Ph.D. in Advanced Softgoods & Textile Systems
Explore how advanced textiles and softgoods systems can improve human performance, support health outcomes and drive innovation across aerospace, defense and manufacturing.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
TCU’s Ph.D. in Advanced Softgoods and Textile Systems (pending SACSCOC approval) prepares aspiring researchers to lead the emerging field that combines the science, engineering, design and application of advanced textiles, flexible materials and integrated softgoods systems through:
- Interdisciplinary Study: Pursue your interests across wearable technology, protective systems, athletic equipment, health and rehabilitation, sustainability or emerging technologies.
- Research & Innovation: Build expertise in research development and methods, material and textile-system performance, product evaluation, emerging technologies and technology translation.
- Industry Engagement: Work alongside faculty and industry partners to address real-world challenges in advanced manufacturing, human performance, health, aerospace, defense and other evolving fields.
AT A GLANCE
Location: In-person, Fort Worth, Texas
Format: Full or Part Time
Start: Fall
Duration: 74 credit hours, 3 years with a master’s degree or 4 years without a master’s degree
Funding: Assistantships and tuition waivers available
APPLICATION OPENING SOON
The program is slated to welcome its first cohort in fall 2027. Application details will be available soon.
For more information, contact:
Department Chair of Fashion Merchandising
Director of Research and Creative Scholarship Initiatives
817-257-1291
charles.freeman@tcu.edu
View Profile
SAMPLE COURSES
- Philosophy of Science
- Advanced Softgoods and Textile Systems
- Advanced Materials Structures
- Product Performance and Quality
- Innovations in Textile Systems
Anticipated start: Fall 2027
Degree Requirements
The program requires 74 credit hours of coursework and dissertation research.
Develop a foundation in research methodology, philosophy of science, qualitative and quantitative research, statistics and scholarly inquiry.
Study the structure of advanced materials, product performance, quality assessment, emerging technologies and research development and funding.
Build an individualized area of specialization through coursework aligned with your research interests and professional goals.
Conduct original research that contributes new knowledge to advanced softgoods, textiles or related systems.
CAREER PATHS
The program prepares you for academia, industry and government leadership roles like softgoods and textile engineer, materials and textile innovation scientist, textile specialist or softgoods designer for a range of fields:
- Human performance & wearable technology
- Health & rehabilitation
- Aerospace research & development
- Defense research & innovation
- Advanced textiles & materials
- Next-generation manufacturing
RESEARCH WITH FACULTY MENTORS
You’ll develop as a researcher with close guidance from faculty who can help you define your research interests as you collaborate on projects and eventually pursue independent investigation. You’ll have access to TCU’s Athlete Equipment and Materials Design Lab with industry-level testing capabilities to study how apparel, equipment and wearable materials perform in real conditions.
Explore Our Facilities & Campus Tours
Discover the cutting-edge facilities, including the new Athlete Equipment and Materials Design Lab, where you will elevate your artistic vision and enhance your technical expertise for a career in creative expression, or schedule a visit to the TCU campus.
Graduate Funding
The College of Fine Arts offers competitive funding for graduate students.