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 300-400 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, product management and sourcing, 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:
- Communication. Use clear and effective written, oral, verbal and electronic (WOVE) communication techniques to foster inquiry, collaboration, and engagement in apparel and related industries.
- 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.
- Critical thinking. Understand fundamental concepts of apparel, merchandising, and design and apply critical thinking to solve problems from personal, scholarly, and professional perspectives.
- 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, (d) product management and sourcing, or (e) 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. The product management and sourcing option is appropriate for those interested in both line planning, product development, and merchandising products or lines for consumer groups, sourcing, quality assurance, and manufacturing. 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.
***Instead of a portfolio review for admission, students in the creative and technical design option have a review of their first year design skills (AMD 206 Design Selective Advancement) after completing AMD 121 Apparel Assembly, AMD 131 Overview of the Fashion Industry, AMD 178 Introduction to Fashion Design Studio, and AMD 204 Textile Science. The AMD 206 Design Selective Advancement project is scored by design industry professionals and determines if/when students move forward into the creative and technical design option.
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 150 Critical Thinking and Communication, and ENGL 250 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 300-400 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 HSP M 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 150 and ENGL 250. No courses may be applied to more than one degree requirement except those used to meet US Diversity and International Perspective requirements.
Cr. Degree Requirements
Communications Skills
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Introduction to College Level Research | 1 |
| 3 |
| Communication and U.S. Diversity | |
| Professional Communication | |
| Conflict Management | |
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | |
| Total Credits | 10 |
Mathematics and Science Disciplines
| 3 |
| 3-5 |
| 3-4 |
| Principles of Statistics | |
| Introduction to Statistics | |
| Introduction to Business Statistics I | |
| Total Credits | 9-12 |
Social Sciences and Humanities
| ECON 101 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| A M D 165 | Dress, Appearance, and Diversity in U.S. Society | 3 |
| A M D 356 | Fashion History II: Mid-19th Century to the Present | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| Fashion History I: Prehistoric to Mid-19th Century | |
| Cultural Perspectives of Global Dress | |
| | |
| Queer Fashions: History, Culture, and the Industry | |
| | |
| |
| |
| Total Credits | 15 |
AESHM Professional Development
| AESHM 111 | Professional Development for AESHM | 1 |
| AESHM 111L | AESHM Program Orientation, Careers, and Learning Community | 1 |
| AESHM 211 | Leadership Experiences and Development (LEAD) | 3 |
| AESHM 311N | Seminar on Careers and Internships: Apparel, Merchandising, and Design | 1 |
| | 3-6 |
| |
| 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 Credits | 9-12 |
AMD Integrated Core
Primary Options
Select one AMD professional primary option from the following five choices:
Creative and Technical Design Primary Option
| A M D 121 | Apparel Assembly Processes | 4 |
| A M D 178 | Introduction to Apparel Design Studio | 3 |
| A M D 206 | Design Selective Advancement | R |
| A M D 225 | Patternmaking I: Drafting and Flat Pattern | 3 |
| A M D 278 | Fashion Illustration | 3 |
| A M D 310 | Computer Aided Apparel Patternnmaking | 3 |
| A M D 321 | Computer Integrated Textile and Fashion Design | 3 |
| A M D 325 | Patternmaking II: Draping | 3 |
| A M D 329 | Digital Textile Printing for Apparel Design | 3 |
| A M D 415 | Technical Design Processes | 3 |
| A M D 495 | Senior Design Studio | 3 |
| 3 |
| Quality Assurance of Textiles and Apparel | |
| Innovative Textiles | |
| Apparel Production Management | |
| 3 |
| Fashion History I: Prehistoric to Mid-19th Century | |
| Cultural Perspectives of Global Dress | |
| | |
| Queer Fashions: History, Culture, and the Industry | |
| | |
| 6 |
| |
| |
| Total Credits | 43 |
Product Development and Innovation Primary Option
| A M D 121 | Apparel Assembly Processes | 4 |
