Design Emphasis- Design Project Report Option

The emphasis in Design focuses on the design process to research, design, develop, and evaluate apparel and textiles using both creative and technical methods. The Design Project Report and related exhibition provides the M.S. student an opportunity for advanced creative design of apparel and/or textiles that demonstrates the student’s synthesis of a defined problem or context that results in a written report and a body of original works for University exhibition and submission for juried review. The Design Project Report requires 30 credit hours, of which 2 credit hours are AT 896 Design Project Report and 4 credit hours are AT 897 Design Project Exhibit, and a defense of the report and exhibit.

Design Emphasis- Thesis Option

The Design emphasis thesis option requires 30 credit hours, of which 6 credit hours are AT 899 Thesis Research, and an oral defense. Students follow the course requirements above, but replace the report and exhibit hours with thesis research hours.

Product Development Emphasis- Thesis Option

The emphasis in Product Development includes the research, design, engineering, evaluation, management, and marketing of innovative apparel and textile products for specialty markets, such as but not limited to medical, sports, military, agricultural, therapeutic, and protective. The Thesis option requires 30 credit hours, of which 6 hours are AT 899 Thesis Research, and an oral defense of the thesis.

Marketing Emphasis- Thesis Option

The Marketing emphasis focuses on relevant theories and practices used to satisfy the apparel and textile consumer. Students utilize enhanced knowledge of the consumer to build a deeper understanding of marketing processes necessary for success in the highly competitive apparel and textile marketplace. The Thesis option requires 30 credit hours, of which 6 hours are AT 899 Thesis Research, and an oral defense of the thesis.

Coursework Option

Students are expected to complete the Thesis or the Design Project Report option. There is also the Coursework only option, but this option is held for extenuating circumstances and must be approved by the ATID graduate faculty after review of a written petition submitted by the student. The written petition shall outline the extenuating circumstances and be submitted to the graduate program director for review by the graduate faculty.

The Coursework option requires 33 credit hours of course work and a comprehensive written examination. An oral defense may be scheduled if deemed necessary by the major professor or committee members. Required courses include: Research methods (3 cr.), Statistics (3 cr.), and 12 credit hours in Apparel and Textiles graduate level coursework. Students are to consult with their major professor and supervisory committee to select courses beyond the requirements.