The Virginia Tech Fashion Merchandising and Design program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising and Design meets the Textile and Apparel Programs Accreditation Commission (TAPAC) Accreditation Standards and has been awarded accreditation for a period of seven years, effective May 2023.  TAPAC is pleased to recognize this achievement.

TAPAC’s decision was based on the Fashion Merchandising and Design program’s demonstrated achievement of the TAPAC Accreditation Standards, evaluated within the context of the mission, goals and purpose of the program.  TAPAC accreditation standards are based upon achievement of student learning outcomes addressing the ITAA Meta-Goals including:

• Content and process knowledge addressing students’ understanding of the nature of the industry and the theories, concepts, principles, and processes used to successfully design and deliver products, services, and ideas to consumers

• Professional skills and attitudes relating to the personal behaviors and abilities necessary to be successful in a career in the textile and apparel industry

TAPAC accreditation standards also address the institutional systems and program resources that are foundational to providing the higher education learning environment for textile and apparel education.

Designation of TAPAC Accreditation is recognition of the quality of the Fashion Merchandising and Design program.  Parents, students, and employers of graduates can be assured that the program has undergone a rigorous peer review and that the program provides its graduates with skills and knowledge for professional careers in the apparel and textiles industry.  This accreditation process also provides the program with input for continued development and program advancement, thereby promoting innovation and adaptation to evolving professional requirements as TAPAC updates standards.

Accredited programs must submit a TAPAC Annual Accredited Program Report.  In four years, the Fashion Merchandising and Design program will be required to submit a Midterm Report in the form of a self-study (but without a site visit).  The program is scheduled to be revisited in 2030 to seek re-accreditation.