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Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences


 

QUICK JUMP
  Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles
  Requirements and Sample Courses
  Careers in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles
  Scholarships and Financial Aid
  Campus Organizations and Activities
  Related Fields of Study That May Interest You
  Contact Information

Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles

Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles integrates an understanding of design, textiles, business, and retail merchandising—the necessary components in bringing products from concept to consumer. The apparel, textile and fashion industries operate in a global market, making an understanding of the world economy and cultural diversity essential. Product knowledge, combined with an understanding of consumer cultures, the process by which products are developed in the fashion industry, business principles and the business of fashion are the focus of the options within AMDT. Students choose an option in merchandising or apparel design.

A set of core courses provide a foundation in principles of aesthetics, business, textiles, global markets, apparel production, and retail environments. Team building, communications, decision-making, and problem-solving skills are emphasized throughout the curriculum.

The Merchandising option focuses on a strong business and liberal arts core. The curriculum combines product-focused courses in retailing, marketing, management, and accounting. Departmental courses in the sourcing/production, forecasting, visual merchandising, marketing, and retailing of consumer goods support this option. The program encompasses global study of the cultural/historical, economic, and scientific aspects of the textile, apparel and fashion industries, while fostering understanding of consumer behavior and socially responsible business practices.

The Apparel Design option focuses on understanding and mastery of apparel construction techniques, apparel and textile aesthetics, design, product evaluation, forecasting, and quality assessment, production of apparel goods for an identified target market, and manual and computer-aided design skills. Courses in creativity, drawing, cultural and historical influences, international trade and technical aspects of textiles and apparel provide a basis for students to be prepared to enter the fashion industry.


• Offered at WSU: Bachelor of arts, master of arts
• Available at: Pullman

Requirements and Sample Courses

—Bachelor of arts in apparel, merchandising, design, and textiles

REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINING PROGRAM
Program requirements match those needed for admission to Washington State University, and include the University's general education requirements. Certification into the major occurs after completion of 24 credits with a GPA of 2.7 or higher. Students interested in the apparel design option are accepted through a portfolio review process. Applications are available in the main office and need to be submitted during the spring semester of the second year. Transfer students who have completed two years of college may submit an application during the summer prior to the first semester of attendance at WSU for consideration.

Students can choose an emphasis in apparel design or merchandising. Each option includes the program's core courses, as well as option requirements and electives. Students can individualize their expertise by exploring minors and supporting work in fine arts, business administration, marketing, international business, and communication.

SAMPLE COURSES
Visual Merchandising and Promotion
Textile Specifications
Apparel Quality and Product Analysis
Fashion Forecasting
Merchandise Buying and Planning
Consumer Behavior
Globalization, Environmental and Ethical Issues in the Fashion Industry
International Trade in Textiles and Apparel
Multicultural Perspectives on the Body and Dress
History of Fashion Design

• APPAREL DESIGN OPTION
Visual Merchandising and Promotion
Apparel Quality and Product Analysis
Creativity
Draping and Flat Pattern
Fitting the Human Form
Fashion Forecasting
Illustration and Rendering Techniques
Computer Applications in Apparel, Textile, and Design
Advanced Assembly
Fashion Line Development
History of Fashion Design

• MERCHANDISING OPTION
Visual Merchandising and Promotion
Apparel Quality and Product Analysis
Fashion Forecasting
Merchandise Buying and Planning
Advanced Retail Management
Strategy Planning and Decision Making
Supply Chain Management
Consumer Behavior
Globalization, Environmental and Ethical Issues in the Fashion Industry
International Trade in Textiles and Apparel
Business Management Economics

NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the catalog to graduate.

Careers in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles

The program provides a wide range of career opportunities within design, product development, merchandising, marketing, retailing, and promotion. Typical positions include apparel designer, technical designer, pattern maker, fashion illustrator, visual merchandiser, brand identity specialist, sales representative, buyer, retail manager, textile designer, textiles specialist, market analyst, entrepreneur, catalog developer, wardrobe consultant, and graphic artist.

For more information, visit the department’s career profiles Web page.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students in apparel, merchandising, design, and textiles are eligible for corporate- and private-supported student scholarships and also are eligible for achievement awards offered within the program.

Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships from Washington State University, and may also be eligible for state or federal financial aid. Visit the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU Web site for information on applying for University scholarships and financial aid.

Campus Organizations and Activities

• The student chapter of the International Textiles and Apparel Association provides exploration and expansion of professional skills, service project activities, and events coordination opportunities.
• Special events on campus include design and merchandising competitions, exhibitions, and the annual Mom’s Weekend Fashion Show, which displays original student apparel designs. Fashion show opportunities include apparel design, stage design, printed material design, promotion, hosting, and managing a fashion show.

Related Fields of Study That May Interest You

• Agricultural economics
• Communication
• Fine arts
• Human development
• Interior design
• International business
• Marketing
• Music
• Psychology
• Women’s studies

Contact Information
Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles
Washington State University
51 Kruegel Hall
PO Box 642020
Pullman, WA 99164-2020
amdt@wsu.edu
509-335-1233
 

Strengths of the Program

  • WSU has the leading bachelor's and graduate program in apparel and textiles in Washington.
  • The state's apparel and textile industry is ranked third in national productivity.
  • WSU's specialized faculty educate for strong careers, industry leadership, and professional satisfaction.
  • The faculty are nationally and internationally recognized in apparel, merchandising, design, and textiles.
  • Learn apparel sizing, resource development, creative fashion design, social and psychological aspects of dress, data management tools, and technology-based information research.
  • Broaden perspectives through field trips, internships, and study abroad.
Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us