Apparel, Housing & Resource Management

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The Apparel program has a long history at VIrginia Tech and is unique in Virginia and the United States by offering the B.S., Master's, and Ph.D. in the product development and merchandising of apparel products. An emphasis on computer technology adds to the expertise of graduates. Supporting courses in textiles at the undergraduate level add an understanding of the raw materials used for apparel.

Recent B.S. graduates are employed by design and retail companies including The Limited, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne, Norma Kamali, Di Lorenzo Designs, Calvin Klein, Etienne Aigner, Woolrich, Macy's, Nordstrom's, and Oscar de la Renta.

M.S. graduates are sought for positions in retail management, textile and apparel production, and computer-aided design. Ph.D. graduates are in teaching, research, and Extension and research positions in major universities in the U.S. and abroad.

The program has a valuable 5,000 plus piece Oris Glisson Historic Costume and Textile Collection. The collection includes swim wear designed by an alumna and historically significant wedding dresses and apparel.

Apparel Program

The Apparel Program will only accept Change of Major students during the months of September and February. In addition, a statement, not to exceed two double-spaced, typed pages, outlining the applicant's career goals in the field of textiles and apparel must accompany the Change of Major form. Restricted Apparel courses will not be available to students who have not completed the necessary procedures.

The Apparel program addresses the domestic and international concerns of the apparel and textile industries and their consumers. Basic to these concerns are the social, economic, technological, and cultural factors affecting consumer acceptance and use of apparel and textile products and the effects of those products on the environment. Courses and programs within the Department prepare students for careers in business, industry, and governmental services.

The undergraduate program (120 credit hours) is designed so qualifications needed for entry level positions are met. Students are provided with a broad liberal education as well as with knowledge and skills basic to the understanding of the design, production, marketing, distribution, and use of apparel and textile products. The Apparel program is structured to address broad career perspectives in the textile and apparel industry and offers program graduates valuable flexibility in the marketplace.

Fundamental to the Apparel program area are studies in various facets of the textile and apparel business sectors, products, and services; the complex dimensions of consumer behavior; textile and apparel product quality analysis and evaluation; the incorporation of product development processes and practices including product conceptualization, planning, design, development and presentation; merchandising, marketing, and management principles and practices; and an integration of industry oriented software and computer aided design programs pertinent to the textile and apparel industry.

A Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) is awarded to those students who successfully complete the curriculum and interested students should contact the Apparel program area for more specific information on the Apparel program structure and option.

Unique Features

The Apparel Program has a long history at Virginia Tech. The program currently has over 5,000 alums, 202 undergraduates, and 21 graduate students. This program is unique in Virginia and the United States by offering the B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in the design and merchandising of apparel products. An emphasis on computer technology adds to the expertise of the graduates. Supporting courses in textiles at the undergraduate level add an understanding of the raw materials used for apparel. Recent B.S. graduates are employed by design and retail companies including The Limited, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne, Norma Kamali, Di Lorenzo Designs, Calvin Klein, Etienne Aigner, Woolrich, Macy's, Nordstrom's, and Oscar de la Renta. M.S. graduates are sought for positions in retail management, textile and apparel production, and computer-aided design. Ph.D. graduates are in teaching, research, and Extension and research positions in major universities in the U.S. and abroad.

This program has a valuable 5,000-plus piece Oris Glisson Historic Costume and Textile Collection. The collection includes historically significant wedding dresses and apparel.