University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme combines studio-based design and construction with laboratory study of fibres, fabrics and textile performance. Core topics typically include textile science, apparel construction and patternmaking, apparel design and illustration, digital design and CAD for fashion, materials testing, and garment specification. You will also study merchandising, consumer behaviour, production and quality control, and sustainable practices in textile sourcing and manufacturing.

Learning is delivered through a mix of lectures, studio practicum, laboratory sessions and industry projects. Students commonly undertake a capstone or senior project that integrates design, technical specification and production planning. Opportunities also exist for internships with local manufacturers, retailers and design studios, and for study or collaborative projects with Pacific and Asian partners that explore regional textile traditions and contemporary industry needs.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Successful applicants normally demonstrate a strong academic record in relevant subjects; coursework or experience in art, design, textiles, or sciences is advantageous. Design-focused applicants may be asked to submit a portfolio showing creative work, garment construction or related projects. International students must meet the university's English language proficiency standards.

Specific admissions criteria and any portfolio requirements are set by the university and can vary by year; prospective students should consult the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa admissions office or the department for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across the apparel and textile industries. Typical career paths include apparel designer, technical designer, patternmaker, textile technologist, quality assurance or product development specialist, visual merchandiser, retail buyer and production manager. Skills gained also support careers in sustainable sourcing, textile testing laboratories, costume design, trend forecasting and entrepreneurship.

Alumni may pursue further study in textile science, design or business, or move into allied fields such as supply chain management, apparel marketing and extension education. The programme's combination of studio, technical and business training is intended to equip graduates for work in local Pacific markets as well as larger national and international supply chains.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers a programme informed by its Pacific island location and strong connections across Asia and the Pacific, giving students exposure to regional textile traditions as well as global industry practices. The campus provides hands‑on facilities—studios for garment construction and CAD, and labs for textile testing and materials study—supported by faculty with expertise in design, fibre science and merchandising.

Students benefit from industry partnerships, internship opportunities in Hawaiʻi's creative and retail sectors, and community projects that link contemporary apparel practice with cultural textile knowledge. The university's emphasis on sustainability and culturally responsive practice helps prepare graduates to work in diverse contexts and to respond to current industry challenges such as ethical sourcing and performance textiles for tropical climates.