In the apparel design program students develop an understanding of the textile and clothing product development process, including design, production, and marketing. Students are challenged to integrate knowledge of the product with consumer needs and business constraints.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS IN APPAREL DESIGN
Bachelor of Science Degree in Apparel Design
The program emphasizes and integrates creative thinking and technical skill. Students become proficient in manual and computer methods of pattern development and implement apparel structuring methods appropriate for custom design or industry production. Courses cover costume history, social and cultural meanings of apparel, the textile and apparel consumer, and aesthetics. Students take six sequential apparel design studio courses. A required internship ensures that students gain professional experience.
Students entering the program should have clothing construction/assembly competence and a working knowledge of microcomputers and software. Students are encouraged to use the liberal education categories to explore multicultural themes and to strengthen knowledge that supports their major coursework.
Graduate Studies in Apparel
Graduate study in DHA with an emphasis in apparel advances both theoretical knowledge and applications for textile and apparel products related to human behavior. Students may focus on design, aesthetics, apparel product development, material culture, historic dress, social science aspects of dress, consumer behavior, and merchandising. Upon completion of the graduate degree, students are prepared for teaching and research positions as well as other careers within the textile and apparel industry.