North Dakota State University

Apparel, Retail Merchandising and Design/Apparel Studies

See below for basic program information and sample curriculum. For more information, visit the department website: Apparel Studies

The world’s textile and apparel industries are made up of companies that produce fibers, yarns, textiles and apparel, and accessory products for industrial, wholesale and individual consumers around the world. These industries are some of the largest and most productive in the world. Because of the size and nature of the apparel textile industry, and their interconnectedness with many other industries, career opportunities are limitless. 

Graduates have an in-depth understanding of the fashion marketplace as a result of the apparel studies option of the apparel, retail merchandising and design degree. They develop a trained eye and skills to develop, showcase and sell styles to a fashion-conscious public. Graduates have a solid education foundation to provide them flexibility in a quickly changing work environment. Graduates are able to have challenging careers that build on their particular interests. For example, graduates have accepted positions in production development and management, visual merchandising, technical design, fashion writing and editing, quality control, sourcing, social media marketing, fashion styling and museum collection management. Other graduates have used their skills to successfully run their own businesses. 

The Apparel, Retail Merchandising and Design major with an Apparel Studies option allows students flexibility in developing their program of study. The curriculum requires students to tailor an interdisciplinary program of study by combining apparel, retail merchandising and design with a minor based on the student’s personal interests. For example: students with interest in the promotional aspect of the fashion business can select a minor in hospitality and tourism management or strategic communication; students loving theatrical and historical costume may choose a theatre arts or history minor; students who are makers and love hand’s-on learning may opt for a visual art minor; and students wanting to develop a start-up business can take an entrepreneurship minor. Other areas can be selected based on their career path. Those with well-defined career goals may combine an apparel studies major with a second minor or second major that builds upon their interests and moves them closer to their goals. Digital technology for the apparel industry is introduced and reinforced in several courses. 

The Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Interior Design and Hospitality Management regularly plans travel and study programs to fashion, design and/or business centers. Off-campus study provides students contact with practicing professionals. Study tours to national and international destinations expose students to the fast pace of the changing global apparel textile industry while allowing them to earn college credit. The department's affiliation with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City permits NDSU students who qualify to earn credits as visiting students and to gain experience in the heart of the fashion and textiles business world. If accepted by FIT into the visiting student program, a student would earn an Associate degree at FIT and a Bachelor’s degree from NDSU. Housing options are available through FIT. North Dakota students pay out-of-state tuition (based on FIT’s tuition structure) for this program. Through the Tri-College University, students may take advantage of course offerings and facilities provided by area post-secondary institutions. In addition, NDSU offers many study abroad programs in which students are encouraged to participate. 

The Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Interior Design and Hospitality Management is housed in Evelyn Morrow Lebedeff Hall (EML) and the Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Family Life Center (FLC) on the NDSU campus. The Emily Reynolds Historic Costume Collection provides an excellent resource for students’ projects and reports. An apparel production lab and textile-product lab provide hands-on learning opportunities for students. 

The Fashion, Apparel and Business Organization (FABO) allows interested students additional contacts with professionals and opportunities for leadership. The annual spring fashion show is one of the organization’s major events. Other organizations in the college and University provide further opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

Research of benefit to North Dakota and the region includes retail strategies for small retailers, ethical consumption, and historic clothing as evidence of the social history of the upper Great Plains. Access to the Emily Reynolds Historic Costume Collection is available online at www.ndsu.edu/ERHCC. A special focus of the collection includes items from the Germans from Russia ethnic group. Linkage with culturally diverse populations through exchanges of apparel and textiles information has been a recent theme of research.  

Several scholarships are designated for students majoring in Apparel, Retail Merchandising and Design; additional scholarships are available to all college majors. 

For further information on scholarships visit: 
www.ndsu.edu/adhm/apparel_retail_merchandising_design/overview/scholarships/

A suggested curriculum is provided; other combinations are possible. Students who plan to transfer to NDSU should contact the Department of Apparel, Design and Hospitality Management for guidance in selecting courses before or during the first year. 

Apparel, Retail Merchandising and Design Plan of Study - Retail Merchandising with Interior Merchandising Focus - visit ndsu.edu/bulletin

College of Human Sciences and Education
North Dakota State University
Dept 2600 PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Phone: (701) 231-8211
Web: www.ndsu.edu/hse/

                        or

Apparel, Merchandising, Interior Design and Hospitality Management
North Dakota State University 
Dept 2610 PO BOX 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Phone: (701) 231-8604
Web: www.ndsu.edu/adhm/

Office of Admission
North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept 5230 PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Phone: (701) 231-8643 / Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/admission/

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