 145 & TMFD 146 for Undergraduate Only;

Description: Digital and other media for printed textiles. Design development, professional practices, and expressive and communicative concepts.

Prerequisites: 4 hrs CHEM and TMFD 206 , for TMFD 428 (undergraduate) ONLY

Description: Application classes of dyes. Physical and chemical properties of dyes within each class, methods of dye-fiber association, fastness properties of dyes, and recommended application procedures.

Prerequisites:  TMFD 803 for Graduate Level Course Only.

Description: Advanced work in the creation of apparel as visual communication. Design conceptualization with experimentation in media, structure, technique, and presentation.

Prerequisites: Junior Standing; 3 hours in any of the following areas: ANTH, SOCI, HIST, AHIS, TMFD or WMNS.

Description: In depth analysis of the relationship between material culture and gender roles, categories, and performances. Engages with theoretical frameworks for material culture and gender, as well as topics such as the body, clothing, the built environment, technology and media.

Prerequisites: Permission.

Presented by department faculty and visiting artists, scholars and scientists.

Description: Opportunity to analyze and evaluate techniques, develop skills, or study topics of special interest.

Credit Hours: 1-3

Description: Workshops on a variety of topics by department faculty and visiting artists, scholars and scientists. Opportunity to analyze and evaluate techniques, develop skills, or study topics of special interest.

Prerequisites: 12 hrs TMFD courses and permission for TMFD 892 only.

Description: The textile and apparel industry. Visits to museums, showrooms, manufacturers, retail establishments in major domestic and/or foreign markets such as: New York City, Paris, London, Milan, Prague, Shanghai, Seoul.

Prerequisites: 12 hrs. TMFD courses.

The credit hours for this course will be determined by the length of the study tour. Tours of 3-4 days will be for 1 credit and 5-8 will be for 2 credits. Students may repeat this course for credit.

Description: The apparel, accessories and soft goods marketplaces and manufacturing throughout the U.S. provide excellent arenas for learning. Short domestic study tours including but not limited to such centers of soft good commerce as Las Vegas, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth and other regional locations.

Credit Hours: 1-2

Prerequisites: TMFD Jr. standing, min. 2.75 GPA in TMFD courses; any prereqs that are required for specific option. Merch: TMFD 313 & 314. Textile Sci: TMFD 405 or 406 . Comm: TMFD 312 . Textile & Apparel Design: TMFD 403 & one of the following; TMFD 416 , TMFD 425 or 471

Requires an application for the internship with the TMFD department and with the employer. Letter Grade only.

Description: Supervised individual professional experience with a qualified cooperative practicing professional.

Prerequisites: 12 hrs TMFD courses and permission for TMFD 896 only.

Description: Individual projects in research, literature review, or creative production.

Prerequisites: Senior standing.

Credit Hours: 1-6

PLEASE NOTE This document represents a sample 4-year plan for degree completion with this major. Actual course selection and sequence may vary and should be discussed individually with your college or department academic advisor. Advisors also can help you plan other experiences to enrich your undergraduate education such as internships, education abroad, undergraduate research, learning communities, and service learning and community-based learning.

• 2.00 cumulative GPA required for graduation.
• 30 of the last 36 hours must be taken at UNL, UNO, or UNK.
• ***Total Credits Applying Toward 120 Total Hours***

Career Information

The following represents a sample of the internships, jobs and graduate school programs that current students and recent graduates have reported.

Jobs of Recent Graduates

• Seamstress, Colea Alteration & Design - Lincoln, NE
• Product Development, Women's Outerwear, Buckle - Lincoln, NE
• Tailor, Destination XL - Des Moines, IA
• Designer, Signs and Shapes International - Omaha, NE
• Department Manager of Cosmetics, Von Maur - Lincoln, NE
• Assistant Designer, Roe + May - Long Beach, CA
• Merchandising and Event Production Assistant, Silver & Sage Jewelry - Scottsdale, AZ
• Merchandiser, Kroeger - Kansas City, KS
• Alterations Specialist, David's Bridal - Lincoln, NE

