Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Department of Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University offers various programs, including the Master of Science in Design and Merchandising. This program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in design and merchandising, preparing them for careers in industry, academia, or research.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Design and Merchandising program, applicants must submit the following documents:

• A statement of purpose
• Three letters of recommendation
• An updated resume
• Transcripts from all previous academic institutions
• English proficiency exam scores (for international students)

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should be 750 words maximum in 12-point font and should include information about the applicant's academic and professional interests, research goals, and how they align with the program's offerings. The statement should also demonstrate the applicant's communication skills and ability to express their thoughts in written form.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to their academic performance and ability to succeed in a graduate program. The letters should be written on letterhead and signed electronically.

Resume

Applicants must submit an updated resume that provides a better understanding of their professional background. The resume can be attached as a PDF or Microsoft Word document.

Transcripts

Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions must be mailed to the Graduate Admissions office. Electronic transcripts are also acceptable and can be sent directly from the prior institution via a secure server.

Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Design and Merchandising program requires the completion of a thesis or a professional paper. Students must also complete a minimum of 30 credits of coursework, including core courses, electives, and research credits.

Core Courses

The core courses for the program include:

• Research methods in design and merchandising
• Statistical analysis in design and merchandising
• Theory and criticism in design and merchandising

Electives

Students can choose from a variety of electives, including courses in:

• Apparel design and product development
• Interior design and architecture
• Merchandising and retailing
• Textiles and materials science

Research Credits

Students must complete a minimum of 6 credits of research credits, which can be taken in the form of a thesis or a professional paper.

Research Areas

The Department of Design and Merchandising has several research areas, including:

• Apparel design and product development
• Interior design and architecture
• Merchandising and retailing
• Textiles and materials science
• Sustainable design and merchandising
• Inclusive design and merchandising

Faculty Research and Creative Scholarship

The faculty in the Department of Design and Merchandising are actively engaged in research and creative scholarship, with expertise in areas such as:

• Sustainable design and merchandising
• Inclusive design and merchandising
• Apparel design and product development
• Interior design and architecture
• Merchandising and retailing
• Textiles and materials science

Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships

The Department of Design and Merchandising offers graduate teaching and research assistantships to qualified students. These assistantships provide a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance benefits. To be considered for an assistantship, students must submit their application by January 5.

International Student Requirements

International students must submit additional documents, including:

• English proficiency exam scores
• Financial statement
• Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions

English Proficiency Exam Scores

International students must submit English proficiency exam scores, such as TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic. The minimum scores required are:

• TOEFL: 550 (paper-based), 80 (Internet-based)
• IELTS: 6.5
• Duolingo: 120
• PTE: 58

Financial Statement

International students must submit a financial statement to demonstrate their ability to support themselves financially while studying at Colorado State University.

Conclusion

The Master of Science in Design and Merchandising program at Colorado State University is a comprehensive program that provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in design and merchandising. The program has a strong research focus, with faculty expertise in areas such as sustainable design and merchandising, inclusive design and merchandising, and apparel design and product development. The program also offers graduate teaching and research assistantships to qualified students. International students must submit additional documents, including English proficiency exam scores and a financial statement. Overall, the program is designed to prepare students for careers in industry, academia, or research, and to provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly changing global market.