华盛顿州立大学

The apparel, merchandising, and textiles major integrates an understanding of design, textiles, business, and retail merchandising — the necessary components in bringing products from concept to consumer.

A set of core courses provide a foundation in principles of aesthetics, business, textiles, global markets, apparel production, and retail environments. The apparel, textile and fashion industries operate in a global market, making an understanding of the world economy and cultural diversity essential. Team building, communications, decision-making, and problem-solving skills are emphasized throughout the curriculum.

Majors in apparel, merchandising, and textiles can specialize in merchandising or apparel design.

Options in the Major

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 the major.

MERCHANDISING

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.

APPAREL DESIGN

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 preparation for students in the creative side of the fashion industry.

SIGNATURE COURSES

In the apparel merchandising and design program, you can expect to take courses like these.

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
Multicultural Perspectives on the Body and Dress
History of Fashion Design

APPAREL DESIGN OPTION

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

Careers in apparel, merchandising, design & textiles

A degree in apparel, merchandising, design, and textiles provides a wide range of career opportunities within design, product development, merchandising, marketing, retailing, and promotion.

Common positions include:

Apparel Designer
Technical Designer
Pattern Maker
Fashion Illustrator