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Apparel, Merchandising, and Design

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Administered by the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management. Leading to the degree Bachelor of Science.

Total credits required: 123 including a minimum of 18 credits in AMD at Iowa State University for the degree (12 of the 18 credits must be at the 3000-4000 level). The major in apparel, merchandising, and design provides a broad-based program of study with flexibility in creating program options. Courses are required in general education and the apparel industry professional core. To complete the program, a student selects a primary option from design, product development and innovation, merchandising and retail analytics, or fashion communication.

Minors and a certificate are available in apparel, merchandising, and design: (a) textile science and product performance or (b) a textile design minor in collaboration with the College of Design; and a merchandising certificate.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students should be able to:

  1. Communication. Use clear and effective written, oral, verbal and electronic (WOVE) communication techniques to foster inquiry, collaboration, and engagement in apparel and related industries.
  2. Self-assessment/self-reflection. Analyze and evaluate one’s own knowledge, abilities, and actions relative to professional standards, seek opportunities to grow professionally, and utilize self-assessment and assessment of others to foster psychological, cognitive, social and emotional well-being.
  3. Critical thinking. Understand fundamental concepts of apparel, merchandising, and design and apply critical thinking to solve problems from personal, scholarly, and professional perspectives.
  4. Ethics, Diversity, and Social Responsibility. Demonstrate leadership and social justice to improve quality of life for global citizens and encourage socially responsible decision-making for consumers and businesses.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDY

The program offers study for the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in apparel, merchandising, and design (AMD). The program offers students a broad understanding of textile and apparel products, merchandising and marketing strategies, technical and creative design, product development, production processes, and business practices leading to a wide range of careers at state, national, and international levels in business and industry. Courses in the program provide scientific, technical, and humanistic knowledge about textiles, apparel, and related products basic to career preparation. Courses also provide knowledge applicable to the development and use of apparel and textile products by individuals, families, and institutions. The program provides a foundation for graduate study. Graduates understand the production, distribution, and use of textiles and apparel, aesthetic expression, and communication. They are prepared to plan, develop, source and present textile and apparel products to meet the needs of consumers. Students understand the issues involved in textile and apparel production and marketing, both nationally and internationally.

The AMD major provides a broad-based program of study with flexibility in creating an individualized program. To complete the program, a student combines general education, AMD core classes, and a structure of focused courses to form an option in: (a) creative and technical design, (b) fashion communication, (c) product development and innovation, or (d) merchandising and retail analytics.

An option in creative and technical design is appropriate for those interested in the aesthetic and creative aspects of design, technical design, costuming, textile design, and product development. The fashion communications option prepares students for the development and delivery of visual, written, and oral communication. Career opportunities are in visual merchandising, styling, fashion influencing, social media, and communication.  An option in product development and innovation is appropriate for those interested in developing innovative products for special markets including accessories, footwear, performance wear, smart textiles, functional apparel, and soft goods for home. Career opportunities include designer, materials testing, quality assurance, and technical design. An option in merchandising and retail analytics prepares students for the planning, promotion, and presentation of market-oriented product lines and events. Career opportunities are in buying, promotion, sales, product development, branding, and management in both manufacturing and retailing sectors with a focus on the textile and apparel industry.

For additional courses of interest, see Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management.

GRADE POINT REQUIREMENT

All students majoring in apparel, merchandising, and design are required to earn a C- or better in all AESHM and AMD courses applied toward the degree, including transfer credits.

COMMUNICATION PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT

Undergraduate English proficiency is certified when the student has received a grade of C or better in ENGL 1500 Critical Thinking and Communication, and ENGL 2500 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition.

Curriculum in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design

Administered by the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management (AESHM). Leading to the degree bachelor of science.

Total credits required: 123, including a minimum of 18 credits in AMD at Iowa State University for the degree (12 of the 18 credits must be at the 3000-4000 level). Leads to the degree Bachelor of Science. Administered by the AESHM Department. All students majoring in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design (AMD) are required to earn a C- or better in all AMD, AESHM, EVENT, and HSPM courses applied toward the degree, including transfer credits. All students majoring in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design (AMD) are required to earn a C or better in ENGL 1500 and ENGL 2500. No courses may be applied to more than one degree requirement except those used to meet U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) and International Perspective requirements.

