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Appalachian State University

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Apparel Design and Merchandising (BS)

About

Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design and Merchandising program encompasses the design, merchandising and marketing of apparel and textile products and provides a comprehensive understanding of the global textile complex. You will acquire the skills for the process of apparel product development from concept to consumer, including design, production, distribution, marketing and merchandising.

Classes are small, and students receive personalized attention in advising, studio classes, internship preparation and career counseling.  Students complete a for-credit internship with showrooms, design firms, stylists, retailers and fashion magazines in locations such as New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Charleston, Washington, D.C., Colorado and South America.

This degree is housed in Appalachian’s Department of Applied Design. The department advises transfer students to begin the program in the summer in order to complete the program in three years.

After Graduation

Employment: Graduates are poised to enter the apparel industry with an understanding of the design, merchandising and marketing of a product. Graduates have obtained positions in design, merchandising, product development, and styling/public relations, and as showroom managers, visual merchandisers, buyers, store managers and other positions.

Employers include the corporate offices of Cato, Wrangler, Chico’s, Victoria Secret and Nordstrom, as well as independent designers, retailers and stylists.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Appalachian’s Mending Initiative sows support for renewable fashion
    Appalachian’s Mending Initiative sows support for renewable fashion

    With the apparel industry discarding millions of tons of textile waste annually, students in this major say Appalachian’s sustainable alternatives make them feel “empowered.”

  • Alumna Profile: Blakeley Rogers ’17
    Alumna Profile: Blakeley Rogers ’17

    Rogers pursues sustainability in apparel design through her career at Carter’s/OshKosh B’Gosh.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Minors

A minor in Marketing is required.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

An annual New York trip - an opportunity to visit with professional designers, manufacturers, retailers, trend forecasters, showrooms, fashion magazines, museums, Broadway plays and famous New York landmarks.

Appalachian Apparel Association - a student group for those interested in the apparel industry and career-related trips and service projects.

Showcase - an annual event in the spring that presents original designs created by students. Open to the public, the event attracts approximately 350 people.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

ADM students have traveled to Paris and Belgium for program-sponsored opportunities.

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.

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Why Appalachian?

  • Interns and graduates have found a range of career opportunities directly related to their knowledge of both the design and merchandising sides of the apparel industry. 
  • An annual trip to New York City includes visits with professional designers, manufacturers, retailers, trend forecasters, showrooms, fashion magazines, museums and more.
  • Students present their original designs at the popular annual runway event called Showcase.
  • Faculty members have worked in the fashion industry as production pattern assistant, technical designer, creative design assistant, costume designer, business owner, custom designer, wardrobe consultant, marketing researcher and magazine editor.  Their designs have been displayed in magazines and worn by celebrities such as Billy Joel, Pink, Brittney Spears and Shirley Manson.

Location

On campus only

Careers

  • Buyer
  • Designer
  • Merchandiser
  • Visual Merchandiser
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Product Manager
  • Showroom Manager
  • Store Owner/Manager

View more career possibilities

Contacts

College of Fine and Applied Arts

Department of Applied Design

Dr. Karis Foster
Program Coordinator
Apparel Design and Merchandising
fosterkr@appstate.edu

  • Department of Applied Design

    One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department Applied Design at Appalachian State University fosters excellence in design education, design research and professional placement. The department balances theoretical and pragmatic approaches while exploring an awareness of impact through design decisions on the global community. Faculty focus on a holistic approach to creative problem-solving by integrating sustainability and ethical responsibility in teaching and practice. The department offers bachelor’s degrees in apparel design and merchandising, industrial design and interior design.

  • College of Fine and Applied Arts

    Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of academic departments including Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts is characterized by the educational approach of integrating theory and practice, offering students the knowledge and experience for continued education or employment. Programs within the College feature opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, international experiences and interdisciplinary engagement. The College emphasizes undergraduate teaching, while being active in grants and sponsored research. The College of Fine and Applied Arts provides a vibrant educational atmosphere, fostering the very best in teaching and learning.

    We offer:

    • BS, BA, and BFA degrees in 30 academic concentrations or specializations
    • MS degrees in 4 concentrations
    • Army ROTC program

    Community Service:

    Our students and faculty find unique ways to bring community service into the learning experience through experiences such as campus and community workshops, after-school programs for area school children, and work with local non-profits.

    Industry and Community Involvement:

    All departments are highly involved with their industry counterparts and seek opportunities to work with community partners. In addition, each department has an advisory board of industry professionals that assist in program development, internships, job placement and fundraising.

    International Education:

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts wants all students to have the opportunity for international learning experiences and has offered programs in:

    • Austria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Cuba
    • Dominican Republic
    • England
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Mexico
    • New Zealand
    • Nicaragua
    • Panama
    • Poland
    • Rwanda
    • South Africa
    • Taiwan

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