MS in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
For individual course descriptions, please refer to the list of TMD courses
The Department offers a Masters degree with thesis (30 credits) and
non-thesis (33 credits) options. The detailed requirements for these
two options are listed separately. Additional
courses may be required in either option if they are missing from the academic
background. Some financial aid is available in the form of teaching
assistantships and tuition fellowships. To get an idea of the research topics
and interests in the department you can
review a list of recent theses and practicum projects,
and look at faculty profiles.
Specializations
Students in Historic costume and textiles develop
curatorial, conservation, and research skills under the guidance of
nationally known experts. Internships in museums, historical
societies, and textile conservation labs are integral to this
specialization. The department's Historic Textiles And Costume Collection of some 16,000 items, one of the
best university collections in the country, is an outstanding
resource for students. URI's Library also houses a Commercial Pattern Archive of more than 40,000 paper patterns. Textile science offers opportunities to
study dyeing and finishing, color science, environmental issues, and
quality control. Students use textile science laboratory facilities
for coursework and research. Possibilities exist for cooperation with
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Fashion merchandising
offers advanced study in retailing and consumer behavior. Graduate
coursework in Management and Marketing supports this option.
Admission Requirements
The Graduate Record Examination and a bachelor's degree with
adequate preparation for the proposed area of study are required. For the GRE
tests a 900 combined verbal and quantitative score is the usual
requirement. The
undergraduate degree may be in textiles and clothing, or in a related
field. Students with a degree from a related area may need to make up
deficiencies without graduate credit. International applicants must
complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a
minimum score of 550.
Financial Aid
Graduate assistantships offer valuable experience in
college-level teaching and research. The level I assistantship
stipend for the academic year 2001-2002 is $10,255. Tuition scholarships
are available on a competitive basis through the Graduate School. The
University has encouraged matriculation of qualified minority
applicants through diversity assistantships. Occasionally
contract work in textile testing or textile conservation pays qualified students on an hourly basis.
Applications
Prospective students can
find general URI
Application information The international student application form is
downloadable. The graduate school will only respond to these forms submitted by
regular mail.
Applying online is the preferred method
of application to the University of Rhode Island. The online
application process offers a secure and convenient way to apply for
admission to our Graduate School. You can cut
and paste your personal statement from any word processing program
into the application. You can then submit with one click on the "Submit Your Application"
button.
Completed applications are due by November 15 for
spring admission, April 15 for summer admission, and July 15 for fall
admission. International applications must be received by February 1
for Fall admission and July 15 for Spring admission. Applications for
scholarships and assistantships must be received by February 1.
Given the increased use and availability of internet access, the Graduate School will no longer mail hard copies of the University catalog to prospective applicants at first request. Applicants will be advised to go to www.uri.edu for both the catalog and downloadable application forms. If a prospective applicant still wishes to receive a catalog, they will be asked to send a self-addressed stamped envelope (9 x 11 manila) with $3.85 postage to the Graduate School office (55 Lower College Road, Suite 2). Those who inquire in writing and by e-mail will be notified of this by either a return e-mail message or a mailed postcard with the pertinent information and web addresses.
More Information on Programs
Dr. Linda Welters, Graduate Program Director, Textiles, Fashion Merchandising
and Design,
The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881.
Phone: 401-874-4525. Fax: 401-874-2581. E-Mail:
lwelters@uri.edu
