Not sure which program is best for you, or questions about the master\u2019s versus the Ph.D.? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below. We\u2019ll help you find your best fit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The four master\u2019s programs offer a wide variety of options, the Master in Textiles options are both more oriented towards manufacturing, product management and design. It offers a wide variety covering these fields meeting the needs of students with an interest in design, management and technical production. The M.S. Textile Chemistry (TC) and M.S. Textile Engineering (TE) are both oriented towards more basic scientific concepts and principles behind polymer, fiber-based and textile materials and products. These degrees require a strong background in either chemistry (TC) or science\/engineering (TE). Below is a list of requirements for students with non-textile backgrounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is some overlap between the departments and the programs and the directors of graduate programs<\/a> will work with you to determine which program would be the best fit for your ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Textiles:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Graduate degree options: Pursue the M.S. in Textiles<\/a> (thesis) or the Master of Textiles<\/a> (non-thesis) and develop your potential for research and your technical and analytical skills. The non-thesis option can be completed entirely online.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Focus areas: fashion and textile design, retail and brand management, textile technology, textile management<\/p>\n\n\n\n Textile Chemistry\/Textile Engineering:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Graduate degree options for M.S. Textile Chemistry<\/a> or M.S. Textile Engineering<\/a>, both available in thesis and non-thesis options: Develop your potential for research and your technical and analytical skills. The non-thesis option for textile chemistry can be completed entirely online.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Focus areas: dyeing and finishing chemistry, forensic and analytical chemistry, polymer science, sustainability, smart fibers and textiles, human health, comfort and protection, nonwovens, product development, technical textiles and related areas<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n M.S. TC and M.S. TE both have a thesis and non-thesis option. When interested in a career in research and\/or a Ph.D. it may be advisable to plan on doing a thesis. Some larger companies may also prefer students with a thesis. Everyone\u2019s path is different though and there are some exceptions to these broad rules. Your advisor will work with you to determine what the best choice will be for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All students are expected to start in the \u201cnon-thesis\u201d program. The reason for this is mostly administrative; to avoid some potentially significant problems for students when unforeseen circumstances arrive, such as we have seen with COVID. When you have started in our program, found a research topic with an advisor and you are ready to work on your thesis you can then very easily switch to the thesis M.S. TC or TE degree and it will not cost you anything. The first one or two semesters are almost always the same anyway and usually students decide on doing a thesis late 2nd or early 3rd semester. Many students express an interest in the thesis M.S. TE degree and if that is your wish we will certainly make sure that happens. We are always committed to supporting our students in their ambitions, and promise you we\u2019ll support you towards that goal as well as we can.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Successful applicants for the M.S. Textile Engineering and M.S. Textile Chemistry will have a science or engineering background.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, the admissions committee looks for the following \u2014 and note that if you meet most, but not all, of the above courses for your intended degree program, the admissions committee can still recommend provisional admission until the other course(s) are completed, or even waive them based on your other background. If you have any questions or concerns about this matter, please reach out to the director of graduate programs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nShould I choose a thesis or non-thesis degree?<\/h2><\/a>
If I do not have an undergraduate degree in my intended program area, what do I need as prerequisite coursework?<\/h2><\/a>