OVERVIEW OF MAJOR
Are you a creative and artistic person who would like to design attractive garments that help people look their best? Have you dreamed of owning or managing a clothing store, or being a buyer for a large department store? Would you like to combine artistic, business, and modern technical skills as a player in the fashion industry? If any of your answers to these questions is “yes” perhaps a major in Apparel and Merchandising is for you.
There are two concentrations in the major of Apparel and Merchandising. In the Apparel Design and Production concentration, students learn about all facets of the apparel and textile industries from the raw materials to the consumer. This program encompasses knowledge of textile science and apparel design and production, from product development through promotion and distribution.
The curriculum focuses on apparel design, production, and marketing strategies to enable students to develop the skills to work within the apparel industry. Courses instruct students in all aspects of the industry including:
* Development, organization, and trends of national and foreign fashion
* Fibers, fabrics, and finishes basic to the selection, use, and care of textiles
* Basic apparel production
* Current technology in computer-aided design
* Fashion design and visual analysis
* Apparel sketching, pattern drafting, and grading
* Pattern making techniques
* Apparel production management
* Historic development of costume and textiles
In addition to knowledge of the fashion industry, students may obtain background and skills in art, history, journalism, theater, marketing, business management, production management, finance, accounting, and customer service. A variety of opportunities are available to assess student learning in apparel design, production, and textiles, including judges’ comments on garments selected for the annual Student Affiliate of International Textile and Apparel Association Fashion Show, senior portfolio review, and evaluation of interns from their on-site supervisors.
The Merchandising concentration offers in-depth study of the process of planning, negotiating, acquiring, selling, and evaluating merchandise throughout the distribution channel. It is designed for students interested in merchandising at the wholesale or retail level. Students acquire knowledge of merchandise, sales techniques, trends in the market place, and customer service. This concentration assumes a global perspective, is complemented by business courses, and allows for career flexibility. It has received the first Award for Excellence given by the American Textile Manufactures Institute.
Courses instruct students in all aspects of apparel merchandising including the use of computer software to simulate management strategies, as well as design and display of promotional campaigns. Students can also become involved in special projects with the Denver Merchandise Mart. Educational travel opportunities also exist. Traditionally, the paid merchandising internship involves participation in an executive development training program, which may include: seminars; training manual assignments; experience in a buying office; department management; and, rotation in the control, promotion, operations, and personnel divisions.
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CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
* Interested in fibers and textile products
* Creative
* Good eye-hand coordination
* Ability to perform repetitive tasks
* Ability to operate machinery
* Interest in design
* Knowledge of fashion and textile industry trends
* Strong communication skills
* Customer oriented
* Entrepreneurial interest
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POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
Participation in internships, volunteer activities, or cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance your practical training and development. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can attain more responsible positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels.
Apparel Design and Production graduates design clothing, accessories, and other soft goods. Some high fashion designers are self-employed and design for individual clients often making fashion news by establishing their own clothing line including colors and fabrics that will be worn each season. Other high fashion designers cater to specialty stores or department stores. Most fashion designers however, work for apparel manufacturers creating and adapting fashions for the mass market.
Merchandising professionals operate at the wholesale or retail level in the textile industry. Career placement is very high and is complemented by the strong, paid industry internship program. Knowledge of sales techniques and merchandise, as well as knowledge of trends in the market place and customer service are essential. Careers in these areas include, but are not limited to:
Apparel Design and Production
* Manufacturer’s representative
* Sales representative
* Production manager
* Manufacturer’s agent
* Inventory controller
* Apparel designer
* Fabric designer
* Pattern maker
* Buyer
* Customer service representative
* Advertiser
* Fashion illustrator
* Cost engineer
* Technical services
* Testing and development
* Government researcher
* Private researcher
* Importer
* Showroom coordinator
Merchandising
* Retail sales worker
* Personal shopper
* Manufacturer
* Wholesale buyer
* Retail buyer
* Store manager
* Sales manager
* Quality controller
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RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
* Student Affiliate of International Textile and Apparel Association
* American Marketing Association
* Hispanic Business Student Association
* Applied Human Science College Council
* Fashion Group International
* Design & Merchandising Leadership Team
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MORE INFORMATION
Department of Design and Merchandising
150 Aylesworth Hall S.E.
1574 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1574
970-491-1629
http://www.dm.cahs.colostate.edu/
* Academic and career advising for majors
Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA)
TILT Building
801 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1032
970-491-7095
http://www.casa.colostate.edu
* Academic advising/Major exploration
The Career Center
26 Lory Student Center
Lower level, by Student Media
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-5707
http://career.colostate.edu
* Major and career exploration/Job search information
Admissions and Undergraduate Recruitment
Ammons Hall
711 Oval Drive
8008 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-8008
970-491-6909
http://www.admissions.colostate.edu
* Admission applications/University visits and tours
General Catalog Online
http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/
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