Students learn traditional hand-processes and technology-based methods. The faculty of established textile designers and professional artists emphasize both the development of aesthetic and conceptual concerns, while working to instill a high-proficiency in design industry techniques, emphasizing technical skills in all courses throughout the sophomore, junior and senior years.

As students advance in the program, specifically between their junior and senior years, they receive on-the-job experience through a variety of internship opportunities. During their senior year, students choose to specialize in print, woven, knit or surface design. Concentrating in one of these areas allows seniors to produce either a fine arts body of work or an industry-caliber portfolio.

A phase out of the Textile Design major started with the 2009/10 academic year. All students currently enrolled in the major as juniors and seniors must complete the degree requirements in two (2) academic years (2010/11 and 2011/12). Three new Textile based minors are being offered starting in Fall 2010: Surface Design, Fabric Construction and Material Studies. For more information about the availability of Textile Design courses and/or minors students may contact the Academic Advisor.