Cr. Degree Requirements

Communications Skills

ENGL 1500Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 2500Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition3
LIB 1600Introduction to College Level Research1
Select one (1) course:3
Communication and U.S. Diversity
Professional Communication
Conflict Management
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Total Credits10

 Mathematics and Science Disciplines

Mathematics (MATH 1500 recommended for merchandising)3
Select from natural sciences. Creative and technical design, product development, and product innovation options must take CHEM 1630 and CHEM 1630L.3-5
Select one (1) course:3-4
Principles of Statistics
Introduction to Statistics
Introduction to Business Statistics I
Total Credits9-12

Social Sciences and Humanities 

ECON 1010Principles of Microeconomics3
AMD 1650Dress, Appearance, and Diversity in U.S. Society3
AMD 3560Euro-American Dress History: Mid-19th Century to the Present3
History/Art History (creative and tech design: ARTH Required)3
Select one (1) course:3
Euro-American Dress History: Prehistoric to Mid-19th Century
Global Dress in the Fashion System and Society
Queer Fashions: History, Culture, and the Industry
Black Lives Matter: Fashion, Politics, and Resistance Movements
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences list of Arts and Humanities courses
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences list of Social Science courses
Total Credits15

AESHM Professional Development

AESHM 1110Professional Development for AESHM1
AESHM 1110LAESHM Program Orientation and Learning Community1
AESHM 2110Leadership Experiences and Development (LEAD)3
AESHM 3110NSeminar on Careers and Internships: Apparel, Merchandising, and Design1
AESHM 4700MXSupervised Professional Internship: Apparel (Out-of-state)3-6
or AESHM 4700N Supervised Professional Internship: Apparel
And select three (3) credits from:
Supervised Work Experience I: Apparel
First Year Student Field Study: Apparel, Merchandising, and Design
Orientation to U.S. Field Study
Orientation to International Field Study
Supervised Work Experience II: Apparel
Principles of Management in Human Sciences
U.S. Field Study: Apparel, Merchandising, and Design
International Field Study: Apparel, Merchandising, and Design
Developing Global Leadership: Maximizing Human Potential
Total Credits9-12

AMD Integrated Core

AMD 1310Fashion Products and Markets3
AMD 2040Textile Science4
AMD 2100Computer Applications in Digital Design3
AMD 2310Product Development and Manufacturing4
AMD 2450Aesthetics and Brand Image3
AMD 2750Retail Merchandising3
AMD 3720Sourcing and Global Issues3
COMS 1130Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases3
Total Credits26

Primary Options

Select one AMD professional primary option from the following four choices:

Creative and Technical Design Primary Option

AMD 1210Apparel Assembly Processes4
AMD 1780Introduction to Apparel Design Studio3
AMD 2250Patternmaking I: Drafting and Flat Pattern3
AMD 2780Fashion Illustration3
AMD 3100Computer Aided Apparel Patternnmaking3
AMD 3210Computer Integrated Textile and Fashion Design3
AMD 3250Patternmaking II: Draping3
AMD 3290Digital Textile Printing for Apparel Design3
AMD 4150Technical Design Processes3
AMD 4950Senior Design Studio3
Select one (1) course:3
Quality Assurance of Textiles and Apparel
Innovative Textiles
Apparel Production Management
Select one (1) course:3
Euro-American Dress History: Prehistoric to Mid-19th Century
Global Dress in the Fashion System and Society
Queer Fashions: History, Culture, and the Industry
Black Lives Matter: Fashion, Politics, and Resistance Movements
Select two (2) courses:6
AMD, AESHM, THTRE, ARTIS, DSGN, or DSNS.
This category can be used to fulfill approved double major or minor requirements
Total Credits43

Product Development for Apparel and Soft Goods Primary Option

AMD 1210Apparel Assembly Processes4
AMD 1780Introduction to Apparel Design Studio3
AMD 2250Patternmaking I: Drafting and Flat Pattern3
AMD 3050Quality Assurance of Textiles and Apparel3
AMD 3100Computer Aided Apparel Patternnmaking3
AMD 3210Computer Integrated Textile and Fashion Design3
AMD 4040Innovative Textiles3
AMD 4150Technical Design Processes3
AMD 4260Creative Design Processes3
AMD 4310Apparel Production Management3
AMD 4960Soft-Goods Product Development and Prototyping3
SCM 3010Supply Chain Management3
Total Credits37

