Major in Apparel and Merchandising, Apparel Design and Production Concentration
Program Overview
The Apparel Design and Production concentration in the Apparel and Merchandising major develops skills in designing and creating textile and apparel goods. Students learn about aesthetics, design, fashion illustration, pattern development, material selection, and apparel construction techniques. To enter the concentration, students must pass a portfolio review and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Top-scoring students are accepted each year.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Apparel Design and Production concentration focuses on developing the knowledge and skills needed to design and create textile and apparel goods for a specific target market. This includes coursework in aesthetics and design, fashion/trend forecasting, fashion illustration, pattern development, material selection (fibers, fabrics, dyes/finishes), apparel construction techniques, computer-aided design (CAD), historic textiles and costume, and the social-psychological aspects of dress.
Outline:
The program is structured across four years, with a specific course schedule for each year.
Freshman Year:
- Semester 1: AM 101 Fashion Industries, AM 110 Apparel and Merchandising Digital Technology, AM 130 Awareness and Appreciation of Design, CO 150 College Composition (GT-CO2), DM 192A First Year Seminar: Apparel and Merchandising, MATH 117 College Algebra in Context I (GT-MA1), MATH 118 College Algebra in Context II (GT-MA1).
- Semester 2: AM 143 Introduction to Apparel Design, CHEM 103 Chemistry in Context (GT-SC2), CHEM 104 Chemistry in Context Laboratory (GT-SC1), MATH 124 Logarithmic and Exponential Functions (GT-MA1), PSY 100 General Psychology (GT-SS3) or SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology (GT-SS3), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Elective.
Sophomore Year:
- Semester 3: AM 220 Textiles, AM 241 Patternmaking I - Flat Pattern, AM 244 Fashion Illustration, AM 250 Dress and Human Behavior (GT-SS3), DM 272 Consumers in the Marketplace.
- Semester 4: AM 270 Merchandising Processes, AM 275 Product Development I, AM 340 Patternmaking II - Draping, SPCM 200 Public Speaking, Biological and Physical Sciences.
Junior Year:
- Semester 5: AM 341 Patternmaking III - Computer-Aided Design, AM 342 Computer-Aided Textile Design, AM 421 Textiles Product Quality Assessment, DM 492 Professional Practice, PHIL 110 Logic and Critical Thinking (GT-AH3) or STAT 201 General Statistics (GT-MA1), Historical Perspectives.
- Semester 6: AM 321 Advanced Textiles, AM 346 Apparel Line Concept Development and Planning, AM 363 Historic Costume, Advanced Writing, Upper-Division AM or DM Elective.
Senior Year:
- Semester 7: AM 446 Apparel Design and Production, AM 460 Historic Textiles, Upper-Division AM or DM Electives, Arts and Humanities, Electives.
- Semester 8: DM 487B Internship: Apparel Design and Production.
Other:
- Students applying to the Apparel Design and Production concentration are initially accepted into the Apparel and Merchandising major.
- Full acceptance into the Apparel Design and Production concentration requires passing a portfolio review held in the spring semester and a minimum 2.500 GPA.
- Industry professionals in the field of apparel design and manufacturing evaluate student portfolios.
- Each year, the top 20 to 25 students with the highest scores on the portfolio evaluation are accepted into the Apparel Design and Production concentration.
- Students can learn more about the Apparel Design and Production concentration on the Department of Design and Merchandising website.
- Students not enrolled in an internship will select 12 credits from the department list of Internship Alternative Courses.
- Courses used to fulfill upper division AM or DM electives in the program cannot be used to fulfill internship alternative courses.
Colorado State University
Overview:
Colorado State University (CSU) is a public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. It is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to research and innovation. CSU emphasizes a sense of community and a shared energy among students, faculty, and staff, all driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
CSU offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and discover new possibilities both inside and outside the classroom. The university boasts a strong sense of community, with numerous opportunities for students to connect with peers, faculty, and the broader Fort Collins community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Groundbreaking Research:
CSU is a leading research institution, with faculty and students actively engaged in cutting-edge projects across various disciplines.Transformative Student Body:
The university attracts a diverse and motivated student population, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.Beautiful Location:
Situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, CSU offers stunning natural beauty and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.Commitment to Impact:
CSU emphasizes the importance of making a positive difference in the world, encouraging students to pursue careers and research that address global challenges.Academic Programs:
CSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 70 majors across nearly 300 programs. The university is particularly known for its strengths in:
Engineering:
CSU's College of Engineering is highly regarded, with programs in mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering, among others.Agriculture and Natural Resources:
CSU is a leading institution in agricultural research and education, with strong programs in animal science, horticulture, and environmental science.Health Sciences:
CSU offers a variety of health-related programs, including nursing, public health, and biomedical sciences.Other:
CSU hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, workshops, and keynote speaker series. The university also has a strong alumni network and a vibrant community in Fort Collins.