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

Breaking News

• Cotton News
• Dyeing Printing & Finishing
• Fiber World
• Floor Covering
• Government/Trade
• Home Furnishings
• Knitting / Apparel
• New Plant & Equipment, M&A
• Nonwovens / Technical Textiles
• Sustainability
• Weaving & Spinning
• COVID-19 Updates
• ITA Green Label
• From The Editor
• Business & Financial
• Yarn Market
• Quality Fabric Of The Month
• Executive Forum
• Executive Opinion
• Web Features
• American Textiles: We Make Amazing™
• Bulletin Board
• Supplier Notes
• New Products
• The Rupp Report
• Washington Outlook
• Digital Issues
• Photo Galleries
• Events Calendar
• ITMA Asia + CITME
• Shanghaitex
• Techtextil North America/Texprocess Americas
• Techtextil/Texprocess
• Advertising
• Innovation Award

• Textile World

A Textile Education Circa 2023: Going Global

Two of the world’s oldest textile universities partner to offer a joint Master’s of Science in Global Textile Design

By Jim Kaufmann, Contributing Editor

T homas Jefferson University (Jefferson), based in Philadelphia, and Heriot-Watt University (Heriot-Watt) based in Edinburgh, Scotland, together recently announced a partnership to offer an exclusive joint Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Global Textile Design.

“This program is being positioned to enlighten students about the opportunities and issues which this global industry is currently facing,” said Marnie Collins, co-director of the Global Textile Design program and assistant professor, program director of Studies-Design for Textiles at Heriot-Watt. “We’ll also support the students in navigating their own leadership pathway in the field.”

“It is the first program of its kind in textile design that will offer joint masters degrees from each institution,” added Marcia Weiss, also co-director of the Global Textile Design program and director, Textile Design Programs, at Jefferson’s Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce.

Though the co-directors didn’t know each other in college, Weiss and Collins — both graduates of the textile design program at the then Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences which is now part of Jefferson (See “ A Study in Collaboration ,” TW , September/October 2020) — have followed similar career paths and passions. Each maintains a love of textile design, and both worked in various aspects of the textile industry before joining academia, albeit in different countries. “We’ve worked together for several years overseeing the longstanding international student exchanges between our Universities,” Collins said. “We learned we had common interests beyond woven textile design and higher education in artisanal textiles and the heritage and provenance of textiles.” A co-authored research paper, “The Role of Provenance in Luxury Textiles,” that focused on cultural similarities and differences in the perceptions and importance of design origins between U.K. and U.S. consumers formed the basis for a mutual friendship and interest in finding other ways to collaborate.

Ultimately, the women found themselves at what both Weiss and Collins agree “was the most enjoyable ‘business’ meeting ever!” “At various times, we’d have informal discussions on different ways to collaborate. Then in June 2016, Marnie was visiting family along the Jersey Shore and invited me out to Beach Haven, N.J., where we sat on the beach, looked out at the ocean, and inevitably started to piece together the program’s general scope and structure,” Weiss said. “I believe it was Marcia who came up with the idea of the joint master’s program which led to the ‘wouldn’t it be great’ question being asked quite often,” Collins added. “With such an inspiring location, it was inevitable for us to day-dream about what the most amazing joint master’s program would look like.”

The Program’s Structure

The first of its kind program for both universities has been finalized and will welcome its first class of students in the fall of 2023. “This program is structured to educate students about the opportunities and issues currently being faced throughout the contemporary textile industry and to support them in navigating their own leadership pathway in the field,” Weiss said. “Textile design creativity, sustainability, artisanal heritage as well as entrepreneurship will be emphasized.”

Structured as an 18-month-long master’s program, all students in the class will follow the same program path. It will begin with a full fall semester held at Jefferson in Philadelphia. After the traditional holiday/New Year break, students will spend the first half of the spring semester at Jefferson and then collectively move to Scotland during spring break to complete the second half of the spring semester at Heriot-Watt.