Merchandising and Retail Analytics Primary Option

ACCT 2840Financial Accounting3
AESHM 3400Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies3
or MKT 3400 Principles of Marketing
AESHM 4740Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences3
AMD 3750Omni-Channel Retailing3
AMD 3760Merchandise Planning and Buying4
AMD 3770Visual Presentation and Promotions3
AMD 3880Trend Forecasting3
AMD 4670Consumer Studies in Apparel and Fashion Products3
AMD 4750Retail Analytics3
DS 2010Introduction to Data Science3
Select four (4) courses from: 12-14
AESHM or AMD
This category can be used to fulfill approved double major or minor requirements
Total Credits43-45

Fashion Communication Primary Option

ACCT 2840Financial Accounting2-3
or AESHM 1750N Financial Applications for Retail and Hospitality Industries: Retail Merchandising
AESHM 3400Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies3
or MKT 3400 Principles of Marketing
AESHM 4740Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences3
AMD 2880Styling3
AMD 3760Merchandise Planning and Buying4
AMD 3770Visual Presentation and Promotions3
AMD 3880Trend Forecasting3
EVENT 1710Introduction to Event Management3
EVENT 2770Digital Promotion in the Service Industry3
Select one (1) course from:3
AESHM or AMD
This category can be used to fulfill approved double major requirements, including ADVRT, COMST, DS, ENTSP, EVENT, JLMC, MKT, and PR
Select two (2) courses from:6
Approved minor or double major, including ADVRT, COMST, DS, EVENT, JLMC, PR, or Technical Communications.
Total Credits36-37

Apparel Merchandising, Design B.S. - Creative and Technical Design Primary Option

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
ENGL 15003ENGL 25003 
AMD 1310 (Fall only)3MATH 14003 
AMD 16503AMD 12104 
AMD 17803AMD 20404 
AESHM 11101AMD 2060R 
AESHM 1110L1AMD 24503 
LIB 16001  
 15 17
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
AMD 21003AMD 22503 
AMD 27503AESHM 21103 
AMD 27803ARTH 28103 
Humanities & Social Science Choice3COMS 11303 
CHEM 16304ECON 10103 
CHEM 1630L1  
 17 15
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
AMD 23104AMD 31003AESHM 4700N5
AMD 32103AMD 32903 
AMD 32503AMD 35603 
AESHM 3110N1AESHM 2800R 
STAT 10104AESHM 3800N3 
 Speech Choice3 
 15 15 5
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
Creative & Technical Design Option Elective 13Creative & Technical Design Option Elective 23 
AMD 37203AMD 4310 (Spring only)3 
AMD 41503AMD 3620 (Spring only)3 
AMD 49503Elective3 
 12 12
Total Credits: 123

Apparel Merchandising, Design B.S. - Merchandising Retail Analytics Primary Option

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
ENGL 15003ENGL 25003 
AMD 1310 (Fall only)3AMD 27503 
AMD 16503COMS 11303 
AESHM 11101ECON 10103 
AESHM 1110L1Merchandising Elective 13 
LIB 16001  
Math Choice3  
 15 15
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
AMD 20404AMD 37604 
AMD 21003AMD 35603 
AMD 24503AESHM 21103 
ACCT 28403DS 20103 
History Choice 3Select one (1) class from:3 
   
   
 16 16
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
AMD 23104AMD 3750 (Spring only)3AESHM 4700N4
AMD 37703AMD 47503 
AMD 38803AESHM 2800R 
AESHM 3110N1AESHM 3800N3 
Merchandising Option Elective 23Merchandising Option Elective 33 
Science Choice3STAT 10104 
 17 16 4
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
AMD 37203AESHM 47403 
AMD 4670 (Fall only)3Merchandising Elective 43 
Humanities or Social Science Elective 3Speech Choice3 
Elective3Elective3 
 12 12
Total Credits: 123

Apparel Merchandising, Design B.S. - Product Development for Apparel and Soft Goods Primary Option

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
ENGL 15003ENGL 25003 
AMD 13103MATH 14003 
AMD 16503AMD 12104 
AMD 17803AMD 20404 
AESHM 11101AMD 2060R 
AESHM 1110L1AMD 24503 
LIB 16001  
 15 17
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
AMD 21003AMD 23104 
AMD 27503AESHM 21103 
DSNS 13104AESHM 3110N1 
ECON 10103CHEM 16304 
Social Science or Humanities Choice3CHEM 1630L1 
 16 13
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
AMD 37604AMD 32103AESHM 4700N3
AESHM 2800RAMD 3560 (Spring only)3 
AESHM 3800N3AMD 37203 
COMS 11303AMD 4040 (Spring only)3 
Product Development and Innovation Elective 13History or Art History Choice3 
STAT 10104  
 17 15 3
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
AMD 3050 (Fall only)3AMD 4310 (Spring only)3 
Product Development and Innovation Elective 23AMD 4960 (Spring only)3 
Speech Choice3Product Development and Innovation Elective 33 
Elective3Elective3 
 12 12
Total Credits: 120

