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CIP 50.0712 Visual and Performing Arts

Fiber, Textile and Weaving Arts

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

81

2025 · 8 schools

International share

18.5%

15 international students

Bachelor's degrees

68

16.2% international

Master's degrees

11

36.4% international

Overview

Fiber, Textile and Weaving Arts is a specialized field that explores the creative and technical aspects of fiber-based materials and their applications in art, design, and functional textiles. This discipline encompasses a wide array of techniques, including weaving, knitting, dyeing, and surface design, allowing students to experiment with various fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic materials.

Students pursuing this major gain a comprehensive understanding of the history and cultural significance of textiles, as well as contemporary practices in textile art. The curriculum typically includes courses in design principles, color theory, textile science, and digital fabrication methods, enabling students to develop both their artistic vision and practical skills.

Through hands-on projects and studio work, students learn to create original pieces, ranging from functional textiles like clothing and home décor to conceptual artworks that challenge traditional perceptions of fiber arts. They also explore sustainable practices in textile production, addressing the environmental impact of the fashion and textile industry.

Graduates of Fiber, Textile and Weaving Arts can pursue diverse career paths, including textile design, fashion design, art conservation, and education. Many find opportunities in the art world, working as independent artists or collaborating with galleries, while others may enter the fashion industry, home textiles sector, or even product development for textile companies. Overall, this major offers a unique blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural exploration, making it an enriching choice for those passionate about the art of textiles.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2002 to 2025, graduates fell 49% and the international share went from 9.5% to 18.5%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
39.5%
Asian
8.6%
Hispanic
13.6%
Black
4.9%
Other
14.8%
Intl.
18.5%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 8 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#109 Temple University Pennsylvania 9 1
— Rhode Island School of Design Rhode Island 34 11
— Maryland Institute College of Art Maryland 12 2
— Kansas City Art Institute Missouri 10 0
— Massachusetts College of Art and Design Massachusetts 8 0
— California College of the Arts California 3 0
— Cranbrook Academy of Art Michigan 3 1
— Haywood Community College North Carolina 2 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 93,560 — $94,700
Craft Artists 4,580 $23.91 $49,740

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.