MS Textiles

The M.S. in Textiles degree gives students (1) an in-depth interdisciplinary knowledge of textiles including the social and physical sciences in relation to textile usage, and (2) the ability to design and conduct research in textiles and to interpret and communicate the results and conclusions. The members of the graduate program include the faculty of the Division of Textiles and Clothing as well as faculty from other departments representing related fields such as cultural studies, design, psychology, consumer science, chemistry, engineering, and materials science.

M.S. & Ph.D Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry

Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, the oldest interdepartmental graduate group at UC Davis, is renowned for its multidisciplinary approach to research in applied chemistry. The Group consists of over 50 Ph.D. and M.S. students and more than 55 faculty members working in research areas that include analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, biological and toxicological chemistry, and food, fiber and polymer chemistry. One option for students is to apply fundamental chemical principles to the study of fibers and polymeric materials. Graduates are prepared to pursue research and development, as well as technical marketing and management positions in the fiber, polymer, and related industries, as well as university teaching and research careers.

M.A. & Ph.D. Cultural Studies

The Graduate Group in Cultural Studies at UC Davis offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of culture and society that highlights how sexuality, race, ability, citizenship, gender, nationality, class and language organize embodied identities, social relations and cultural objects. This program, one of the few advanced degrees in Cultural Studies in the United States, emphasizes the linked analyses of these factors in relation to local community formations, transnationalism, (post)(neo)colonialism, and globalization. Drawing on faculty members from a wide range of disciplines and intellectual interests, the program cuts across the humanities, social sciences, the law school, and agricultural and environmental studies.

Admissions

The Division of Textiles and Clothing offers an excellent, interdisciplinary graduate program that leads to a M.S. degree in Textiles. Students study a wide range of topics related to improving the quality and functionality of fibers, materials, and garments for the end users. Our students also explore the social and cultural aspects of clothing and appearance.

Prospective M.S. Textiles Students

Academic Preparation

Applicants generally hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, in textiles and clothing. However, students who have majored in a related discipline, i.e., in either the social or the physical sciences, with some concentration (6 courses) in textiles and clothing can be considered. The undergraduate preparation for students entering the program should include the following:

• Textiles and Clothing, six courses (e.g., textile science, textile chemistry, social-psychological aspects, fashion marketing, apparel structure)
• Written and/or Oral Expression, three courses (English, rhetoric)
• Statistics, one course
• Social Sciences, six courses (business, anthropology, economics, psychology, sociology)
• Natural Sciences, six courses (chemistry, physics, mathematics, biological sciences)

Admissions

The UC Davis General Catalog contains information about academic requirements, admission requirements, curricula, course descriptions, degrees offered, regulations and requirements for degrees, financial aid, the academic calendar, student activities, and general campus information.

• Deadlines: Applications open in October and the priority deadline to apply to the Textiles graduate program is January 15, which is also the deadline for University Fellowship applications. For best consideration, please ensure all your application materials are received by the deadline, including letters and transcripts.
• Applications: Applications to the Master's Program in Textiles must be submitted online through the UC Davis Office of Graduate Studies. The statement of purpose, writing sample and letters of recommendation must be submitted via the online application process. No paper copies will be accepted. A CV or resumé are optional.
• Fellowships: Within the admission application, prospective students are able to apply for UC Davis fellowships. Access to the UC Davis Internal Fellowship section is only available after you have completed and submitted the admission application section. If applying for fellowships, you must also fill out and submit the fellowships application for new students by the fellowship deadline (also January 15).
• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required. Once you have identified recommenders in your application, they will be sent a secure online submission link. Letters of recommendation will only be accepted via the online system. No paper letters will be accepted.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE): ALL applicants are required to take the General Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Scores must not be more than five (5) years old. Scores must be reported electronically to UC Davis. We strongly recommend that you plan to take your GRE examination no later than October. (GRE Institution Code: 4834)
• Transcripts: UC Davis requires academic records from each college-level institution you have attended. You will be instructed to upload scanned copies of your transcripts after you have submitted your online application. For more details visit https://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/submit-transcripts.
• Status: Your login to the application system will also allow you to monitor the status of your application once submitted. All inquiries concerning the status of applications for admission should be referred to the Office of Graduate Studies.
• Application fee: Application fees for 2014 are $90.00 for domestic applications and $110.00 for international applications.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants whose native language or language of instruction is not English must take the TOEFL or IELTS. Scores must not be more than two (2) years old.
  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Exam with a minimum score of 550 for the paper test or 80 for the Internet-based test. Students with TOEFL iBT scores of 104 or below will be required to take an additional ESL examination once they start their graduate program here to determine their level of English ability and whether they would benefit from additional ESL coursework at UC Davis. (TOEFL Institutional code 4834, Department code: 44)
  • The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Exam - as an alternative to the TOEFL, you may submit scores from the Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) designed by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate and administered by the British Council worldwide. You are responsible for providing Graduate Studies with an official test report form showing the score you earned on your IELTS examination. Remember to order the TRF when you register to take the test. The minimum band score required for admission to graduate study at UC Davis is 7 on a 9-point scale.
• Additional information for International applicants can be found here https://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/prospective-students/international-applicants.

