Textile Sciences and Technology

<h2 id="section---AreTextileSciencesAndTechnologyForMe">Are Textile Sciences and Technology for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>Textile sciences and technology programs can teach you about cloth design, production, distribution and the use of fabrics in the textile and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Apparel_and_Fashion_Design_Bachelor%27s_Degree.html">apparel</a> industries. It combines the study of technology and science with courses in <a href="https://learn.org/directory/category/Business_Management.html">business management</a>, history, art and design. With a degree in this area of study, you might get a job as a textile testing analyst or quality assurance specialist. You might also work in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Textile_Design_How_to_Become_a_Textile_Designer_in_5_Steps.html">textile design</a>, sales, product development or management. </p> <h3 id="section---AreasOfSpecialization">Areas of Specialization</h3> <p>Although textiles are often associated with the apparel industry, many textile science and textile technology degree programs and concentrations focus on textile applications in other arenas, such as architecture, medicine, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Aerospace_Technology_5_Steps_to_Becoming_an_Aerospace_Technician.html">aerospace</a>, sports and the automotive industry. You might use your textiles degree to get a job that involves developing safer airbags, improving bulletproof vests or developing state-of-the-art human <a href="https://learn.org/directory/category/Health_Professions_and_Medical_Services/Rehabilitation_Therapy/Prosthetics_and_Orthotics.html">prosthetics</a>. You might also focus on producing textiles to be used in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Fashion_Design_How_to_Become_a_Fashion_Designer_in_5_Steps.html">fashion design</a> or come up with the next big thing in <a href="https://learn.org/directory/category/Mechanical_and_Electrical_Repair/Upholstery_and_Leatherworking.html">furniture upholstery</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3> <p>You can train for most entry-level textile production positions on the job; many employers don't even require you to have a high school diploma. However, more advanced positions involving textile sciences and technology, particularly textile <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Much_Do_Engineers_Typically_Make.html">engineering</a> or production management jobs, typically require at least a bachelor's degree. Some jobs in textile management or research require a master's or doctorate. </p> <p>According to <i>Payscale.com,</i> <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Textile_Designer_Salary_and_Job_FAQs.html">textile designers</a> earned a median annual salary of $50,565 in April 2014. Textile design managers earned $78,395 in the same month. (<i>www.payscale.com</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInTextileSciencesAndTechnology">How Can I Work in Textile Sciences and Technology?</h2> <h3 id="section---UndergraduatePrograms">Undergraduate Programs</h3> <p>Several colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in textile sciences or textile technology. Degree programs in apparel, textiles and merchandising may also include <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Where_Can_I_Find_Colleges_that_Offer_Textile_Courses.html">courses in textile science and technology</a>. Some textile technology bachelor's programs allow you to customize your degree with a specialization in textile design, medical textiles, or nonwovens science and technology. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduatePrograms">Graduate Programs</h3> <p>After earning your bachelor's degree in textile science or textile technology, you could go on to pursue a graduate degree in textiles. Fields of study that can lead to a Master of Science include textiles, textile engineering or textile chemistry. At the doctoral level, you might pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Textile Technology Management or a Ph.D. in Fiber and Polymer Science.</p>