The purpose of the department is to provide an academic environment of excellence in educational programs, in scholarship and in service. Achievement of this purpose is guided by three goals:

• To educate future professionals in the fields of apparel design, interior design, housing studies and merchandising management. Within these fields the department offers the full range of academic preparation from the Bachelor's degree to the Doctorate. The faculty, in conjunction with practitioners, develops curricula to meet the needs of a wide range of students including the beginning undergraduate, the college transfer student, the student returning to college and/or one preparing for a career change, and the student seeking graduate study.
   
• To engage in scholarship that enhances the learning environment, contributes to the body of knowledge and/or develops new applications for existing knowledge.
   
• To serve the university community in developing and maintaining a stimulating learning and work environment; to serve the profession in addressing issues in research, education and promotion of the profession; and to serve the broader community including industry, organizations and consumers, through the discovery, development and dissemination of knowledge that addresses pertinent issues regarding clothing and shelter that enhance human well-being.

In fulfilling this mission the department adopts the principles of environmental sustainability, diversity, global interdependence and changing human needs across the life span.