Textile Sciences and Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Textile Sciences and Engineering is a multidisciplinary field focused on the scientific and technical advancement of fiber and textile materials through innovation in design, production, and performance evaluation. This program equips students with the analytical and engineering skills needed to solve complex challenges in the development and application of both natural and synthetic textile systems.
- Molecular Synthesis: Exploration of chemical processes that create new fiber structures at the molecular level, enabling the design of advanced materials with tailored properties.
- Fiber Manufacturing Systems: Study of industrial methods and technologies used to produce high-performance fibers, from raw material processing to final product formation.
- Textile Structure and Weaving: Analysis of fabric architecture, including weave patterns and interlacing techniques, to optimize mechanical behavior and functional performance.
- Mechanical Properties and Stress Analysis: Evaluation of tensile strength, durability, and deformation under load to predict material behavior in real-world applications.
- Chemical Processing and Dyeing Technologies: Investigation of chemical treatments, finishing processes, and sustainable dyeing methods to enhance colorfastness, functionality, and environmental compatibility.
- Composite Material Integration: Application of textile-based reinforcements in advanced composites for use in aerospace, automotive, and biomedical engineering.
- Lifecycle Assessment and Sustainability: Examination of material longevity, recyclability, and environmental impact to support the development of eco-efficient textile solutions.
Textile Sciences and Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Textile Sciences and Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Textile Sciences and Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Materials Engineers and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 273,020 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Materials Engineers 17-2131 | $108,310 | $68,040 - $172,000 | 22,770 | $52.07 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
Textile Sciences and Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $108,063 in Nebraska to $159,125 in New Mexico—a 47% difference. The highest-paying states include New Mexico, California, and Hawaii. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 273,020 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Textile Sciences and Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Textile Sciences and Engineering programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Textile Sciences and Engineering is found at North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh (259 graduates), Thomas Jefferson University (14 graduates), University of California (UCD), Davis (1 graduates), and Gaston College (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 275 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
259 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| Thomas Jefferson University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
14 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | jefferson.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Master's
|
1 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| Gaston College |
Other Award
|
1 | Dallas, North Carolina | Public | gaston.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Textile Sciences and Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Textile Sciences and Engineering degree?
Salaries for Textile Sciences and Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Materials Engineers earn around $108,310. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Mexico average $159,125 compared to $108,063 in Nebraska. Approximately 273,020 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Textile Sciences and Engineering programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Textile Sciences and Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh (259 graduates), Thomas Jefferson University (14 graduates), and University of California (UCD), Davis (1 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Textile Sciences and Engineering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 294 in 2010 to a peak of 318 in 2020, before declining slightly to 275 in 2023-24. This represents a 6% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Textile Sciences and Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Materials Engineers, and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 273,020 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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