^WSU _{Academic Programs}

Majors, minors & more

Apparel Design

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences

Offered as:: Specialization track in

Overview

Apparel design, an emphasis area in the apparel, merchandising, and textiles major, focuses on the technical and conceptual issues of designing apparel and accessories that address the changing demands of the fashion industry.

This involves understanding and mastery of apparel construction techniques, apparel and textile aesthetics, design, product evaluation, quality assessment, production of apparel goods for an identified target market, and manual and computer-aided design skills.

The curriculum provides the opportunity for creative expression and critical thinking in all aspects of fashion design, including fashion sketching, creative design, computer applications, draping, and pattern drafting. Information on product costing, fashion forecasting, marketing, and international trade is included to provide students with an understanding of the business aspect of the industry; cultural and historical influences on fashion are included to provide an understanding of consumer behavior. Students gain understanding of communication and critical reasoning, and why they are important in the diversified and global industry that is happening today.

Strengths of the program

Broaden perspectives through field trips, internships, and study abroad.
Learn apparel sizing, resource development, creative fashion design, social psychological aspects of dress, data management tools, and technology-based information research.
Faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized in apparel, merchandising, and textiles.
Our specialized faculty educate for strong careers, industry leadership, and professional satisfaction.
The state’s apparel and textile industry is ranked third in national productivity.
WSU has the leading bachelor’s and graduate program in apparel and textiles in Washington.

Sample courses

REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINING 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.

Apparel design is an option in the bachelor of arts in apparel, merchandising, design, and textiles. The apparel design option includes the program's core courses, as well as option requirements and electives.

Sample courses

Courses in apparel design, merchandising, and textiles:

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
International Trade in Textiles and Apparel
Multicultural Perspectives on the Body and Dress
History of Fashion Design

Apparel design specialization:

Visual Merchandising and Promotion
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

You can individualize your expertise even further by exploring minors and supporting work in fine arts, business administration, marketing, international business, and communication.

Note: Consult the WSU Catalog (http://catalog.wsu.edu/Pullman) 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.

Scholarships and financial aid

For apparel design students

Apparel design majors are eligible for both corporate- and private-supported student scholarships and achievement awards offered through the apparel design and merchandising programs.

For all students

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

Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their 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.

Campus organizations and activities

The student chapter of the International Textiles and Apparel Association provides exploration and expansion of professional skills, service project activities, and events coordination opportunities.

Special events on campus include design and merchandising competitions, exhibitions, and the annual 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 managing a fashion show.

Careers in apparel design

The program provides a wide range of career opportunities within design, product development, merchandising, marketing, retailing, and promotion.

Typical positions include Product Design, Design Manager, Senior Designer, Designer, Textile Designer (CAD designer), Graphic Designer, Development Manager, Senior Technical Designer, Technical Designer, Color Analyst, Fabric Manager, Fabric Specialist, Pattern Maker, Trim Developer, Creative Manager, Styling (Stylist), Presentation Manager, Visual Merchandiser, Fashion Museum Curator, Entrepreneur Couture Designer, Entrepreneur Boutique Owner, Fashion Museum Curator, Costume Designer, and Personal Stylists