Closeup of hands working with blue and white yarn on a weaving loom.

The certificate in textiles and design allows students from any major to gain a fundamental understanding of the creative and innovative application of textiles and visual design. By nature, textiles are interdisciplinary, weaving together art, commerce, history, culture, technology, material culture, and science. Students will develop artistic and technical skills valuable for both pursuing a professional career in the textile industry and nurturing personal creative interests.

The certificate in textiles and design is an opportunity for students from a variety of disciplines to engage in an in-depth exploration of textiles. Studio courses cultivate a rich understanding of the physical and creative interaction of materials, techniques, and concepts: pattern, networks, woven structures, flexible materials, the interaction of multiples, tactility, color, and imagery. Students have the opportunity to be creative in design studios, using both low-tech handmade techniques and complex high-tech computer-generated systems.

The courses offered in this 12-credit certificate are broad and varied, allowing students to personalize course groupings to best enhance their major and area of interest.

How to Get in

All undergraduate are eligible to apply, except students pursuing textiles and fashion design major. Connect with an Academic Advisor for application information.

Requirements

Science and Culture
Select one course:3
Textile Science
History of Fashion, 1400-Present
History of Textiles
Textiles: Specifications and End Use Analysis
Studio
Select one course:2-3
Introduction to Textile Design
Sewn Construction I
Sewn Construction II
Patternmaking for Accessories
Textile Design: Printing and Dyeing I
Textile Embellishment I
Textile Design: Weaving I
Textile Design: Manual/Computer Generated Imagery and Pattern
Textile Design: Printing and Dyeing II
Textile Design: Weaving II
Color Theory and Technology
Wearable Technology
Collection Development
Global Artisans
Experimental Textile Design
Building a Sustainable Creative Practice
Design and Fashion Event Management
Electives
Other courses from either Science an Culture or Studio lists (above) to reach 12 credits.7-8
Total Credits12
Students must earn a minimum 2.0 GPA on required certificate coursework. Completed courses listed within the certificate curriculum, whether or not they meet a specific requirement, are included in the calculation of the GPA.

Certificate Completion Requirement

This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate understanding of fiber properties, structure, techniques and construction.
  2. Analyze historical, cultural, economic, technological and/or societal role of textiles.
  3. Students will develop a sensitivity and awareness of material properties through hands-on learning.
  4. Gain understanding of the creative process by envisioning and implementing original projects.

Advising and Careers

Advising & Career Center

The Advising & Career Center (ACC) fosters undergraduate students' personal, academic, and professional development. Through advising, academic planning, and career education, we support students as they navigate the college experience—from exploring our majors as prospective students to becoming Human Ecology alumni. 

Academic Advising

Each Human Ecology student is assigned to an academic advisor in the Advising & Career Center. Human Ecology academic advisors support academic and personal success by partnering with current and prospective Human Ecology students as they identify and clarify their educational goals, develop meaningful academic plans, and pursue their own Wisconsin Experience. 

To explore academic advising resources or schedule an appointment with an academic advisor, visit Advising in Human Ecology.

Career Development

Each Human Ecology student is assigned to a career advisor in the Advising & Career Center. Active engagement in the career development process is a vital component of a student’s personal growth in college and future success as a lifelong learner, professional, and global citizen. Human Ecology career advisors help prepare students for life post-graduation through individual and group advising and integration of career readiness throughout our curriculum.

To explore career development resources or schedule an appointment with a Human Ecology career advisor, visit Career Development.

People

For more information, visit the School of Human Ecology Design Studies faculty and staff directory.

Resources and Scholarships

Advising & Career Center 

The Advising & Career Center (ACC) fosters undergraduate students' personal, academic, and professional development. Through advising, academic planning, and career education, we support students as they navigate the college experience—from exploring our majors as prospective students to becoming Human Ecology alumni. 

Academic Advising

Each Human Ecology student is assigned to an academic advisor in the Advising & Career Center. Human Ecology academic advisors support academic and personal success by partnering with current and prospective Human Ecology students as they identify and clarify their educational goals, develop meaningful academic plans, and pursue their own Wisconsin Experience. 

To explore academic advising resources or schedule an appointment with an academic advisor, visit Advising in Human Ecology

Career Development

Each Human Ecology student is assigned to a career advisor in the Advising & Career Center. Active engagement in the career development process is a vital component of a student’s personal growth in college and future success as a lifelong learner, professional, and global citizen. Human Ecology career advisors help prepare students for life post-graduation through advising and integration of career readiness throughout our curriculum.

To explore career development resources or schedule an appointment with a Human Ecology career advisor, visit Career Development.

Scholarships and Other Financial Resources

The School of Human Ecology awards many merit and need-based scholarships each year. Students can learn more about these opportunities on the Human Ecology scholarships webpage. To be eligible for these awards, scholarship recipients must be registered as full-time Human Ecology students. For further questions on the scholarship application, please contact the School of Human Ecology Scholarship Coordinator at scholarships@sohe.wisc.edu.

Students who experience personal challenges or emergency financial situations may inquire about the availability of short-term loans with the Human Ecology Academic Deans (deansservices@sohe.wisc.edu). In addition, university scholarships, loans, and employment are available through the Office of Student Financial Aid (333 East Campus Mall #9701; 608-262-3060).