 Apparel, Merchandising, and Design, B.S. -- Fashion Communications Primary Option

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
ENGL 15003ENGL 25003 
AMD 1310 (Fall only)3AMD 21003 
AMD 16503AMD 24503 
AESHM 11101EVENT 17103 
AESHM 1110L1Fashion Communications Elective 13 
LIB 16001  
Social Science or Humanities Choice3  
 15 15
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
AMD 20404ACCT 28403 
AMD 27503AMD 37604 
Select one (1) class from:3AESHM 21103 
 ECON 10103 
 EVENT 27703 
   
   
COMS 11303  
Minor Class 1 (dd in FC electives)3  
 16 16
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
AMD 23104AMD 35603AESHM 4700N3
AMD 28803AMD 37703 
AESHM 3110N1AMD 38803 
Select one (1) class from:3AESHM 2800R 
 AESHM 3800N3 
 STAT 10104 
Science Choice3  
Minor Class 2 (dd in FC electives)3  
 17 16 3
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
AMD 37203AESHM 47403 
Speech Choice3History Choice3 
Minor Class 33Minor Class 53 
Minor Class 43Elective3 
Elective2  
 14 12
Total Credits: 124

Apparel, Merchandising, and Design Minor

A minor in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design requires (15-17 cr.) of the following:

Select from:3
Apparel Assembly Processes
Fashion Products and Markets
Dress, Appearance, and Diversity in U.S. Society
Introduction to Apparel Design Studio
Select from:3-4
Textile Science
Select from:3-4
Product Development and Manufacturing
Aesthetics and Brand Image
Retail Merchandising
Styling
3000-4000 level at Iowa State University in AMD or approved AESHM6
Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies
Principles of Marketing
Aesthetics of Consumer Experience
Supervised Professional Internship: Apparel
Fashion Show Management
Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences
AESHM 4760CX
Entrepreneurship Studio: Creating an Online Business
AESHM 4990X
Research, Seminar, or Senior Project
Quality Assurance of Textiles and Apparel
Euro-American Dress History: Prehistoric to Mid-19th Century
Euro-American Dress History: Mid-19th Century to the Present
Global Dress in the Fashion System and Society
Sourcing and Global Issues
Omni-Channel Retailing
Merchandise Planning and Buying
Visual Presentation and Promotions
Trend Forecasting
Innovative Textiles
Apparel Production Management
Queer Fashions: History, Culture, and the Industry
Consumer Studies in Apparel and Fashion Products
Retail Analytics
AMD 4900 Independent Study
Undergraduate Research
Total Credits15-17

FASHION, CULTURE, HISTORY, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE MINOR

The Fashion, Culture, History, and Social Justice minor will benefit emerging professionals and future leaders entering the fashion, museum, or other related industries become more critical people in regard to fashion, appearance, clothing, history, and identity. Examples of a few job titles that this minor would benefit include museum curator, collections manager, research associate, chief diversity officer, human resource roles, designers, merchandisers, product developers, and/or marketing managers.

Having an increased awareness of appearances and fashions of individuals historically experiencing oppression and marginalization can aid in societal improvements towards developing a more socially just environment. As students enter the workforce with a social justice background, they can better understand and work with others who are different from them. Additionally, having a better understanding of diverse consumers could help provide these consumers with the products they desire, in addition to avoiding public diversity issues that are far too common in the fashion industry.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Examine historical, social/psychological, and cultural aspects of fashion, clothing, appearance, and identity with a focus on social justice.
  • Define social justice, power, privilege, and inequity as it relates to the historical, social/psychological, and cultural aspects of fashion, clothing, appearance, and identity.
  • Examine power dynamics of diverse communities and cultures and their fashions, clothing, appearance, and identities.

Requirements:

The Fashion, Culture, History, and Social Justice minor can be earned by successfully completing the following for a total of 15 credits. All course prerequisites must be completed prior to taking the course. All minor courses must be taken for a grade.

