Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
BS Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
There are four options within the TMD major [Fashion Merchandising,
Apparel Studies, Textile Science, Interior Furnishings and
Design]. Interested prospective students should review the Program
Requirements, List of TMD courses,
and the Advising Guide.
The Fashion Merchandising option is designed for those interested in fashion coordination, buying, and retail management. Students take courses in textiles with supporting coursework in marketing, management, consumer studies, or art. They study the successful selling of apparel and home furnishings to the consumer and the buying, promotion, and sale of goods and services. They are also familiar with fashion trends and consumer behavior. Internships are important, and more of these students are choosing to study abroad during their college career. The flexibility in the program again allows a concentration of courses in other areas such as consumer education, or journalism. Particular courses which relate to this option are fashion buying, retailing and store operations. The Fashion Merchandising Society offers students extracurricular activities relating to their field including speakers, bus trips to apparel markets, and the staging of at least one fashion show each year.
Students can also concentrate in Apparel Studies. In this area students analyze sewn products, and explore apparel production, fashion design, flat pattern and draping. The laboratories are equipped with Pattern Works' "PW Pattern" CAD system for pattern making, grading and marker making. The courses are supplemented with others in fashion merchandising, theater costuming, historic costume and business. Many students in this option study for a semester at the London College of Fashion or the American Intercontinental University, or intern with apparel manufacturers in New York City.
The Textile Science option offers students opportunities to prepare for careers in dyeing, finishing and quality control. Beyond the required textile courses, these students take courses in textile performance, detergency, color science and dyeing and finishing. Students may select a minor in areas such as management or marketing. Internships in the New England textile industry are valuable in affording students the opportunity to gain practical experience to supplement their classroom and laboratory work. Students are taking advantage of these internship opportunities, especially in the areas of dyeing, finishing and printing which remain strong in the local area. The URI student chapter of AATCC holds meetings, and its members attend most meetings of the senior RI section. In recognition of the support, encouragement and inspiration given by a URI alumna and former national president of AATCC, it has named itself the Marguerita C. Hindle chapter.
Students may acquire knowledge in the Interior Design and Furnishings area. Americans have accelerated the rate at which they redesign their homes in recent years, increasing the need for professionals who understand both the design and the merchandising of products for the home and office. In addition, the field of contract design has expanded, creating a market for graduates with knowledge of textiles for interiors. Students interested in interior design and furnishings take courses in space planning, historic furniture, interior design and interior fabrics. Professional electives in art and/or business are recommended. Internships with interior designers, historic houses, and retailers of products for interiors provide on-the-job training. Field trips to historic houses, "Career Days," "Designer Saturdays," and the marketplace are valuable for these students, and are highly encouraged.
Students with particular goals can design their own series of courses to create a unique degrees which will prepare them for careers in the home sewing industry, apparel design, theatrical costuming, or museum work.
While individual achievement in a series of courses will earn a degree, the value of the degree is better understood if broader student outcomes are stated and measured. The TMD Department has identified a series of student learning outcomes that will be measured and used as a tool to guide curriculum development and instructional appropriateness.
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