| A M D 178 | Introduction to Apparel Design Studio | 3 |
| A M D 225 | Patternmaking I: Drafting and Flat Pattern | 3 |
| | |
| A M D 305 | Quality Assurance of Textiles and Apparel | 3 |
| A M D 321 | Computer Integrated Textile and Fashion Design | 3 |
| A M D 376 | Merchandise Planning and Buying | 4 |
| A M D 404 | Innovative Textiles | 3 |
| A M D 431 | Apparel Production Management | 3 |
| A M D 496 | Soft-Goods Product Development and Prototyping | 3 |
| DSN S 131 | Drawing I | 4 |
| 9 |
| |
| |
| Total Credits | 42 |
Product Management and Sourcing Primary Option
| A M D 121 | Apparel Assembly Processes | 4 |
| A M D 178 | Introduction to Apparel Design Studio | 3 |
| | 3 |
| A M D 305 | Quality Assurance of Textiles and Apparel | 3 |
| A M D 376 | Merchandise Planning and Buying | 4 |
| A M D 415 | Technical Design Processes | 3 |
| A M D 431 | Apparel Production Management | 3 |
| A M D 467 | Consumer Studies in Apparel and Fashion Products | 3 |
| A M D 496 | Soft-Goods Product Development and Prototyping | 3 |
| AESHM 340 | Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies | 3 |
| or MKT 340 | Principles of Marketing |
| ACCT 284 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| SCM 301 | Supply Chain Management | 3 |
| 3 |
| |
| |
| Total Credits | 41 |
Merchandising and Retail Analytics Primary Option
| ACCT 284 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| AESHM 340 | Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies | 3 |
| or MKT 340 | Principles of Marketing |
| AESHM 474 | Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences | 3 |
| A M D 375 | Omni-Channel Retailing | 3 |
| A M D 376 | Merchandise Planning and Buying | 4 |
| A M D 377 | Visual Presentation and Promotions | 3 |
| | 3 |
| A M D 467 | Consumer Studies in Apparel and Fashion Products | 3 |
| A M D 475 | Retail Information Analysis | 3 |
| DS 201 | Introduction to Data Science | 3 |
| 12-14 |
| |
| |
| Total Credits | 43-45 |
Fashion Communication Primary Option
| ACCT 284 | Financial Accounting | 2-3 |
| or AESHM 175N | Financial Applications for Retail and Hospitality Industries: Retail Merchandising |
| AESHM 340 | Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies | 3 |
| or MKT 340 | Principles of Marketing |
| AESHM 474 | Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences | 3 |
| | 3 |
| A M D 376 | Merchandise Planning and Buying | 4 |
| A M D 377 | Visual Presentation and Promotions | 3 |
| | 3 |
| EVENT 171 | Introduction to Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 277 | Introduction to Digital Promotion in Event Management | 3 |
| 3 |
| |
| |
| 6 |
| |
| Total Credits | 36-37 |
Apparel Merchandising, Design B.S. - Creative and Technical Design Primary Option
Apparel Merchandising, Design B.S. - Merchandising Retail Analytics Primary Option
Apparel Merchandising, Design B.S. - Product Development Innovation Primary Option
Apparel, Merchandising, and Design, B.S. -- Product Management Sourcing Primary Option
Apparel, Merchandising, and Design, B.S. -- Fashion Communications Primary Option
Apparel, Merchandising, and design Minor
A minor in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design requires (15-17 cr.) of the following:
| 3 |
| Apparel Assembly Processes | |
| Fashion Products and Markets | |
| Dress, Appearance, and Diversity in U.S. Society | |
| Introduction to Apparel Design Studio | |
| 3-4 |
| Textile Science | |
| 3-4 |
| Product Development and Manufacturing | |
| Aesthetics and Brand Image | |
| Museum Studies | |
| Retail Merchandising | |
| 6 |
| Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies | |
| Aesthetics of Consumer Experience | |
| Supervised Professional Internship: Apparel | |
| Fashion Show Management | |
| Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences | |
| | |
| | |
| Quality Assurance of Textiles and Apparel | |
| Apparel, Merchandising, and Design Seminar | |
| Fashion History I: Prehistoric to Mid-19th Century | |
| Fashion History II: Mid-19th Century to the Present | |
| Cultural Perspectives of Global Dress | |
| Sourcing and Global Issues | |
| Omni-Channel Retailing | |
| Merchandise Planning and Buying | |
| Visual Presentation and Promotions | |
| Apparel, Merchandising, and Design Workshop | |
| Innovative Textiles | |
| Apparel Production Management | |
| Queer Fashions: History, Culture, and the Industry | |
| Consumer Studies in Apparel and Fashion Products | |
| Retail Information Analysis | |
| Independent Study | |
| Undergraduate Research | |
| Total Credits | 15-17 |
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 regards 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.
