Students are taught design, freehand and mechanical drawing, finishing, machine maintenance, business, and furniture history. Advanced demonstrations are given in plywood construction, veneering, marquetry, tambour construction, upholstery, transparent and opaque finishing, jigs, fixtures, and other limited production techniques. Although freshman admission to the undergraduate option has been suspended, transfer and existing students at UMass Dartmouth may enroll in the program. The graduate program in wood is still open to all incoming students. Through a special university commitment, Textile Design has set up an industry-standard computer design lab.
Students alternate semesters in textile design patterning on paper with surface design on fabric.
Students learn processes such as photo-silkscreen printing, resist dyeing, and block printing. Projects assigned each semester may include creations such as garments, rugs, wall pieces, or sample designs, all of which help to build a professional portfolio for entrance into the industry. Many textile graduates design for industry, while others continue their studies in graduate school, start their own business, or build exhibition portfolios. They also give the artist the freedom to work on his or her own, while still benefiting from the guidance of faculty and peers. UMass Dartmouth is home to several gallery spaces that feature student and professional works throughout the year, both on the main and auxiliary campus.