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.

• Gain valuable perspective and experience through field trips, internships, and study abroad.
• Learn apparel sizing, resource development, creative fashion design, social and psychological aspects of dress, data management tools, and technology-based information research.
• Learn from professors who are nationally and internationally recognized in apparel, merchandising, design, and textiles.
• WSU's specialized faculty educate for strong careers, industry leadership, and professional satisfaction.
• The state's apparel and textile industry is ranked third nationally in productivity, which means you have more opportunities for internships and career networking.
• WSU has the leading bachelor's and graduate programs in apparel and textiles in Washington.

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.

Requirements for joining the 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 department 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.

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

Note: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with education costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to thousands of students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

For students in the major

Students in apparel, merchandising, design, and textiles are eligible for corporate- and private-supported scholarships and also are eligible for achievement awards offered within the program. The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences awards roughly $600,000 to students annually; apparel merchandising and design students are eligible to compete for these awards, too.

For all students at WSU

To be eligible for scholarship consideration, you need to complete the Washington State University general scholarship application by January 31. Also be sure to fill out the FAFSA by February 15 to ensure your eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.

For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.

WSU has student chapters of two major industry associations, the International Textiles and Apparel Association (ITAA) and the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). These student-run clubs provide exploration and expansion of professional skills, service project activities, and event coordination opportunities.

Special events on campus include design and merchandising competitions, exhibitions, and the popular 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 event management.

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
• Visual Merchandiser
• Brand Identity Specialist
• Sales Representative
• Buyer
• Retail Manager
• Textile Designer
• Textiles Specialist
• Market Analyst
• Entrepreneur
• Catalog Developer
• Wardrobe Consultant
• Graphic Artist