Department of Clothing and Textiles, Texas Tech University: History, comparison to selected universities and survey of graduate employment

Abstract

The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) historical review of the Department of Clothing and Textiles, Texas Tech University, (2) comparison of Department to other selected universities, and (3) survey of Department alumni from 1971 to 1976. The historical review was obtained from library research, interviews, and departmental records. Comparison to other universities included a survey of academic catalogs and information gathered from mailed out questionnaires. Information from alumni was also obtained from mailed out questionnaires. Findings indicated the Department had grown along with the University. Faculty had increased from one in 19 25 to 10.5 in 1976. Curriculum had expanded to include three options of study: fashion design, merchandising, and textile science. A master's program was added in 1947 and has served approximately 20 percent of the College's graduate program. Results of the questionnaire to other universities indicated an average of 7 faculty members were employed in the clothing and textiles area and 40 percent of the faculty held the doctor's degree. The master's was the highest degree being offered by 64 percent of the universities surveyed. In comparison to the 1976 figures,

the C&T Department had 10.5 faculty, 57 percent held the doctor's degree, and the master's was the highest degree offered in the Department. Results of the alumni questionnaire indicated 82 percent were employed full-time and that the majority were employed in a position related to their major. The alumni also pointed out that they had not continued with a degree above the bachelor's.