5 majors that lead to helping careers
November 18, 2020
A lot of CSU’s majors are focused on making the world a better place, but these 5 lead to careers that directly work with improving lives.
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 |
Not sure if this is the right major for you?
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See all of them!
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.
- Apparel/Fashion Designer
- Creative Director
- Fashion Illustrator
- Stylist
- Merchandise Buyer
- Retail Analyst
- Advertising/Promotions Manager
- Product Developer
- Prototype Engineer
- Import/Export Specialist
Tour and info session options
Tours may be available as part of Admissions tours and info sessions, offered throughout the year.
For additional opportunities, please reach out to:
College of Health and Human Sciences recruiter at chhs_recruitment@mail.colostate.edu
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Explore even more
Want a more in-depth look at this major? Take a look at the program website to learn more.