Master of Science
in Apparel Studies

Introduction to the Graduate Program

The Apparel Studies graduate program in the School of Human Environmental Sciences provides opportunities for advanced study and research of textiles, pattern making, and fashion merchanding. Classes include:

• HESC4023 Advanced Apparel Merchandising (FA) Advanced Apparel Merchandising
Aspects of fashion through interpretation of apparel classification, seasonal cycles, stock emphasis, assortment strategies, target customers, and apparel trends and an overview of marketing communication including advertising, personal selling and sales promotion. Prerequisite: HESC 3033.

• HESC4033 Advanced Textile Study (SP)
Use of advanced computer-aided-design (CAD) software to enhance skills in textile studies. Prerequisite: HESC 1053 and HESC 2053.

• HESC4043 History of Apparel (FA)
The evolution of clothing from ancient times to the twentieth century with emphasis upon Western civilization. Cultural and economic factors affecting dress and customs associated with dress will be stressed. Lecture three hours per week. Prerequisite: ANTH 1023 or SOCI 2013 or HESC 1013.

• HESC4053 Contemporary Apparel (SP)
Fashion as a social force, the origin, scope, theory, and history of the fashion business, the materials of fashion, the fashion producers, auxiliary fashion enterprises, designers, fashion leaders, and leading market. Lecture three hours per week. Prerequisite: HESC 3033 and HESC 4043.

• HESC4903 Recent Advances in Manufacturing and Merchandising (SP)
Study of the interaction between manufacturing, marketing, and merchandising in the apparel industry through classroom instruction and study tours. Includes study trip. Additional fees required. Lecture 3 hours per week and 1 week study tour.

• HESC5003 Advanced Apparel Studies in the Global Economy (FA)
Advanced analysis of economic, social and political aspects of the domestic and international textile and apparel industries. Prerequisite: HESC 3013.

• HESC5013 Advanced Apparel Pattern Design (SP)
Use of computer aided design technology to perform pattern making techniques for apparel production. Laboratory 5 hours per week. Prerequisite: HESC 3003.

• HESC5033 Principles of Textile Testing (SP)
Study of textile testing machines and methods utilized to determine construction and performance characteristics of woven and knit fabrics. Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 4 hours per week. Corequisite: HESC 5030L.

• HESC5030L Principles of Textile Testing Laboratory (SP)
Corequisite: HESC 5033.

The faculty bring the perspectives of many different areas of Apparel as well.

Our Master of Science Degree

The program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. Admission to the master's program requires six hours in Apparel Studies or a related field.

Methodology core requirements include one course in statistics and one course in research methods. Students fill out their substantive course work by choosing courses from APST or other departments across campus. Finally, all students are required to complete a research thesis and defend it in an oral examination.

Students are expected to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 during their graduate studies. Each student has a supervisory committee of at least three members of the graduate faculty. This committee guides the student through the thesis. For full-time students, the master's program is typically a two-year course of study.

Admissions Requirements for M.S.

Entrance requirements for the Master of Science degree program include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, an undergraduate grade point of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample. Applicants are not required to take the Graduate Record Examination general aptitude tests.

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