Textiles and Apparel
Major in the College of Natural Sciences
The Division of Textiles and Apparel (TXA) includes a wide range of disciplines.
Academic and research programs are organized into three major options: Option 1: Apparel, Functional, and Technical Design, Option 2: Merchandising and Consumer Sciences, Option 3: Textiles and Apparel Honors.. Starting in fall 2022, TXA will be removing the Option framework and hosting one Bachelor of Science degree with “a choose your own adventure”* concentration plan model.
*The names and courses for the concentrations will be published by December 2021.
The Division of Textiles and Apparel (TXA) is a science-based interdisciplinary hub providing a dynamic education – setting students up for a breadth of career and academic opportunities. Students in the Division of Textiles and Apparel are able to select from a wide range of innovative courses, in our Mary Gearing Hall, in NYC or Paris, or in studios and labs in collaboration with industry partners. TXA students study the art of design, the science of chemistry and physics, and the application of retail principles. Students complete a core curriculum and then choose from courses which will make up “concentrations” – with students tracking through introductory, developing, and mastery learning levels of content. Our courses provide hands-on experience reflective of a rapidly evolving field – harnessing the energy of rapidly evolving retail environments, learning from intercultural practices and customs, product development, consumer behavior, apparel and fashion design, computer-aided design, sustainability, and fiber and fabric testing, among other things. Capstone experiences take students to high-profile venues and provide rich educational opportunities. Internships are available to enhance the educational experience and ensure strong career opportunities. Research is being conducted in bio-based fibers and specialized fabrics to address basic human needs of creative textile products.
Declaration Requirements
ShowProspective University of Texas at Austin students should visit UT Admissions to learn about the application process and how to declare a major.
How to Declare
ShowStep 1:Internal transfer students must apply to the College of Natural Sciences prior to completing 60 hours or four long semesters at UT. Applications are due to the College of Natural Sciences in the spring. Learn more about the college's internal transfer requirements.
Step 2: Once accepted into the College of Natural Sciences, all students will start as entry-level textiles and apparel majors until they successfully complete the entry-level requirements.
Required Courses
ShowFor information on required courses, students can view the Textiles and Apparel degree plans for each track.
Internships: All TXA students must complete a field experience in the form of an internship related to the student's field of specialization. The experiences are a stepping stone into the field and offer students real-world experience to prepare for careers or academia after graduation. The experiences are typically completed during the senior year; students work with the faculty admission panel to select the internship sites.
Specializations
Show
- Option I: Apparel, Functional, and Technical Design
- Option II: Merchandising and Consumer Sciences
- Option III: Textiles and Apparel Honors (must be admitted to Dean's Scholars)
Skills
ShowStudents in the textiles and apparel major develop:
- Principles from arts, sciences, humanities, and commerce in preparation for professional careers or academia
- Apparel product development and associated technologies
- Career preparedness
- Computer-aided design (CAD)
- Ability to design and create apparel collections
- The exhibition of textiles and historical garments
- Research on bio-based fibers and specialized fabrics
- Retail innovation, buying, planning, and merchandising of consumer goods
- Knowledge and understanding in the areas of accounting, economics, marketing, psychology and statistics
