CAHS - INDS Student Work Gallery

Click the picture to see more.

CAHS - AMDP Student Work Gallery

Click the picture to see more.

Enhancing the quality of life of individuals, families, and communities is the goal of the Department of Consumer Affairs through its focus on consumers' interactions with their near physical environment.

Faculty are actively involved with the teaching, research and outreach missions of Auburn University, Alabama's comprehensive land-grant university. State-of-the art research addresses issues of concern to individuals, families and communities; issues relating to textiles, apparel, interiors, and economic development. Through the instruction mission of the department, students are prepared for entry and advancement in a wide variety of people-oriented careers focusing on apparel and interiors. Departmental faculty are involved in outreach through Alabama Cooperative Extension System programs focusing on entrepreneurship, home based businesses, and workforce readiness. Faculty share the knowledge generated in their research through technology transfer to consumers and industries in Alabama and beyond. Faculty are also active and hold leadership roles in professional organizations.

Overview





College of Human Sciences

Mission

* To improve the human condition in Alabama, the nation, and the world through the integrated study of individuals and families in the near environment.

Department of Consumer Affairs

Consumer Focus

*Consumer's interactions with their near physical environment.

Accredited

* Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER)

* American Apparel and Footwear Association Professional Leadership Council (AAFA)

Multidisciplinary

* Art, anthropology, chemistry, economics, history, management, marketing, physics, psychology, sociology.

Integrative

* Faculty trained to integrate multidisciplinary concepts to improve the human condition.

Globally Oriented

* Develop understanding and appreciation for the global consumer culture.

Industry Base

* Entire soft goods industry (over $200 billion) from raw material (e.g., cotton or chemicals) to distribution of the finished product to the ultimate consumer.

National Textile Center

* Charter membership stimulates access to new technology.

Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

* B.S. in Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management
      - Option: Apparel Merchandising
      - Option: Product Design and Production Management

* B.S. in Interior Design

* M.S. in Consumer Affairs-Apparel and Interiors

* M.S. in Integrated Textile and Apparel Science-Joint degree with Textile Engineering

* Ph.D. in Integrated Textile and Apparel Science-Joint degree with Textile Engineering

Why Consumer Affairs?

* One-on-one academic advising

* Opportunity for exposure to corporate CEOs, internationally recognized designers, product developers, store managers, merchandisers, and industry representatives

* Professional internship in chosen area of study

* Opportunities to participate in study tours, i.e., Chicago, New York, Europe, and Australia

* A wide variety of field trips including professional design firms, retail settings, textile and apparel production facilities, and places of historical significance

* Highly trained and qualified faculty committed to excellence in teaching and research

* Well-equipped laboratories, studios, and design facilities

* Integral part of the National Textile Center, a consortium of universities working together to enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. textile, apparel, and retail industries

* Two majors designed to prepare graduates for a wide range of career choices: (1) Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management (AMDP) (options in Apparel Merchandising or Product Design and Production Management) and (2) Interior Design (INDS). Note: Admission to Interior Design is highly competitive and requires an additional application process beyond admission to the University.

* Up-to-date, relevant courses based on recommendations of leaders in business and industry

Department Resources

* Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) Studio

* Industry Based Apparel Production Laboratory

* Textile Testing Laboratories

* Apparel Production Management Software

* Historic Costume and Textile Collections

* Strong Industry Ties

* Enthusiastic Alumni

* Interior Design Studios

* Lighting Laboratory