Georgia Southern University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines creative design studios, laboratory-based textile science and applied business courses to give a balanced understanding of how apparel and textile products are conceived, produced and brought to market. Core topics typically include textile fibres and materials, dyeing and finishing, textile testing and quality assurance, apparel construction and patternmaking, computer-aided design (CAD) for fashion, garment production processes, and sourcing and supply chain fundamentals.

• Design and construction: studio courses in sketching, draping, patternmaking, garment fabrication and portfolio development.
• Textile science and technology: study of fibres and yarns, fabric structures, performance testing, colouration and finishing techniques.
• Product development and production: modules on specification writing, grading, production planning, quality control and factory operations.
• Merchandising and business: coursework in retail buying, visual merchandising, trend forecasting, marketing and entrepreneurship for fashion and textile businesses.
• Professional practice: internships, capstone projects or practicum experiences that link classroom learning to industry practice and build a professional portfolio.
• Optional topics: sustainability in textiles, technical textiles, costume studies, CAD and digital fashion technologies, and study abroad or exchange opportunities where available.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification and meet the university's general admission standards. Typical application materials include official transcripts, a personal statement and evidence of English proficiency for international applicants.

For specialisms with a strong design component, the programme may request a creative portfolio demonstrating design and construction skills, drawing or garment work; however, some pathways emphasise textile science and may not require a portfolio. Successful applicants typically show practical aptitude, attention to detail and an interest in both creative and technical aspects of textiles.

Career prospects

Graduates of Apparel and Textiles are prepared for a wide range of roles across the apparel, textile and retail sectors. Career paths commonly pursued by alumni include:

• Apparel or fashion designer and technical design specialist
• Product developer and garment technologist
• Textile technologist, quality assurance and laboratory testing roles
• Merchandiser, retail buyer or visual merchandiser
• Sourcing and supply chain coordinator for apparel production
• Sustainability specialist, materials developer or technical sales representative
• Costume designer, production coordinator or small business founder in fashion/handmade textiles

Internships, portfolio work and industry-linked projects undertaken during the degree help graduates enter these roles or continue to postgraduate study in design, textile science or business-related fields.

Why study at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern provides a practical, hands-on learning environment with access to specialised textile and apparel facilities that support studio work, textile testing and digital design. Small class sizes mean close mentoring from faculty who have academic and professional experience in textiles and apparel, and the programme emphasises experiential learning through internships, industry projects and capstone assignments.

The university's regional industry connections and career services support student placement and networking with employers in apparel manufacturing, retail and design. Students also benefit from opportunities to participate in campus exhibitions, student fashion shows and community outreach projects that build portfolios and professional experience.