BSc in Apparel and Merchandising in Fort Collins United States | Colorado State University

The Apparel and Merchandising Major focuses on exploring clothing and textile design, product creation and sourcing, along with marketing, distribution, and retail operations in a worldwide context, while promoting cultural understanding and ethical, sustainable practices. This program examines the textile and apparel field through cultural/historical, economic, social/psychological, and scientific perspectives. Students can choose from three specialization tracks: Apparel Design and Production, Merchandising, or Product Development.

Program Goals
Graduates will achieve competency in foundational concepts and abilities relevant to their chosen specialization. The three focus areas consist of:

Apparel Design and Production: Key competencies involve utilizing industry-standard tools for sketching, pattern creation, marker development, garment assembly, along with interdisciplinary expertise in creative design, technical specification communication, material procurement, and promotion.
Merchandising: Essential skills cover consumer analysis and market studies, retail operations, inventory planning, purchasing strategies, sales techniques, promotional activities, and cross-functional knowledge in finance, procurement, leadership, and marketing.
Product Development: Core abilities include market analysis, product conception and refinement, prototype creation, technical documentation, international sourcing, and logistics coordination. These skills are strengthened through industry-specific technologies. Students will learn to evaluate and integrate various considerations when developing high-quality products, services, and design solutions, taking into account human, creative, commercial, international, scientific, and technological aspects.