FCS
Textile and Apparel Studies
M.A.
in Family and Consumer Sciences with a Concentration in Textile
and Apparel Studies
The textile and apparel industry is complex and requires a broad understanding of multiple disciplines (e.g., marketing, management, communications, sociology, anthropology). The Textile and Apparel emphasis offers a flexible program grounded in human ecological concepts to students who want to further develop knowledge and skills necessary for success in the fashion environment. The program is also valuable for students interested in pursuing a doctorate in preparation for a career in academia, as they can explore interests within the flexibility of this program and enter a Ph.D. program with a strong sense of direction.
Program Requirements:
| Core Courses (15 hrs.) | |
FCS 5340 Consumer Behavior in the Fashion Environment |
3 |
FCS 5440 Global Aspects of the Fashion Industry |
3 |
FCS 5240 The Socio-Psychological Aspects of Clothing |
3 |
FCS 5900 Projects / Problems in FCS |
3 |
FCS 5980 Independent Study in FCS |
3 |
FCS 6160 Consumer Education |
3 |
| 3 | |
| Elective Courses (9-12 hrs.) | |
| Select 3-6 credit hours in education, communication, business, or other social, behavioral, or applied sciences fields. These courses are planned with the advisor. | |
FCS 5680 Gender Culture and Families |
3 |
FCS 6480 Adult Education |
3 |
| Research/Thesis (5-9 hrs.) | |
FCS 6010 Research Methods and Design |
3 |
| Select one of the following: | |
FCS 7000 Master's Thesis |
6 |
FCS 7100 Independent Research |
2-6 |
Rev. 10/03
Students may choose to specialize in an area by taking additional courses. Suggested areas of specialization include, but are not limited to: History, Theatre, Anthropology and Education.
Note: Students who do not have a bachelor's degree in Textiles and Apparel Studies or a related area may be required to take additional undergraduate courses to qualify for entrance into this area of concentration.
Graduate Advisor: , (269) 387-3704, 3325 Kohrman Hall
Resource guide
Textiles and Apparel resources for career guidance and exploration
Graduates with an M.A. degree concentration in Textiles and Apparel may find employment as:
- Retail Management or Marketing Executives
- Community College or Undergraduate College Instructors
- Extension Specialists
- Theatrical Costumers
- Museum / Costume Collection Coordinators
- Designers
- Patternmakers (apparel, automotive or furniture industries)
- Apparel Business Managers