Our graduate degrees are built upon the Science of Design framework, emphasizing the understanding and fulfillment of consumer needs relative to their near environment. CADS graduate study integrates theory and applied knowledge from diverse fields, including art and design, business and economics, psychology and sociology, history and anthropology, statistics, engineering, and the sciences.
Scientific and creative approaches are applied and integrated to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families and foster responsible, successful businesses, preparing graduates to develop competency and confidence in their chosen area and advance within their chosen profession. Through this consumer-centered philosophy focused on the Science of Design prepares students for careers in the fields of interior design, apparel design and product development, design technology, apparel merchandising, retailing, global sourcing, consumer research, retail management, retail technology and data science, higher education, and countless others.
Programs of Study
The M.S. in Consumer and Design Sciences offers both a Thesis and a Non-Thesis Option. The Thesis Option requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate-level coursework, including a research or creative scholarship-based thesis and a final Oral Examination (presentation and defense of the thesis).
The Non-Thesis Option requires a minimum of 30 semester hours. Students may choose to undertake a Graduate Project that could include creative scholarship, case study, course development, or design development. The Plan of Study is highly individualized, based upon the student’s academic background, work experiences, and career goals.
We have rolling admissions throughout the year, which means we accept applications at any time during the year. However, to be considered for Graduate Assistantships, which are limited, we recommend that you apply as early as possible by the first round deadline.
Application Deadline:
- Fall 2026 first-round admission: January 15th
The Ph.D., a research-based degree, requires 60 semester hours of graduate-level coursework beyond the M.S. degree. It also requires a General Written Examination, a General Oral Examination, a Dissertation Proposal Defense and a Final Oral Examination defined as the Dissertation Defense. The doctorate is focused on the generation of new knowledge through innovative exploration of theory, development of creative perspectives, and application of new technologies.
We have rolling admissions throughout the year, which means we accept applications at any time during the year. However, to be considered for Graduate Assistantships, which are limited, we recommend that you apply as early as possible by the first round deadline.
Application Deadline:
- Fall 2026 first-round admission: January 5th
Additional Information
Our specialization areas include, but are not limited to, the following:
- analytics to enhance consumer experiences and demand forecasting accuracy for fashion-driven soft goods
- consumer behavior
- corporate social responsibility and sustainability
- design of interiors and apparel
- functional and adaptive apparel
- global sourcing and global retailing
- marketing and retail management
- multi-dimensional perspectives on sustainable products, processes, and environments
- omnichannel distribution for apparel and related consumer products
- product development
- social media marketing and digital retailing
- technological development and application for retail, design, product development, and production management
Focusing on the intersection of consumer sciences, technology, and design & creativity, the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in CADS will unlock your potential through:
- Highly individualized plans of study;
- Mentoring by the student-centered and highly qualified CADS faculty;
- Experience gained through teaching, research, and/or outreach graduate assistantships;
- Opportunities to showcase student work through design competitions, professional meetings, and publications;
- Networking through industry advisory boards, guest speakers, career fairs, and professional meetings; and
- Interaction with enthusiastic alumni.
Graduate students are encouraged to submit papers for presentation or entries in design competitions at conferences such as at the Auburn University’s Research Symposium, the Southeastern Graduate Student Consortium, International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA), Interior Design Educator’s Council (IDEC), American Collegiate Retail Association (ACRA), and other conferences. The professional organizations have websites with needed information.
When departmental budget resources allow, the department may provide some support for graduate students presenting papers. Students who have papers accepted for presentation or designs accepted for exhibition should check with the Department Head for availability of partial travel support. These students should also apply for Graduate Student Council (GSC) Travel Fellowship. Interior Design graduate students also may inquire into travel funding from IDEC.
CADS’s iRACE Initiative brings together Auburn University faculty and students with the industry to advance practice-based research, education, and outreach in the areas of innovation in retail and consumer experiences. iRACE Initiative offers various educational programs for graduate and undergraduate students, such as iRACE Industry Lecture Series©, iRACE Hackathon©, iRACE Research Brainstorming Sessions© with industry experts or interdisciplinary researchers, in which students can network with industry experts and participate in opportunities for learning up-and-coming innovations in the industry and varying disciplines, career development, projects, scholarships, and many others.
International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA)
American Collegiate Retail Association (ACRA)
Association for Consumer Research (ACR)
American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)
Costume Society of America (CSA)
Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC)
Program Faculty
