Studying Textile as a Major - What should I expect?

I genuinely love all things related to textiles and considering making it my major. But, I'm a bit at sea about what this might entail at the undergraduate level. What kind of classes and projects should I expect? Also, does this field typically have good job prospects post-graduation? Thanks in advance!

Textile studies at an undergraduate level can indeed be an exciting path, given your interest! Most textile majors will typically involve a mix of theory-based courses and practical, hands-on projects.

In theory-based courses, you can expect to look into the history of textiles, study various world cultures through their textile practices, and examine the role of textiles in socio-economic and cultural contexts. You will likely also take classes in the different types of textile fibers and fabrics, understanding their characteristics, and how these impact their use in various applications.

On the practical side, you'll be engaged in projects where you implement the theory you learn. This may involve designing and creating your own textile patterns, dyeing and printing textiles, and learning the various techniques of weaving, stitching, and knitting. You'll apply different techniques and explore various forms of textile transformations.

One critical component of the courses is sure to be understanding and utilizing digital technology in the textile industry. With increasing digital integration, knowing about digital design, CAD/CAM, and understanding how tech like 3D printing or smart textiles work will likely be integral parts of your learning.

As for job prospects, it really depends on what you want to do with your degree. Textile majors can pursue a wide variety of careers ranging from textile engineering, textile designing, merchandising, production management, quality control, textile sales, or move on to fashion design with a unique focus on fabrics. While the job market is reasonably steady in these areas, you may find more competitive opportunities if you're open to aligning with the increasing digitization of the industry.

Keep in mind that networking and internships can be powerful tools to help you enter the industry, so try to seize these opportunities while you're still in school. Overall, if you're passionate about textiles and are willing to constantly learn and adapt, you can carve out a pretty satisfying career for yourself post-graduation.