Fashion and Textile Technology Program
The fashion and textile technology program at Buffalo State is the only baccalaureate program in Western New York that offers a variety of career preparation options for the multifaceted, global fashion industry.
Faculty expertise, continuous updating of technology-based curriculum, and industry partnerships contribute to the strength of the program.
Class sizes are small, allowing individual attention. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular programmatic activities and regional and national competitions. Students have achieved top honors in national apparel (Bobbin Show) and textile design [Computer Integrated Textile Design Association (CITDA)] competitions.
Internships are available in the Buffalo area and elsewhere in the United States. Affiliations with industry and professional organizations include the American Apparel Footwear Association (AAFA), which has endorsed the program; the American Association of Textiles Chemists and Colorists (AATC); the American Collegiate Retailing Association (ACRA); and the International Textiles Apparel Textile Association (ITAA).
The fashion and textile technology program is designed to prepare students for employment in the apparel, textile, and fashion industries. Employment opportunities exist in textiles, retail management, CAD design for textiles and apparel, apparel production, product development, textile testing/quality control, home furnishing, and government agencies.
Examples of available positions include technicians in testing labs to set safety and performance standards, CAD (print, weave, knit, technical, or fashion graphic) apparel designers, trend and design specialists, private label costing and sourcing, CAM production, stylists, colorists, entrepreneurs, fashion/visual merchandisers, merchandiser representatives, fashion journalists, logistics specialists, U.S. customs agents, and theater costuming.
Graduates have been employed by most major apparel and textile companies, including, but not limited to, Abercrombie & Fitch, Calvin Klein, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Macys, Fisher-Price, New Era, Eastman Machine Co., AccuMED Technologies Inc., GAP and GAP Kids, Hartmarx, Lord & Taylor, Bureau Veritas testing labs, Limited, Oxford Industries, Swavelle/Mill Creek, Tony Walker & Co., Tobin Home Fashions, Toppers, Tommy Hilfiger, Graco Home Fashions International, Park B. Smith, Appollo Patio Furniture Design, Target, Dillards, and Victorias Secret.
Program Information: The curriculum for the fashion and textile technology program is divided into two parts: the required 21 credit hours of core coursework; and one or more specialized concentrations: fashion merchandising, apparel design, product development, or fashion/textile design. Individuals who have extensive work experience in the fashion field are encouraged to explore earning college credit by course challenge or experiential learning.
Fashion and textile technology majors may spend a year studying their specialty at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City in a three-one program, earning a B.S. from Buffalo State and an associates degree from FIT. North Carolina State University and other institutions have exchange programs. Study abroad opportunities are available in several countries.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: Students may apply for departmental scholarships. Financial assistance through the college is also available. The American Apparel and Footwear Association endorses the program and offers $5,000 in scholarships for majors every year.
Info found at:
www.buffalostate.edu/
315 Upton Hall
1300 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 878-6017
Fax: (716) 878-3033
www.buffalostate.edu/technology
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