A key aspect of the joint program is the incorporation of a credit-bearing summer internship that will provide students with unprecedented opportunities because of the quality of industry partners and potential placement options offered. Each internship could be completed at select companies literally anywhere in the world. “Marnie and I have both worked directly in the textile industry prior to joining academia and with various other segments through university and industry collaborations. We both are focused on our student’s career opportunities and there are a high level of industry contacts and networks available that can be engaged specific to potential internships,” Weiss noted.

The final fall semester will be completed in full at Heriot-Watt. According to Weiss: “The sequencing and location of semesters were chosen based on the proximity of textile industry tradeshows occurring throughout the duration of the program.” A comprehensive tuition package will cover travel within courses, but not the back-and-forth between Scotland and Philadelphia. Students will need to be prepared for a considerable amount of travel as part of this global program which will also afford them the opportunity to visit and participate in a variety of international textile events both in the United States and Europe.

The program initially will be limited to a class size of 12 students. Because of the small class size, careful consideration will be given to the selection process ensuring a high quality of participants. Qualifications for those interested in enrolling will require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a level of creative experience, which doesn’t necessarily have to be specifically in textiles or textile design. “We are really looking for a demonstrated passion and interest in creative pursuits from the candidates,” suggested Weiss. Prospective students will also be asked to submit a portfolio of their work, a resume or curriculum vitae, as well as letters of recommendation. Decisions on acceptance will be made jointly by both Universities.

Value And Appeal Of Two Historic Textile Institutions

“The textile industry is obviously global,” Collins said. “There are aspects of the industry that have local challenges and concerns. However, the vast majority of modern-day issues facing the textile industry are shared across the world, including sustainability, ethical practices and artisanal skills preservation.”

“We view this program in a similar way to the ‘farm to table’ philosophy found in the restaurant industry,” Weiss noted. “People increasingly want to know the provenance of their textiles as well. So, the textile industry is pivoting towards thinking global, yet living local in order to meet the changing attitudes of consumers globally.”

There are numerous similarities between Jefferson and Heriot-Watt and their textiles and design programs. They each represent two of the world’s oldest textile institutions — The School of Textiles and Design at Heriot-Watt was formerly the Scottish College of Textiles, while Jefferson’s textile program was founded in 1884 as the Philadelphia Textile School. “The heritage and reputation of both institutions are widely known and highly respected,” stated Collins. “Both have expert staff who provide high quality support for their students for undergrad and post grad. And both have amazing facilities including textile processing labs and testing facilities, excellent historical archives and fantastic links with the industry. Graduates will find themselves with an expanded network and a much more varied experience to draw upon post degree.”

Differences between the two are subtle, but significant. Jefferson has better digital facilities and industrial machinery, while Heriot-Watt has prolific analog facilities and hand-weaving equipment. Given the different environments where each university is located, students also will be exposed to a variety of not only different cultures, but also industry networks. “There are so many great textiles globally. We hope to build on the legacy of both institutions with the arrival of this program and the international community it will foster,” stated Weiss.

Earning a degree from two of the world’s most prestigious and respected textile institutions can only provide a major benefit to the program’s graduates as they enter or re-enter the workplace. The plan was to introduce the program for the 2019/2020 school year, but the COVID pandemic hit and postponed its launch. On the bright side, this allowed for more discussions on and fine-tuning of the program details, the meshing of institutional regulations into one cohesive program, and additional time to attract national and international students. Now, both Weiss and Collins are ready to get this program off the ground. “We’re super excited for the opportunities it will bring to the students and to further connect our two schools,” said Weiss. “It’s going to be great fun!”

January/February 2023

Blue Point Stays Local With Acquisition Of National Safety Apparel (NSA)

Itm 2024 exhibition; preparing to break new records with the number of exhibitors and..., durak bug safe thread, the latest development of durak tekstil, digital issue.

March/April 2024

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

The Sustainable “Fabric Of Our Lives”

Aramid Recycling: Solving a Tricky Environmental Issue

Innovations In Testing & Quality Control

• Career Center
• Innovation Forum