Apparel and Merchandising Major

Design change. Create understanding. Discover how the apparel industry can impact the world.

At a glance

Throughout your studies in apparel and merchandising, you’ll gain a broad historical and cultural foundation in the apparel industry, along with opportunities to design and create, analyze consumer behavior, and discover how everything from textile design to product development to brand marketing can help shape cultural understanding and awareness. You’ll begin with hands-on learning, internships, and student-run shows; you’ll end with a degree that can take you almost anywhere.

This program is accredited by the Textile and Apparel Programs Accreditation Commission (TAPAC) and National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Students must meet additional requirements in order to continue in the Apparel Design and Production concentration from freshman to sophomore year.

Degree type	Bachelor of Science
Format	On campus
Part of	College of Health and Human Sciences
Additional requirements?	Yes, for some concentrations
Accelerated option?	No

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Concentrations

A concentration allows you to specialize in a certain area within your major, offering a depth of information and hands-on experiences that you may not otherwise get. Many students in this major will concentrate in one area to work in a specific field after college, as well as find mentors and internships before they even graduate.

Apparel Design and Production

You’ll focus on the development of knowledge and skills necessary to engage in the design of textile and apparel goods. You will complete coursework in aesthetics and design, illustration, pattern development, apparel construction techniques, and computer-aided design.

Merchandising

You’ll be enveloped in and prepared for careers in the assortment, planning, and sale of textile and apparel goods. You’ll complete coursework in consumer behavior, merchandising processes, management, merchandise buying, retail store design, and the global industry.

Product Development

You’ll focus on developing and innovating consumer products. You’ll learn skills for product development, sourcing, market potential analysis, trend forecasting, line development, product line management, quality assurance, and supply chain management.

Some Career Options

Your career options with an Apparel and Merchandising degree can range from fashion-industry work to retail merchandising, outdoor apparel and gear design, marketing, fashion entertainment, quality assurance, and beyond. Exploring your interests in the major’s three concentrations can help you find your niche.