| 3 |
| Dress, Appearance, and Diversity in U.S. Society | |
| 6 |
| Fashion History I: Prehistoric to Mid-19th Century | |
| | |
| Fashion History II: Mid-19th Century to the Present | |
| Queer Fashions: History, Culture, and the Industry | |
| | |
| 6 |
| |
| Introduction to African American Studies | |
| Africa under Colonial Rule | |
| Peoples and Cultures of Africa. | |
| Ethnic and Race Relations | |
| Africana Religions | |
| Studies in 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 | |
| |
| 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 | |
| Current Issues in Native North America | |
| American Indian Literature | |
| |
| American Indians of Iowa | |
| Peoples and Cultures of Native North America | |
| Peoples and Cultures of Africa. | |
| Current Issues in Native North America | |
| Cross-cultural Perspectives on Gender and Sexuality | |
| |
| Introduction to the Deaf-World | |
| Topics in Deaf Culture | |
| Deaf Peoples: Pre-World War II | |
| |
| Cultural Perspectives of Global Dress | |
| |
| Arab Culture | |
| |
| Topics in Native American Architecture | |
| |
| Art and Architecture of Asia | |
| Art of Islam | |
| Women/Gender in Art | |
| |
| Introduction to Chinese Culture | |
| Chinese Literature in English Translation | |
| China Today | |
| Chinese Film and Society | |
| Seminar in Chinese Language and Culture | |
| |
| Sex, Gender, and Culture in the Ancient Mediterranean World | |
| |
| Economics of Discrimination | |
| |
| Women's Literature | |
| U.S. Latino/a Literature | |
| American Indian Literature | |
| Studies in African American Literature | |
| Gay and Lesbian Literature | |
| |
| Chinese Civilization | |
| Introduction to World History, 1500-Present | |
| History of the Islamic World to 1800 | |
| History of Modern China I | |
| History of Modern China II | |
| Modern Japanese History | |
| History of Latin America I | |
| History of Latin America II | |
| 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 | |
| |
| Gender and Leadership | |
| Research on Gender and Leadership | |
| |
| Ethical Issues in a Diverse Society | |
| Feminist Philosophy | |
| |
| Women in Politics | |
| |
| Psychology of Women | |
| U.S. Latino/a Psychology | |
| |
| Religion in America | |
| Native American Religions (RELIG 333) | |
| Africana Religions | |
| Religion and Gender | |
| Religion and U.S. Latino/a Literature | |
| Religions of India | |
| Islam | |
| |
| 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 | |
| Women in Agriculture and the Food System | |
| |
| 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. | |
| Religion and U.S. Latino/a Literature | |
| Latin American Government and Politics | |
| U.S. Latino/a Psychology | |
| Mexican American History | |
| Latina/o History | |
| Civil Rights and Ethnic Power | |
| |
| Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies | |
| Introduction to Lesbian Studies | |
| 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 | |
| Gender and Leadership | |
| Religion and Gender | |
| Feminist Philosophy | |
| Women's Literature | |
| Psychology of Women | |
| Women of Color in the U.S | |
| Gay and Lesbian 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 | |
| Cross-cultural Perspectives on Gender and Sexuality | |
| History of American Sexualities | |
| Research on Gender and Leadership | |
| Women/Gender in Art | |
| |
| 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 300-400 level credits in the minor must be taken at Iowa State University. Nine credits must be isolated to the minor only.
| A M D 204 | Textile Science | 4 |
| A M D 231 | Product Development and Manufacturing | 4 |
| A M D 305 | Quality Assurance of Textiles and Apparel | 3 |
| A M D 404 | Innovative Textiles | 3 |
| |
| Supervised Professional Internship: Apparel | |
| Independent Study: Textile Science | |
| Undergraduate Research | |
merchandising Certificate
A certificate in Merchandising requires (22 cr.) of the following:
| A M D 275 | Retail Merchandising | 3 |
| A M D 375 | Omni-Channel Retailing | 3 |
| A M D 376 | Merchandise Planning and Buying | 4 |
| A M D 475 | Retail Information Analysis | 3 |
| 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 Credits | 22 |
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.