Required course:3
Dress, Appearance, and Diversity in U.S. Society
Select from:6
Euro-American Dress History: Prehistoric to Mid-19th Century
Euro-American Dress History: Mid-19th Century to the Present
Queer Fashions: History, Culture, and the Industry
AESHM 4620XBlack Lives Matter: Fashion, Politics, and Resistance Movements3
Select from:6
African and African American Studies
Introduction to African American Studies
Africa under Colonial Rule
Ethnic and Race Relations
Africana Religions
African American Literature
Women of Color in the U.S
History of African Americans I
History of African Americans II
Civil Rights and Ethnic Power
American Indian Studies
Native People in American Culture
American Indians in the Movies
Introduction to American Indian Studies
American Indians of Iowa
Contemporary Topics in American Indian Studies
Peoples and Cultures of Native North America
American Indian Literature
Anthropology
American Indians of Iowa
Peoples and Cultures of Native North America
ANTHR/AMIN 3320ACurrent Issues in Native North America: Gender and Family3
or ANTHR 3320B Current Issues in Native North America: Indigenous Ecologies and Geographies
or ANTHR 3320C Current Issues in Native North America: Cultural and Political Movements
or ANTHR 3320D Current Issues in Native North America: Regional Focus
Culture, Sex, and Gender
American Sign Language
Introduction to the Deaf-World
Topics in Deaf Culture
Deaf Peoples: Pre-World War II
Apparel, Mercahndising, and Design
Global Dress in the Fashion System and Society
Arabic
Arab Culture
Architecture
Topics in Native American Architecture
Art History
Art and Architecture of Asia
Art of Islam
Women/Gender in Art
Chinese
Chinese Literature in English Translation
Introduction to Chinese Culture
China Today
Chinese Film and Society
CHIN 4030ASeminar in Chinese Language and Culture: Translating Contemporary Chinese Texts3
or CHIN 4030B Seminar in Chinese Language and Culture: Topics on Business and Professions
or CHIN 4030C Seminar in Chinese Language and Culture: Reading Chinese Texts
Classical Studies
Sex, Gender, and Culture in the Ancient Mediterranean World
Economics
Economics of Discrimination
English
American Indian Literature
African American Literature
Queer Literature
History
HIST 2550Modern World History, Globalization in Perspective3
History of the Islamic World to 1800
Ancient China
Modern China
Colonial Latin America
Modern Latin America
History of African Americans I
History of African Americans II
Mexican American History
Latina/o History
Sex, Gender, and Culture in the Ancient Mediterranean World
History of Women in Science, Technology, and Medicine
History of Women in America
The Holocaust in History
History of the Modern Middle East
History of Modern Mexico and Central America
History of American Sexualities
The American West
Civil Rights and Ethnic Power
Leadership Studies
LDST 3330Women, Gender, and Leadership3
Philosphy
Ethical Issues in a Diverse Society
Feminist Philosophy
Polical Science
Women in Politics
Psychology
Psychology of Women
U.S. Latino/a Psychology
Religious Studies
Religion in America
Native American Religions (RELIG 3330)
Africana Religions
Religion, Sex and Gender
Religions of India
Islam
Sociology
Social Problems and American Values
Gender and Sexualities in Society
Ethnic and Race Relations
Social Class and Inequality
The Latino/Latina Experience in U.S. Society
Human Diversity in Agriculture and the Food System
U.S. Latino/a Studies
Introduction to U.S. Latino/a Studies
Latin American Anthropology: Violence and Memory
Latin American Anthropology: Social movements and Democracy
Latin American Anthropology: Race, Class and Gender
Latin American Anthropology: Regional Focus
Latin American Anthropology: Culture and Sport
Latin American Government and Politics
U.S. Latino/a Psychology
Mexican American History
Latina/o History
Civil Rights and Ethnic Power
Women's and Gender Studies
Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies
Introduction to Lesbian Communities
Introduction to Queer Studies
Gender and Sexuality in American Pop Culture
International Perspectives on Women and Gender
Ecofeminism
Economics of Discrimination
Gender and Communication
Portrayals of Gender and Sexualities in the Media
Gender and Sexualities in Society
Women, Gender, and Leadership
Religion, Sex and Gender
Feminist Philosophy
Culture, Sex, and Gender
Psychology of Women
Women of Color in the U.S
Queer Literature
Sex, Gender, and Culture in the Ancient Mediterranean World
History of Women in Science, Technology, and Medicine
Women in Politics
History of Women in America
Gender, Globalization and Development
History of American Sexualities
Women/Gender in Art
World Languages and Cultures
Religions of India
Islam

TEXTILE SCIENCE AND PRODUCT PERFORMANCE MINOR

The Textile Science and Product Performance minor is targeted specifically at the scientific, innovative, evaluative, technological, and performative aspects of textiles, and will fulfill industry demands for graduates that can provide answers to complex, interdisciplinary issues linked to textile-centered products. Textiles are utilized daily in: (a) medical procedures, (b) shelters and homes, (c) transportation, (d) physical and psychological protection, (e) physical performance, (f) adornment. 

