In Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management, we have active instruction, research, outreach, and extension programs and offer a Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree and Master's and Ph.D. graduate degree in three areas of concentration: apparel, housing, and resource management. Our internationally recognized and award winning faculty and staff are committed to diversity and a student-centered approach to the educational process and high quality academic and career advising.
The Apparel concentration focuses on the domestic and international concerns of consumers in relation to apparel and textiles and of manufacturers and retailers of those products. Basic to these concerns are social, cultural, political, economic, and technological factors that affect consumer satisfaction with apparel and other textile products. The apparel program prepares graduates for careers in business and government through required courses that build essential knowledge and skills relevant to the design, production, marketing, distribution, and use of apparel and textile products. The program includes emphasis on apparel product development and merchandising management.
The Housing concentration focuses on the planning, design, marketing, and management of residential environments. The curriculum includes undergraduate options in Housing and Residential Property Management and a variety of emphasis areas for graduate students. The program prepares students for careers in residential property management, the kitchen and bath industries, and other businesses and agencies involved in the design, development, and management of housing. Internship experiences, strong advisory boards, interaction with industry professionals, and coursework that integrates user needs with business objectives all combine to prepare strong professionals for the housing industry.
The Resource Management concentration focuses on the principles and processes involved in recognition, creation, and allocation of human and material resources to foster well-being. The Consumer Studies option builds students' knowledge of households in the dual roles of consumers and producers in a global market affected by government policy, and enable students to analyze issues from the consumer, business, and government perspectives. Financial counselors provide debt crisis management and budgeting advice to those who may be experiencing problems managing their personal finances. The program prepares students for government, non-profit, and business careers in consumer affairs, human resources, marketing and sales, credit and business management.
The AHRM Department provides a dynamic and engaged research-based learning process for our 450 undergraduate and 25 graduate students that applies industry-oriented technologies, diverse teaching methods, study abroad experiences, and academically oriented student organizations and associations. Student access to business, industry, and governmental constituents are provided through field study and internship opportunities, guest lecturers, and active national Advisory Boards including the Residential Property Management Advisory Board and the Center for Real Life Kitchen Design Advisory Board.
We incorporate our state-of-the-art departmental facilities and resources such as the Center for Real Life Kitchen Design, Oris Glisson Costume and Textiles Collection, the Apparel CAD Laboratory, Apparel and Textiles Labs, and the AHRM Resource Room in our teaching, research, and outreach efforts.
Improving quality of life for individuals, families, and the broader community by creating and extending knowledge in apparel, housing, and resource management is central to the AHRM mission. We apply business, consumer, and design perspectives to teaching and learning, research and outreach by focusing on
- Economic, business, and community development and sustainability
- health, safety, and well-being
- design, development, and analysis