TEXTILES, FIBER, AND POLYMER SCIENCE

Textile students study the production, structure, and properties of natural and man-made fibers, the processes for converting these fibers into a textile structure, the science of coloring agents and finishes to improve the desirability and serviceability of the product, and the methods for evaluating the performance of textile materials.

Graduates of the School of Textiles, Fiber, and Polymer Science hold jobs in corporate and personnel management, manufacturing management, design, research, development, technical service, quality control, and sales. They create new products and processes and solve problems. They create styles, patterns, textures, and colors for apparel, home, industry, and special applications. Their jobs utilize computers, automation, and product quality and are concerned with plant design, environmental control, and consumer safety.

The textile industry has a continuing need for technically trained men and women to help the industry reduce costs and increase exports and to develop new materials. In the textiles curricula a broad background is stressed, with as much as two-thirds of the courses coming from the diverse resources of the University outside the School of Textiles, Fiber, and Polymer Science.

The School offers two undergraduate degrees which differ in their focus and course content. The Bachelor of Science in Polymer and Textile Chemistry is based on chemistry, physics, and mathematics. With this firm base, graduates are able to apply their scientific knowledge to the solution of problems in textile materials involving both chemical and physical principles. Graduates will be concerned with the conception, design, construction, and management of complete systems of labor, machinery, and processes for the most efficient production of textiles or related chemicals. There are two primary emphasis areas in Polymer and Textile Chemistry. Both allow students to prepare for graduate study in Textiles, Fiber, and Polymer Science as well as other disciplines.

The Bachelor of Science in Textile Management provides students with a balanced combination of the principles and theories of textile manufacturing and management, as well as concentrated studies in related options of the students' choice. This program prepares students for careers in the modern industrial environment by maximizing students' leadership potential and professional development in their chosen fields.

No new students are currently being accepted into the Textile Science major. Students interested in Textile Science are encouraged to major in Polymer and Textile Chemistry.

The School of Textiles, Fiber, and Polymer Science also offers advanced degrees: Master of Science in Textiles, Fiber, and Polymer Science; Doctor of Philosophy in Textiles, Fiber, and Polymer Science; and, in cooperation with the Chemistry Department, the Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry with a major in Textile Chemistry.

Textile courses also may be taken as a minor area or as electives. Recommended groups of courses may consist of 3, 6, 12, or 20 credits.