Fibers and Materials Studies

Explore the expressive potential and social meaning of fiber materials with the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fibers and Materials Studies in the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. The 126-credit program is a bold, interdisciplinary approach to the exploration of one of the world's oldest and most accessible traditions: working with fibers. Through traditional techniques, such as weaving, sewing and embroidery, as well as the most contemporary digital technologies, students learn conceptual and technical skills that prepare them for focused, graduate-level study or a career in a variety of creative fields.

As a Fibers and Materials Studies major, you'll join a close-knit, inclusive community led by a diverse faculty that pushes students to experiment and collaborate. You'll contribute to vital discussions on history, identity, social issues and more. Through dynamic projects such as the annual Wearable Art Show, the Natural Dye Garden and the Queer Materials Lab–which focuses on a LGBTQIA+ discourse within the discipline–you'll create exciting conversations with faculty members, visiting artists and fellow students.

Students are introduced to state-of-the-art equipment, including a Jacquard loom, multiharness floor looms and electronic looms, knitting machines, and embroidery machines. The program also offers digital printing, a fully equipped dye kitchen and screen-printing lab. Many students explore other mediums such as sculpture, video, performance and installation to enhance their artistic creativity and imagination in relation to the field of materials studies. Experimenting with materials and methods is encouraged as students develop their creative practices.

Students take full advantage of Philadelphia's vibrant fibers community and DIY scene and opportunities to engage global social challenges, working closely with professors to engage in community-based projects that challenge them as critical, reflective participants in a broader creative culture. These experiences prepare Fibers and Materials Studies majors to flourish in top graduate programs and production design careers in the visual arts.

Every year, Tyler students benefit from exposure to scores of artists, scholars, architects, designers and professionals who are at the top of their fields. Students meet with these inspiring individuals through lectures, class visits, demonstrations and more–including three diverse lecture series and two major speaker programs, the Jack Wolgin Visiting Artist Program and the Knowles Architecture Alumni Lecture. Learn more about our programs for visiting artists, designers and scholars. 

Students connect with a plethora of arts projects, programs, studios, workshops, design firms, art centers and collections through internships, residencies and other opportunities listed in Tyler's biweekly newsletter, The WHAT. 

Pursuing a degree in art and design will teach you how to be a dynamic thinker and problem-solver–two of the most valued skills that today's employers seek in new hires. Art and design programs teach creative ways of seeing, thinking and making. Students learn versatility and technical skills while becoming adept in traditional practice and new technologies. Graduates enter a competitive workforce at the head of the pack, ready to use their skill sets and creativity to tackle society's toughest challenges.

A BFA in Fibers and Materials Studies will prepare you for a breadth of career paths and set you up for success as a creative professional. A few career opportunities include

• carpet designer,
• curator,
• educator,
• fabric and textile designer,
• furniture designer,
• gallery director,
• model maker and
• stylist.

Career Services

Tyler career coaches specialize in the types of jobs available in the arts and built environment, mentoring students on their cover letters and interviews as well as providing career advice.

Temple's Career Center is another resource that empowers students to find pathways to future success. The Career Center offers comprehensive career development services, from résumés and interviews to finding internships and jobs. Learn more about Temple's Career Center.

1. Make an application plan.

If you’re a first-year applicant, you’ll first want to pick a deadline goal and decide if you’d like to apply Early Action (due Nov. 1) or Regular Decision (due Feb. 1).

2. Apply using the Common Application.

Temple exclusively uses the Common Application. When completing your application for Temple, be sure to indicate whether you’re applying Early Action or Regular Decision if you’re a first-year applicant. Even if you apply before or by the Early Action deadline, you still must indicate Early Action on your application to ensure you will receive an admissions decision early. Transfer applicants do not need to select a deadline preference.

There’s an application fee of $55, which you will submit at the same time as the Common Application unless you qualify for a waiver.