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Why Study Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management?

Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals, families, and the broader community by teaching you to incorporate consumer, business, and design perspectives into your future career. We offer four undergraduate majors: consumer studies, fashion merchandising and design, property management, and residential environments and design. Our students enjoy small class sizes, hands-on projects and internships, and connections with employers to support your career goals. 

Beyond the Classroom

Our programs offer lots of opportunities for you to enrich your education, both inside and outside of class.

Faculty You'll Love

We have a strong research faculty filled with award-winning teachers. They have built a reputation among students for being approachable and engaging. Our large and growing research portfolio covers everything from clothing and textiles to affordable housing and financial planning.

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We have a strong research faculty filled with award-winning teachers. They have built a reputation among students for being approachable and engaging. Our large and growing research portfolio covers everything from clothing and textiles to affordable housing and financial planning.
Careers and Internships

Our majors intern and work for a diverse selection of organizations ranging from the Office of the Attorney General and the American Red Cross, to Nordstrom and top-tier real estate companies. Our students have proven to be highly competitive, with graduates receiving multiple job offers.

career
Our majors intern and work for a diverse selection of organizations ranging from the Office of the Attorney General and the American Red Cross, to Nordstrom and top-tier real estate companies. Our students have proven to be highly competitive, with graduates receiving multiple job offers.
Scholarships and Awards

In addition to scholarships offered by the university and the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, we offer program-specific scholarships in consumer studies, fashion merchandising and design, property management, and residential environments and design.

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In addition to scholarships offered by the university and the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, we offer program-specific scholarships in consumer studies, fashion merchandising and design, property management, and residential environments and design.
Undergraduate Research

Students interested in exploring their own research questions have access to our many centers, labs, and collections including the Center for Real Life Kitchen Design and the Oris Glisson Historic Costume and Textile Collection. In the spring, we hold a Hands-On, Minds-On Celebration featuring student work.

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Students interested in exploring their own research questions have access to our many centers, labs, and collections including the Center for Real Life Kitchen Design and the Oris Glisson Historic Costume and Textile Collection. In the spring, we hold a Hands-On, Minds-On Celebration featuring student work.
Study Abroad

Study abroad opportunities offer an extraordinary learning experience. Our department supports two study abroad programs on alternating years, the European Fashion Study Abroad and the The Housing and Property Management Study Abroad. Virginia Tech also sponsors several study abroad opportunities that may complement your program of study.

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Study abroad opportunities offer an extraordinary learning experience. Our department supports two study abroad programs on alternating years, the European Fashion Study Abroad and the The Housing and Property Management Study Abroad. Virginia Tech also sponsors several study abroad opportunities that may complement your program of study.
Exciting Student Organizations

All of our programs provide opportunities for students to get involved beyond the classroom. Our student organizations include the Fashion Merchandising and Design Society, Association of Property Management, HDVT (Housing Design @ VT), and the Society for Consumer Interest and Professional Development.

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All of our programs provide opportunities for students to get involved beyond the classroom. Our student organizations include the Fashion Merchandising and Design Society, Association of Property Management, HDVT (Housing Design @ VT), and the Society for Consumer Interest and Professional Development.