Program Overview

Major in Apparel and Merchandising

The Major in Apparel and Merchandising emphasizes study in apparel and textile design and development as well as the sourcing, production, marketing, and retailing of consumer goods. The program encompasses global study of the cultural, historical, economic, and scientific aspects of the textiles and apparel industry, while fostering understanding of consumer behavior and socially responsible business practices. There are three concentrations in the major: Apparel Design and Production, Merchandising, and Product Development.

Learning Objectives

Students will demonstrate mastery of core knowledge and skills specific to their program/concentration areas. There are three concentration areas:

• The Apparel Design and Production concentration emphasizes study in apparel and textile design with courses in fashion illustration, pattern development, apparel construction techniques, and computer-aided design. Full acceptance into the concentration requires passing the portfolio review held in the spring semester and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• The Merchandising concentration focuses on the development of merchandise assortments and retailing strategies. Courses include consumer behavior, assortment planning, merchandise buying, merchandise promotions, retailing, global sourcing, and more.
• The Product Development concentration focuses on innovation in developing consumer products. Courses include technical design, textile science, user-centered design, product line development/management, quality assurance, sourcing, supply chain management, technical product engineering, and more.

Students will demonstrate an understanding of professional practices, processes, and skills utilized in the areas of apparel design and production, merchandising, and product development. These practices, processes, and skills include critical and creative thinking, communication, ethics, social responsibility and sustainability, collaborative problem-solving, and interdisciplinary learning.

Students also will demonstrate professional behaviors and ethical business practices that enhance the well-being of others and contribute to the advancement of the global industry.

Program Requirements

Students in the Apparel and Merchandising undergraduate program are required to participate in a department-coordinated internship program that involves a full-time, 12-credit professional experience with nationally and internationally recognized firms and organizations in the apparel industry or a related field. Students with a 2.5 GPA are eligible to participate in department-facilitated internships.

Co-Curricular Learning Experiences

Students who are interested in co-curricular learning experiences have the opportunity to visit apparel and fashion companies and trade shows, network with industry professionals, participate in department-led study tours, engage in project-based learning experiences, assist with department recruiting events and new student orientations, and participate in a variety of leadership events.

Potential Occupations

Career options for Apparel Design and Production graduates include, but are not limited to:

• apparel and fashion designer
• textile designer
• creative or design director
• fashion illustrator
• pattern-maker and/or computer-aided design (CAD) manager
• trend or fashion forecaster

Career options for Merchandising graduates include, but are not limited to:

• market researcher or analyst
• brand and product manager
• merchandise buyer
• retail manager
• showroom merchandising coordinator or manager
• advertising specialist
• social media specialist
• public relations specialist
• merchandising stylist

Career options for Product Development graduates include, but are not limited to:

• product developer
• technical designer
• 3D digital product creator
• product line manager
• consumer or market researcher
• sourcing agent and import/export specialist
• product testing and quality control agent
• prototype engineer

Concentrations

• Apparel Design and Production Concentration
• Merchandising Concentration
• Product Development Concentration

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