Textile and Apparel Management

The Department of Textile and Apparel Management is a global leader focusing on the apparel and textile supply chain. TAM's award-winning faculty is internationally recognized. Ranked as one of the top programs of its kind, TAM prepares students for a wide variety of career options such as merchandising, buying, sourcing, product development, technical design, e-retailing or retail operations. The curriculum focuses on leadership, the global supply chain, sustainability, creativity/innovation and technology. Through course work, field study experiences, internships, leadership conferences and student organizations, TAM students develop the skills they need to be a top recruit for industry positions.

	Leadership TAM provides an excellent foundation for leadership development. Students grow their leadership skills through critical thinking, communication, teamwork and networking skills. These engaged learning activities allow students to identify their strengths and improve their leadership skills as they prepare for a career in the global fashion industry.
	Global Supply Chain The complex global fashion supply chain requires the development of both analytical and ethical decision-making skills. The TAM curriculum integrates across the supply chain and builds knowledge on brand management, e-commerce, sourcing, product development, marketing strategies and operational management.
	Sustainability TAM students are challenged to rethink how and in what ways sustainability can be integrated into the textile and apparel supply chain. When sustainability becomes the defining theme, the potential for change is transformative.
	Creativity & Innovation Today’s fashion careers require both creativity and innovation. Whether it is for apparel design or marketing strategies, TAM students learn that creativity and innovation are tools that can be developed and fostered. Through exploration, observation, and imagination, students are challenged to think outside the box, react with vision and produce creatively.
	Technology The Kellwood Apparel Technology Laboratory and the Kitty Dickerson Technology Laboratory are equipped with the latest industry technology including Optitex, the KX-16 Body Scanner, a Mutoh Digital Printer and leading industry software. TAM also has a psychophysiology lab for conducting human behavioral research. TAM is one of only 13 schools endorsed by the American Apparel and Footwear Association and faculty has a strong and growing research agenda in transformational technologies.
	Missouri Historic Costume and Textile Collection MHCTC was established in 1967 to support the teaching mission of the department. The collection has over 5,500 artifacts ranging from 16th century to the end of the 20th century. Some of the treasures include a unique quilt collection, vernacular dress of Missourians, ethnographic pieces, and 19th century "Mother Hubbards." Curator for the collection is Dr. Jean Parsons and Archivist is Nicole Johnston-Blatz.