College
Kanbar College of Design, Engineering & Commerce
Degree
Master of Science
Campus
East Falls
Format
On Campus
Enrollment Options
Full Time, Part Time
Contact Information
Program
Get Social: View Student Work
Description
The Masters of Science in Textile Design provides both integration and balance between creative design and technology. Regardless of their area of specialization, students will receive a strong technical knowledge of textiles upon which to develop their design work. The Design studio courses make up the majority of the coursework in the MS program, and progress from very structured projects into an exploration of the individuals viewpoints and concepts, the development of which will comprise the students final collection.
Students are required to specialize in one area (knit, print or weave), but are encouraged to incorporate the other areas of textile design through their foundation courses, elective or design studio work. Those with fiber arts backgrounds will be able to further their design skills through a greater understanding of textile materials and the use of the latest technology. Those with technological design experience will be encouraged to develop their creative ideas within the environment of the design studio.
Each graduate student mounts a Graduate Exhibition of his or her work as a requirement for graduation. These expositions showcase each student's area of individual exploration and concentration.
In addition, each student will produce a thesis, a written document encompassing their final collection. These theses are catalogued and held within the permanent collection of the Gutman Library.
Highlights
European Textile Printing Study Tour – Como, Italy
Every other spring, students within the textile design program are given the opportunity to embark upon a customized study visit to Italy. Students stay around the area of Como, where they can spend time sketching and enjoying the environment in addition to visiting the local textile industry and facilities.
Visits this past spring included Ratti, Mantero Seta, Miroglio, Fortex, Robustelli, Maver Sri, Reggiana, Stamperia Luce, NABA (Nouva Academia Di Belle Arti and the Zucchi Collection Museum.
This study abroad trip may be taken as elective credit or for zero credit.
For information on other study abroad opportunities at Thomas Jefferson University, click here.
Annual Design Expo
Recruiters and employers of TJU Textile Design graduates visit the University on several occasions including Design Expo, recruitment fairs, to give presentations and to assign specific projects from which students may be awarded internships and full time positions.
The Design Expo is an event where employers will meet with students and look at portfolios. Attendees from the last year's design expo included:
- Carole Hochman Design Group
- Culp Inc.
- Echo Design Group
- Eileen Fischer
- Hartstrings
- Knoll Inc.
- Lilly Pulitzer
- Limited Brands – Victorias Secret
- Maidenform
- Mannington Mills
- Printfresh
- Ralph Lauren – Echo Design Team
- Walquest
Regular Company Presentations, Competitions & Hiring Opportunities
Recent visits include:
Abercrombie & Fitch: Abercrombie visited the university several times through the year. An initial presentation and assignment challenge was given to the students, critiqued by the A&F design team on a subsequent visit. Selected students were then awarded internships and full time positions.
Target: Target career presentation and assignment challenge. Selected students were awarded internships.
Nike: Nike recruiters visited to give a presentation to Textile Design students. Students were invited to submit portfolios and awarded an internship position.
Annual Textile Show & Design Show
Each May students graduating from the MS Textile Design major will take part in the University wide Design Show. Each student will mount a personal design exhibit of their final collection of design work.
A Textile Design Exhibit is also held each December.
Annual Fashion Show at the Academy of Music in Center City Philadelphia
Each year the University holds its Fashion Design Show, a gala event and runway show held at the Moulin at Sherman Mills in Philadelphia. Textile Design students regularly participate with individually designed pieces, or work in collaboration with Fashion Design students.
"The best collection was Jacqueline Kilmartin’s, a wonderful cohesive grouping. And she didn't just do it with color, although the tube dresses in neutral greys, creams and blacks melded well together. What really stood out were the expert draping details and ruffles"
- Philadelphia Inquirer, May 2010