Master's Degree in Apparel and Textiles
This master's degree in Apparel and Textiles teaches advanced skills in textile science, fashion design, and production, preparing students for careers in the fashion and textile industries in the US.
About
The Master's Degree in Apparel and Textiles is a graduate-level program in the United States designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge of textile materials, fashion design, and garment production. It is intended for those who have already completed a bachelor's degree and wish to specialize further in this field. This diploma helps students develop technical, creative, and management skills relevant to the apparel and textile sectors. Graduates can pursue careers in fashion design, textile development, product management, or quality control.
- The program focuses on advanced textile science and fashion design techniques.
- It is aimed at students with a bachelor's degree in related fields like fashion, design, or materials science.
- Students learn about garment production, textile innovation, and supply chain management.
- The degree prepares for roles in both creative and technical aspects of the apparel industry.
- It is suitable for those interested in working in fashion houses, textile manufacturers, or retail companies.
What you study
The curriculum of this master's degree combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications over one to two years. Students start with core courses on textile materials and fashion concepts, then progress to specialized subjects and projects. Practical work is an important part of the program, including workshops and laboratory sessions.
- Early courses cover textile fibers, fabric technology, and fashion history.
- Advanced classes focus on garment construction, computer-aided design (CAD), and product development.
- Students engage in hands-on projects to design and produce apparel items.
- The program often includes research methods related to textile innovation and sustainability.
- Some programs offer opportunities to collaborate with industry partners on real-world challenges.
- Internships or practical placements may be integrated to enhance professional experience.
How to get in
Admission to this master's program in the US requires a relevant bachelor's degree and a formal application process. Candidates usually need to provide transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some programs may ask for a portfolio if the focus is on design.
- Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- The application process includes submitting academic records and sometimes GRE scores, depending on the university.
- Relevant work experience or internships can strengthen the application.
- Students with backgrounds in fashion, textiles, design, or materials science are preferred.
- English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS are required for international students.
Day to day
A typical year in this master's degree involves a mix of lectures, practical workshops, and project work. Students often work on individual and group assignments that simulate industry tasks. Internships or industry collaborations may be part of the curriculum to provide real-world experience.
- The academic calendar includes semester-based courses with regular assessments.
- Students spend significant time in laboratories and design studios for hands-on learning.
- Group projects encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Internships or cooperative education programs are sometimes available to gain professional experience.
- Students balance coursework with research or thesis work if required.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates of this master's degree can access various jobs in the apparel and textile industries. The program prepares them for roles that require both creative and technical expertise. The job market includes fashion companies, textile manufacturers, and retail brands.
- Common careers include fashion designer, textile technologist, and product developer.
- Other roles involve quality control, merchandising, and production management.
- The apparel industry in the US offers opportunities in both large companies and smaller design studios.
- Employment prospects generally benefit from the program’s focus on practical skills and industry trends.
- Networking and internships during the program help with job placement.
Continuing your studies
After completing this master's degree, some students may choose to continue their studies or specialize further. Options include doctoral programs or professional certifications related to textiles, fashion, or business management. Others may reorient toward related fields depending on their interests.
- Doctoral studies in textile science or fashion technology are possible for research-focused students.
- Professional courses in fashion marketing or supply chain management can complement the degree.
- Some graduates may pursue entrepreneurship or further training in design innovation.
Where to study this degree (146)
Liste des 146 établissements
- SUNY OneontaOneonta
- Reedley CollegeReedley
- University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg
- Ball State UniversityMuncie
- Mesa Community CollegeMesa
- Savannah College of Art and DesignSavannah
- North Dakota State UniversityFargo
- Hinds Community CollegeRaymond
- University of GeorgiaAthens
- Los Angeles Valley CollegeValley Glen
- Centenary College of New JerseyHackettstown
- San Diego Miramar CollegeSan Diego
- California State University, Long BeachLong Beach
- Auburn UniversityAuburn
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington
- Iowa State UniversityAmes
- Wayne State UniversityDetroit
- University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro
- Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus
- Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins
- California State Polytechnic UniversityPomona
- Fashion Institute of TechnologyNew York
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee
- University of DelawareNewark
- University of ArkansasFayetteville
- San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco
- University of KentuckyLexington
- East Carolina UniversityGreenville
- Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro
- Academy of Art UniversitySan Francisco
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin
- University of AlabamaTuscaloosa
- Washington State UniversityPullman
- Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green
- Mississippi State UniversityStarkville
- University of Rhode IslandKingston
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge
- FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & MerchandisingLos Angeles
- Utah State UniversityLogan
- Liberty UniversityLynchburg
- Framingham State UniversityFramingham
- Missouri State UniversitySpringfield
- El Centro CollegeDallas
- University of Wisconsin–MadisonMadison
- Illinois State UniversityNormal
- Buffalo State UniversityBuffalo
- University of Nebraska–LincolnLincoln
- Cornell UniversityIthaca
- Ohio University LancasterAthens
- College of the SequoiasVisalia
- Rhode Island School of DesignProvidence
- California State University, SacramentoSacramento
- Appalachian State UniversityBoone
- Central Washington UniversityEllensburg
- Oregon State UniversityCorvallis
- Northern Illinois UniversityDeKalb
- Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro
- University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaHonolulu
- University of Central OklahomaEdmond
- University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis
- Santa Monica CollegeSanta Monica
- Brigham Young University - IdahoRexburg
- Harper CollegePalatine
- Kansas State UniversityManhattan
- Orange Coast CollegeCosta Mesa
- Institucion Chaviano de MayaguezMayaguez
- Academia Serrant IncPonce
- Los Angeles Trade Technical CollegeLos Angeles
- University of North AlabamaFlorence
- Minneapolis CollegeMinneapolis
- El Camino CollegeTorrance
- University of Wisconsin–StoutMenomonie
- Palomar CollegeSan Marcos
- Indiana State UniversityTerre Haute
- Louisiana Tech UniversityRuston
- City College of San FranciscoSan Francisco
- University of Northern IowaCedar Falls
- Mt. San Antonio CollegeWalnut
- Fullerton CollegeFullerton
- Fontbonne UniversitySaint Louis
- Pasadena City CollegePasadena
- University of IdahoMoscow
- Wayne County Community College DistrictDetroit
- Santa Ana CollegeSanta Ana
- New Mexico State UniversityLas Cruces
- Chaffey CollegeRancho Cucamonga
- Sierra CollegeRocklin
- Allan Hancock CollegeSanta Maria
- College of DuPageGlen Ellyn
- University of ArizonaTucson
- Saddleback CollegeMission Viejo
- American River CollegeSacramento
- Lamar UniversityBeaumont
- Long Beach City CollegeLong Beach
- Honolulu Community CollegeHonolulu
- Liceo de Arte-Dise-O y ComercioCaguas
- California State University, FresnoFresno
- Sacramento City CollegeSacramento
- San Joaquin Delta CollegeStockton
- Santa Rosa Junior CollegeSanta Rosa
- South Dakota State UniversityBrookings
- Southern Illinois University CarbondaleCarbondale
- Fresno City CollegeFresno
- West Valley CollegeSaratoga
- Bradley UniversityPeoria
- Monterey Peninsula CollegeMonterey
- Olympic CollegeBremerton
- Tarleton State UniversityStephenville
- Delaware State UniversityDover
- Cañada CollegeRedwood City
- San Diego Mesa CollegeSan Diego
- University of Hawaii Maui CollegeKahului
- Stephens CollegeColumbia
- Butte CollegeOroville
- Purdue University West LafayetteWest Lafayette
- University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio
- Beverly Hills Design InstituteBeverly Hills
- Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau
- Antelope Valley CollegeLancaster
- West Virginia UniversityMorgantown
- Seattle Pacific UniversitySeattle
- University of AkronAkron
- Ohio University-Lancaster CampusLancaster
- Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo
- Irvine Valley CollegeIrvine
- Ohio University SouthernIronton
- Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional StudiesFort Wayne
- Oregon State University CascadesBend
- Milwaukee Institute of Art & DesignMilwaukee
- Glasgow Caledonian New York CollegeNew York
- Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater
- Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville
- Brigham Young UniversityProvo
- Bob Jones UniversityGreenville
- Miami University-OxfordOxford
- Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh
- College of AlamedaAlameda
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- Cuesta CollegeSan Luis Obispo
- Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville
- University of California-DavisDavis
- Ventura CollegeVentura
- Carson Newman UniversityJefferson City
- Ohio University ChillicotheChillicothe
- Indiana Institute of TechnologyFort Wayne
- Ohio University ZanesvilleZanesville
Frequently asked questions
What prior education do I need to apply?
You need to have completed a bachelor's degree, preferably in fashion, textiles, design, or a related field. Some programs may also consider applicants with relevant work experience.
Is practical experience part of the program?
Yes, the program includes practical workshops, design projects, and sometimes internships to help students gain hands-on experience in apparel and textiles.
Can international students apply?
International students can apply but must demonstrate English proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS and meet the admission requirements of the university.
How long does the program usually last?
The master's degree typically takes one to two years to complete, depending on the university and whether you study full-time or part-time.
Are there opportunities to work while studying?
Alternance or work-study options are generally not common in this program, but internships may be available to gain professional experience.
What kind of jobs can I get after graduation?
Graduates can work as fashion designers, textile technologists, product developers, quality controllers, and other roles in the apparel and textile sectors.
Can I continue my studies after this master's degree?
Yes, you can pursue doctoral studies in textile science or fashion technology, or take professional certifications to specialize further.
Is the program focused more on design or technical skills?
The program balances both design and technical aspects, covering fashion design, textile science, garment production, and product development.


























