To prepare students for professional careers in the textile and apparel industries, which are interconnected and global in nature, this curriculum provides an integrated, multi-functional academic experience. Students focus on design, development, and marketing of textile and apparel products and are encouraged to develop a broad-based problem solving perspective through synthesis of concepts, coursework, and work experiences. Students concentrate on a component of the textile/apparel industry complex by selecting textile science, apparel design, or merchandising as a program area. Graduates pursue careers with textile and apparel manufacturers, retailers, testing laboratories, government agencies, media firms, or they may open their own businesses. <br><br>Possible Careers<br>Apparel designer <br>Fashion merchandiser <br>Materials specialist <br>Product development scientist <br>Retail distribution manager <br>Textiles expert