Degree Title and Name:  Master of Science in Human and Consumer Sciences – Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising

Program Name and Number:  Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising (MSHCS) – MS6364

Department/Unit:  Department of Human and Consumer Sciences

Delivery Mode:  Athens campus

Term(s) of Entry:  Fall, Spring, Summer

Program Overview:  The Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising (ATM) master’s program offers preparation with a scholarly foundation for graduate students seeking industry and leadership positions in merchandising (such as buying, retail operations management, historic costume curator, textile performance assessment, and product development) and in academe. Students may select either a thesis or non-thesis (professional project) option.

The mission of ATM program is to educate effective and empowered leaders to enter and find success in the ever-changing global industry of apparel and textiles. The goal of the ATM program is to infuse students with apparel product knowledge and business competencies necessary to interpret trends and satisfy consumer demands across diverse retail environments. This is a full-time program. It takes approximately 2 years to complete the program.

Opportunities for Graduates:  Graduates of the ATM program have continued with doctoral studies, pursued teaching careers in post-secondary education, and entered industry careers with leading companies such as Kohl’s, Macy’s, Maurice’s, Wal-Mart, Big Lots, and Anthropologie.

Link to Program:  https://www.ohio.edu/education/human-consumer-sciences/apparel-merchandising

Link to Program Handbook:  Click to view a PDF of the Student Handbook for the Department of Human and Consumer Sciences.

Graduation Requirements:  Students will take core courses in Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising, thesis or non-thesis requirement, and support selections. Recommended support selections may include minors in areas such as art, art history, interdisciplinary arts, business, communication, education/statistics, psychology, and sociology. Graduate students will be encouraged to do multidisciplinary research when appropriate. Most students enroll with the expectation of completing this program in two academic years.

Required courses:

• RFPD 6090 - Psychological, Social, and Economic Aspects of Clothing
• CONS 6500 - Consumption Theories

Elective Courses: Select two courses; minimum 4 credit hours

• RFPD 5070 - Global Issues in Textile, Apparel, and Retail Industries
• RFPD 5150 - Flat Pattern
• RFPD 6050 - History of Costume
• RFPD 6060 - History of Textiles
• RFPD 6170 - Readings in Apparel, Textiles and Merchandising
• CONS 5953 - Workshop in Customer Service

Thesis Development Courses: Complete graduate seminar, research, and thesis

• CONS 6000 - Seminar in Human and Consumer Sciences
• CONS 6940 - Research
• CONS 6950 – Thesis

Research and Statistics: Complete at least one of the following courses:

• EDRE 5010 - Introduction to Research Methods
• EDRE 7500 - Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Education
• CFS 6700 - Qualitative Methods for Children, Adults, and Families
• PSY 5120 - Research Methods in Psychology
• PSY 5121 - Tests and Measurements

Area of Specialization: Complete three courses in an approved area of specialization

Culminating Experience:  Students will complete a thesis or a professional project.

Admission Requirements:

The following materials are required for admission to the ATM master’s degree program in the Department of Human and Consumer Sciences:

• A Bachelor of Science or Arts degree from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of 20 quarter hours or 13 semester hours of undergraduate preparation in the specific or closely related program to the graduate major
• A completed Graduate Admissions Application and non-refundable application fee
• Official Academic Transcripts (minimum overall GPA of 2.7 with a 3.0 on the final 90 hours (4.0 scale) is recommended)
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (test scores must be satisfactory)
• Letter of Intent and Statement of Goals
• Resume/Vita
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Application for Graduate Assistantship (if desired)

International Students:  This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.