Programs of study are individually tailored to meet the career aspirations of each student. Selected examples of departmental research in this area include barrier performance of protective clothing fabrics, flammability properties of interior fabrics, and light and laundry fastness of environmentally-improved textiles. The merchandising emphasis allows students to investigate business and consumer factors influencing the development, retail distribution, and use of consumer goods. Research may focus on the analysis of financial performance of small business, developing technologies in retailing, patronage and shopping preference, or factors influencing apparel consumption. Emphasis in Apparel Product Development Students will conduct research related to the design and production of apparel products for a variety of fashion and functional needs of consumers.
Studies also consider the effect of various factors on manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
In the consumer economics emphasis, students concentrate on family financial analysis and resource management or on the effect of consumer products on the quality of life of families and individuals. Research topics include work and family, healthy indoor environments, and women and fatigue. The graduate program in housing addresses the effect of housing on human behavior and the application of business and human behavior principles to the management of residential housing. Research in this area includes accessible housing, women and housing, and management issues for residential property managers. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in university teaching and research as well as for research positions in business and industry.