
6 things you should know before college
College is different than high school. Keep these things in mind while preparing to come to Colorado State University.
Design change. Create understanding. Discover how you can shape the fashion design, apparel, and products industries to impact the world.
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 and Department of Design and Merchandising | |||
| Additional requirements? | Yes, for some concentrations | |||
| Accelerated option? | No |
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.
Develop your creativity and STEM skills to engage in fashion design, from textile properties to apparel goods. You will complete coursework in aesthetics and design, illustration, pattern development, apparel construction techniques, and computer-aided design.
Prepare for careers in the fashion and retail industries. You’ll complete coursework in consumer behavior, merchandising processes, management, merchandise buying, retail store design, and the global industry.
Develop innovative products to meet consumer needs. You’ll learn how to create sustainable and inclusive products through sourcing, trend forecasting, product line development and management, quality assurance, and supply chain management.
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 content creation, quality assurance, and beyond. Exploring your interests in the major’s three concentrations can help you find your ideal career path.
For additional opportunities, please reach out to:
College of Health and Human Sciences recruiter at [email protected]

College is different than high school. Keep these things in mind while preparing to come to Colorado State University.

Get all the tools and advice you need to find the major that suits you best.

Current student Marcela explains why the Honors Program at CSU has been a life changer for her, and why you should join.

Recent grad Holly offers transfer-only advice.
Want a more in-depth look at this major? Take a look at the program website to learn more.