Textiles and Fashion Design, B.S.

Program Overview

The Textiles and Fashion Design program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison combines a strong understanding of materials with techniques rooted in history, science, and contemporary design. Students develop advanced knowledge of materials, processes, and design principles, and have the opportunity to showcase their projects in the fall student showcase and spring fashion show. The program also offers a unique option for students to complete their senior year at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, earning both a B.S. degree from UW-Madison and an A.A.S. degree from FIT.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: Textiles and Fashion Design (TFD) is a unique program that combines a strong understanding of materials with techniques rooted in history, science, contemporary design, and hands-on studio practice.
• Objectives
• To provide students with the ability to move beyond technique, taking risks to develop conceptually cohesive work through advanced knowledge of materials, processes, and an understanding of design principles
• To provide students with the ability to participate in professional discussions and critique that are informed by foundational knowledge of fashion and/or textile history, theory, and science
• Description:
• The program's curriculum is enhanced through guest lecturers, industry partnerships, and access to the on-site Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection.
• Students have the chance to showcase their projects in the fall student showcase and spring fashion show.
• Students are encouraged to experiment in both textiles and fashion studies.

Outline:

Textiles and Fashion Design Requirements

Design Core

(18 Credits)

• DS 101 Introduction to Textile Design
• DS 120 Design: Fundamentals I
• DS 153 Sewn Construction I
• DS 150 Visual Thinking - Pixels and Pencils
• DS 251 Textile Science
• DS 355 History of Fashion, 1400-Present or DS 430 History of Textiles

Textiles and Fashion Focus Area

(21 credits)

Fashion Sequence (must be taken in this order):

• DS 154 Sewn Construction II
• DS 253 Patternmaking for Apparel Design
• DS 210 Fashion Illustration
• DS 225 Apparel Design I

Textile Sequence:

• DS 227 Textile Design: Printing and Dyeing I
• DS 228 Textile Embellishment I
• DS 229 Textile Design: Weaving I
• DS 327 Textile Design: Manual/Computer Generated Imagery and Pattern Creation
• Choose 3 additional Textiles & Fashion Design courses

Professional Development

(5 credits)

• DS 252 Design Leadership Symposium
• INTER-HE 202 SoHE Career & Leadership Development
• DS 601 Internship

Depth Courses

(15 credits)

• DS 319 Cloth to Clothing
• DS 341 Design Thinking for Transformation
• DS 427 Textile Design: Printing and Dyeing II
• DS 429 Textile Design: Weaving II
• DS/COMP SCI/I SY E 518 Wearable Technology
• DS 527 Global Artisans
• DS 528 Experimental Textile Design
• DS 529 Building a Sustainable Creative Practice
• M HR 322 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Management
• CNSR SCI 257 Introduction to Retail
• CNSR SCI 555 Consumer Design Strategies & Evaluation
• CNSR SCI 561 Consumer Engagement Strategies
• CNSR SCI 562 The Global Consumer
• CNSR SCI 657 Consumer Behavior
• ART 469 Interdisciplinary Studies in the Arts

Capstone Experience

(6 Credits)

• DS 690 Senior Thesis
• DS 519 Collection Development or DS 529 Building a Sustainable Creative Practice

Textiles and Fashion Design: FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) Option:

• In addition to meeting the Textiles and Fashion Design requirements, applicants must have a 3.0 or higher GPA in December of their third year.
Students can complete their senior year at FIT in New York City, the heart of the textile and fashion trade, and earn a named option in Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) with a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in Textiles and Fashion Design. Students also earn an associate of applied science (A.A.S) degree from FIT.

Careers:

Graduates of the Textiles and Fashion Design program have a variety of career opportunities available to them, including:

• Fashion designer
• Textile designer
• Fashion merchandiser
• Fashion buyer
• Retail manager
• Costume designer
• Fashion stylist
• Fashion journalist
• Fashion photographer
• Textile artist
• Museum curator
• Fashion educator