Apparel and Textiles: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Apparel and Textiles programs explore the design, production, and cultural significance of clothing and fabric systems. Students engage with the science, artistry, and innovation behind textile materials and wearable technology, preparing for careers at the intersection of fashion, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.
- Fiber Science and Material Innovation: Investigate the physical and chemical properties of natural and synthetic fibers, including performance characteristics, durability, and environmental impact.
- Textile Design and Production: Study the creative and technical processes involved in developing fabric patterns, colors, and structures across diverse applications.
- Apparel Design and Construction: Learn the principles of garment creation, including patternmaking, fit analysis, and prototyping using both traditional and digital tools.
- Sustainable Fashion Practices: Examine eco-conscious methodologies in sourcing, manufacturing, and end-of-life management of textile products to reduce environmental footprints.
- Consumer Behavior and Market Trends: Analyze how cultural shifts, digital platforms, and economic factors influence fashion consumption and product development cycles.
- Textile Testing and Quality Assurance: Apply standardized protocols to evaluate fabric strength, colorfastness, shrinkage, and compliance with industry regulations.
Apparel and Textiles Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Apparel and Textiles Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Apparel and Textiles degrees, including . 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.
Career salary data is not available for this program.
Top Universities for Apparel and Textiles by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Apparel and Textiles 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 Apparel and Textiles is found at University of Wisconsin-Madison (12 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 12 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Other Award
|
12 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Apparel and Textiles programs
Which universities have the largest Apparel and Textiles programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Apparel and Textiles degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Wisconsin-Madison (12 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 Apparel and Textiles growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 73 in 2010 to a peak of 36 in 2020, before declining slightly to 12 in 2023-24. This represents a 84% 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.
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