B.S. in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design

As an Apparel, Merchandising, and Design student, you will build a comprehensive base of knowledge about the textiles and apparel industry, including merchandising and marketing strategies, product development, and production processes. You’ll further define your career path by choosing from either the design or merchandising programs. Design: The design program focuses on the jobs and skills necessary to bring an apparel product to life. Within the design program, you will choose one of four concentration areas: Creative design: If you like to sketch out your ideas, doodle new designs, and envision a garment before it’s made, the creative design option may be for you. A background in textiles, pattern making, illustration, and aesthetics will give you the skills to create new looks and designs. Technical design: In the technical design option, you’ll build an understanding of industry assembly methods and quality assurance standards, such as differences in fabric coloration, performance, cost, and quality. Your skills will increase the quality in apparel products and the methods in which they’re made. Product development: Students in the product development option work to meet both the needs of consumers and designers. You’ll learn about trends and business demands and have the knowledge to plan, create, and present apparel products to fill niches within the market. Production and sourcing management: If buttons come from Russia, and fabric comes from Indonesia, what does that mean for a consumer in the United States? Students studying production and sourcing management explore the latest technology and methods used to assemble garments in mass quantities from around the world. You’ll learn the fundamentals of production, including sourcing materials, timing deliveries, and managing cost. Merchandising: If the role marketing plays in the apparel industry interests you, then the merchandising program may be right for you. Students in this option applying marketing strategies and entrepreneurial practices when buying, displaying, promoting, and selling products. n Apparel, Merchandising, and Design degree can lead to these types of careers: Merchandising careers: Fashion buyer/purchasing agent/analyst, Marketing or product specialist, Showroom/sales manager, Trend/fashion forecaster. Design careers: Fashion designer, Apparel engineer, Textile or clothing curator, Home furnishings designer. Product development/sourcing specialist: Product developer, Textile colorist or scientist, Materials buyer, Quality assurance specialist.