PhD in Textile and Apparel Management
The PhD in Textile and Apparel Management prepares students to become leading scholars and educators in a dynamic and global industry shaped by innovation, sustainability, and evolving consumer trends. This highly regarded program explores cutting-edge research topics such as apparel product development, supply chain management, consumer behavior, digital technologies, and sustainability. Students receive rigorous research training and benefit from close faculty mentorship, an interdisciplinary curriculum, and opportunities for teaching and research assistantships. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia as well as research and leadership roles in major organizations across the textile and apparel sector.
Degree Requirements
The PhD in Textile and Apparel Management degree requires a minimum of 78 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree, with at least 15 credit hours at the 8000 level or above exclusive of research, problems, and independent study. It is expected students will have a minimum of 9 credits in Research/Qualitative/Quantitative methods, with at least 3 credits in Research Methods and 3 credits in Statistics. Students are required to take T_A_M 8087 Seminar in Clothing and Textiles, T_A_M 8130 Supply Chain Management in the Global Softgoods Industry, and T_A_M 9190T_A_M 9190 Theory Development and Evaluation in Textile and Apparel Research. This degree is for resident students only.
| Core Course Requirements | ||
| Textile and Apparel Management (focused group of courses) | minimum of 9 credit hours | |
| T_A_M 8087 | Seminar in Clothing and Textiles | 1 |
| T_A_M 8130 | Supply Chain Management in the Global Softgoods Industry | 3 |
| T_A_M 9190 | Theory Development and Evaluation in Textile and Apparel Research | 3 |
| Research Methods/Statistics | minimum of 9 credit hours | |
| Supporting area (for broadening the theoretical base for the research project) | minimum 9 credit hours | |
| T_A_M 9090 | Research in Textiles and Apparel Management | minimum 12 credit hours |
| Coursework from Master's degree | maximum 30 credit hours | |
Admission Criteria
- Must meet the minimum admission requirements set by the Graduate School (see more from https://gradschool.missouri.edu/admissions/eligibility-process/)
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in textile and apparel management or related field. Those with unrelated majors will need to do make-up work
- Minimum TOEFL scores (international students): Please refer to the University of Missouri’s official English language requirements:
https://admissions.missouri.edu/apply/international/english-language-requirements/
Required Application Materials
- All required Graduate School documents
- Statement of professional objectives
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from every college or university you have attended
- Your official GRE scores (sent directly from the Educational Testing Service) - We do not consider GMAT scores.
- Latest vitae or résumé
- A 2-minute video to show about who you are, why you want to pursue graduate degrees, and what your career goals are
- Language test scores if international student (see more from https://gradschool.missouri.edu/admissions/eligibility-process/international-applicants/)
- A digital design portfolio if pursuing design research
- Writing samples optional
Application Deadlines
Fall admission deadline: January 15
Applicants who submit by this date will receive full consideration for early financial support considerations. Late submission will not be considered for financial support.
Financial Aid from the Program
Do not need additional materials/forms for assistantship consideration.
Admission Contact Information
Portfolio 2 Graduate Student Support
muasp2grads@missouri.edu or 573-882-4037
https://tam.missouri.edu/graduate/phd-program/