The minor is designed for:

  • Students in the STEM fields of chemistry, chemical and biological engineering, and materials science and engineering who desire academic experiences and knowledge in another applied product area.

  • Students in the apparel, merchandising, and design, areas who want a focused concentration on textile science and the evaluation of quality and performance of textiles and textile products.

Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Textile Science and Product Performance minor will meet the following over-arching learning objectives:

  • Apply a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics (physical, chemical and structural) of textiles/textile products and the interrelationship of these characteristics to their major discipline.

  • Engage in interdisciplinary research through the analysis, testing and evaluation of textiles and textile products for sustainable industry and global applications in their major.

Requirements

The Textile Science and Product Performance minor consists of 17 credits, including 14 credits distributed over four required classes. Six of the nine required 3000-4000 level credits in the minor must be taken at Iowa State University. Nine credits must be isolated to the minor only.

AMD 2040Textile Science4
AMD 2310Product Development and Manufacturing4
AMD 3050Quality Assurance of Textiles and Apparel3
AMD 4040Innovative Textiles3
Select one for 3 credits from:
Supervised Professional Internship: Apparel
Independent Study: Textile Science
Undergraduate Research

Merchandising Certificate

A certificate in Merchandising requires (22 cr.) of the following:

AMD 2750Retail Merchandising3
AMD 3750Omni-Channel Retailing3
AMD 3760Merchandise Planning and Buying4
AMD 4750Retail Analytics3
Select from:9
Principles of Management in Human Sciences
Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies
Aesthetics of Consumer Experience
Supervised Professional Internship: Apparel
Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences
Dress, Appearance, and Diversity in U.S. Society
Aesthetics and Brand Image
Sourcing and Global Issues
Visual Presentation and Promotions
Consumer Studies in Apparel and Fashion Products
Total Credits22

The Merchandising Certificate may be earned at the same time as an ISU baccalaureate degree or after the completion of an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) degree or a baccalaureate degree from any accredited institution.

The AMD program offers a concurrent B.S. and M.S. degree that allows students to obtain a B.S. and M.S. degree in apparel, merchandising, and design in five years. Application for admission to the Graduate College should be made in the junior year. More information can be found here: https://aeshm.hs.iastate.edu/graduate-students/graduate-programs/apparel-merchandising-and-design/concurrent-bs-ms/.

Graduate Study

The program offers work for the concurrent Bachelor of Science and Master of Science; Master of Science (thesis and non-thesis options; on-campus and hybrid); and Doctor of Philosophy (on-campus and distance hybrid) with a major in apparel, merchandising, and design. For all programs the field of study is highly interdisciplinary; programs of study are tailored to students' background and interests. The program offers a concurrent B.S. and M.S. degree that allows students to obtain both the B.S. and M.S. degrees in apparel, merchandising, and design in 5 years. Application for admission to the Graduate College should be submitted in fall semester of the junior year.

Graduates understand how textiles and apparel are essential in meeting individual and societal needs and understand the interdependence of nations and cultures as producers and consumers. Graduates understand diverse philosophies of scholarship and apply multiple methods to creative activity, research, and teaching. Strong writing and oral communication skills help graduates disseminate scholarship and compete successfully for awards and grants.

Graduates accept positions relevant to their academic experience. All doctoral graduates have teaching experience. Master's and doctoral graduates have experience working in team-oriented and interactive environments. Graduates are prepared to adapt to future changes in their professions and to provide leadership in professional and public practice. They bring a strong sense of ethics to research, teaching, and business endeavors.

Program emphases for graduate study include creative design and functional design; product development; consumer behavior; entrepreneurship; merchandising and marketing aspects of textiles and clothing; acquisition and use of textiles and apparel within cultures; U.S. dress and textiles from the 19th into the 21st centuries; textiles and sustainability.