Major in Apparel and Merchandising, Product Development Concentration
Program Overview
Colorado State University's Product Development concentration in Apparel and Merchandising prepares students for careers in technical product development, with a focus on market analysis, trend forecasting, and product innovation. Through market-driven, industry-sponsored projects, students gain real-world experience and build professional networks, preparing them for success in the outdoor products, sportswear, and other industries requiring product development expertise.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Product Development concentration in Apparel and Merchandising at Colorado State University offers a unique learning experience focused on developing and innovating consumer products. The program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge for product development, encompassing various aspects such as market potential analysis, trend forecasting, technology and material research, concept development, product line development, computer-aided design, technical package, packaging/branding strategies, pricing and costing, product line management, quality assurance, sourcing, supply chain management, and new venture start-ups. The program emphasizes practical application through market-driven, industry-sponsored projects, allowing students to gain real-world experience and build professional networks. Graduates from this concentration are well-prepared for careers in highly technical product development fields, particularly in industries like outdoor products or sportswear.
Outline:
The program is structured across four years, with a total of 120 credit hours required for graduation. The curriculum is divided into semesters, with specific courses outlined for each year.
Freshman Year:
- Semester 1: AM 101 Fashion Industries, AM 130 Awareness and Appreciation of Design, CO 150 College Composition, DM 192A First Year Seminar: Apparel and Merchandising, MATH 117 College Algebra in Context I, MATH 118 College Algebra in Context II, and one course from PSY 100 General Psychology or SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology.
- Semester 2: AM 110 Apparel and Merchandising Digital Technology, AM 143 Introduction to Apparel Design, CHEM 103 Chemistry in Context, CHEM 104 Chemistry in Context Laboratory, MATH 124 Logarithmic and Exponential Functions, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Sophomore Year:
- Semester 3: AM 220 Textiles, AM 250 Dress and Human Behavior, AM 275 Product Development I, DM 272 Consumers in the Marketplace, and one Biological and Physical Sciences course.
- Semester 4: AM 270 Merchandising Processes, ECON 202 Principles of Microeconomics, SPCM 200 Public Speaking, and one course from ACT 205 Fundamentals of Accounting, STAT 201 General Statistics, or STAT 204 Statistics With Business Applications.
Junior Year:
- Semester 5: AM 330 Global Sourcing of Textiles and Apparel, AM 342 Computer-Aided Textile Design, AM 375 Product Development II, AM 421 Textiles Product Quality Assessment, DM 492 Professional Practice, and one Arts and Humanities course.
- Semester 6: AM 321 Advanced Textiles, AM 335 Textiles and Apparel Supply Chains, one course from AM 363 Historic Costume, AM 460 Historic Textiles, or AM 376 Prototyping Testing for Product Development, and one Advanced Writing course.
Senior Year:
- Semester 7: AM 475 Product Development III, upper-division AM/DM electives, and one elective course.
- Semester 8: DM 487C Internship: Product Development (or 12 credits from Internship Alternative Courses if not enrolled in an internship).
Careers:
Graduates with a Product Development concentration in Apparel and Merchandising are well-prepared for careers in various technical product development fields, including:
- Outdoor products
- Sportswear industries
- Other industries requiring product development expertise
Other:
- The program emphasizes market-driven, industry-sponsored projects to provide real-world experience.
- Students gain valuable professional networks through these projects.
- The program requires a minimum grade of C (2.000) or better in specific courses, including AM 101, AM 130, DM 272, MATH 117, MATH 118, and MATH 124.
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.