Statement of leadership on diversity

Graduate Group in Textiles and Clothing

The graduate Group in Textiles (GTXC) fully supports the University of California’s principle and commitment* to advance diversity and equity by promoting best practices in student admission, major professor matching, and scholarship offering. These include upholding criteria to judge all applicants, guarding against biases in decision making, and treating all candidates respectfully and equally.

GTXC proudly states that our faculty is composed of members with vast diversity in academic background, ethnicity, gender, and age. Female students have always been the majority in our student population.

* The UC Diversity Statement refers diversity as “the variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. Such differences include race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, language, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and geographic region, and more."

Mentoring

Mentoring is an important aspect of faculty involvement with Textiles graduate students. Faculty and graduate students take mentoring seriously and devote significant amounts of time to ensure successful results. Mentors serve as role models every day. They model ethical standards, critical thinking, laboratory techniques and practices, organization, planning and many other crucial skills. Mentoring in Textiles goes beyond advising or serving as a role model. It involves guiding and instructing students in a growth-oriented direction. Mentors and graduate students treat each other respectfully. Faculty and students work side by side to learn by example and to encourage new abilities. Our faculty members are committed to the process and time of mentoring.

Specifically our faculty provides guidance and advice about the requirements for the MS degree. The course requirements depend on the individual student’s needs and strengths and are generally flexible. The multidisciplinary nature of this graduate program aims to build strengths in either social or physical science while providing broader knowledge and appreciation in the interdisciplinary areas. Faculty mentors offer guidelines for thesis work and suggestions for timely initiation and completion.

Mentors are deeply involved in the thesis research. The strengths and weaknesses of the research are explored and openly discussed with student. Students are encouraged to explore new ideas and develop their own ideas and to build on those findings. Mentors are responsible for monitoring their progress and critiquing written work. Discussions and negotiations regarding clear criteria for authorship of collaborative research usually happen early in the research process. Mentors help find sources for financially supporting the student through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships, internships, etc. They seek information about the needs of the students and provide assistance obtaining other resources. High quality work and productivity in research are often rewarded with continuing research funding for research or travel to professional meetings.

Professional development is extremely important for mentors and students. Graduate students are encouraged to network with other scholars on campus and in the larger professional community. Mentors act as advocates for students in academic and professional communities. Student memberships in AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemist and Colorist) and ITAA (International Textile and Apparel Association) and other professional groups are encouraged. Mentors encourage and critique oral and written presentations and suggest participation at professional meetings such as the National Textile Center Forum and other national and international associations. Students are strongly encouraged to apply and given assistance preparing their applications for travel funds. Mentors provide career guidance and assistance with CV preparation, job interviews and letters of recommendation. The multidisciplinary nature of our group promotes suggestions for a variety of career options. Students are expected to take coursework and assistantships in physical, social, and cultural aspects of textiles and clothing. A student’s individual goals provide the basis of their development and mentors add to that by suggesting other options and encouraging diverse opportunities to learn.

Graduate students accept some responsibility for successful mentor-mentee relationships, too. Students are encouraged to discuss their changing needs with their mentors. In the case that the mentor is not able to assist with a graduate student’s needs, other members of the faculty or the professional community should be suggested. Both mentor and student need to recognize each other’s time commitments and responsibilities. Regular communication will facilitate good mentoring and excellent professional development. A good mentor will guide a graduate student through their academic degree and possibly throughout their career. We hope that our graduate student will become mentors to other graduate and undergraduate students and continue to mentor others throughout their careers.

Contact

Ning Pan
Chair - Textiles Graduate Group
npan@ucdavis.edu