Department of Consumer and Design Sciences
Why AMDP
Auburn’s Apparel Merchandising program is ranked #18 nationally, #1 in the South. The Apparel Design program is ranked #17 nationally; #1 in the South in the 2023 rankings by fashion-schools.org. Auburn’s nationally ranked apparel programs do a great job of preparing our graduates for careers in today’s global apparel industry. An integrated approach to studying apparel throughout the supply chain provides students with the education and experiences to become a valued member of firms throughout the apparel and related industries. Not only do we stress entry level placement in the apparel industry, but we are focused on advancement throughout the graduates’ career. Lifelong learning and transferable skill sets are emphasized.
Internship placements across the U.S. and internationally in many sectors of the apparel and related industries demonstrate our students’ broad-based interests and preparation. (link to AMDP internship placements.) We are committed to mentoring students to become practitioners who are professionally competent, globally aware and socially engaged. Onsite internship supervisors consistently evaluate AMDP interns very positively. They indicate that if they had an open position, almost all would hire the intern for a position in the firm. Many companies contact us seeking interns and applicants for open positions.
The Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management program is endorsed ty the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), an endorsement that we have held since 1998. Our Apparel program is one of the programs invited to submit student applications for the nationally competitive Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) Scholarships which offer outstanding scholarship, internship placement, and mentorship programs for outstanding students. Our Apparel Merchandising program is a University Partner with the National Retail Federation Foundation; this provides scholarship and mentorship opportunities for our students.
AMDA is an organization for students enrolled in the Apparel Merchandising (APME) and the Apparel Design & Production Management (APDP) Options within the Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management (AMDP) program, Department of Consumer and Design Sciences (CADS). AMDA was created to support and encourage AMDP students in their education and future careers within the apparel industry. AMDA helps students to develop leadership skills and build relationships with professionals in the industry. AMDA sponsors an annual CADS/AMDA Fashion Event which features a fashion show, design exhibition, and a silent auction. Click here to purchase tickets and for more information on this year's Fashion Event theme: Mirage. Contact the Department Head, Department of Consumer and Design Sciences for further information.
Each spring AMDP students and faculty organize, create, and host a fashion show for the enjoyment and benefit of the University and community. The purpose of the event is to showcase the work of AMDP students demonstrating their creativity, versatility, and capability as future fashion professionals in multiple career paths.
A portion of the proceeds from this event funds peer-giving scholarships that are awarded to AMDP students who have demonstrated academic excellence and financial need. Visit The Fashion Event online for details.
Study Trips to New York City are designed to give students insight into and connections with a variety of firms and organizations representing the global apparel, textile, and retail supply chain. Networking with alumni, Apparel Advisory Board members, and industry representatives is a key aspect of the study trip. One of these study trips is open to all apparel students from the sophomore-graduate level, providing an overview of the industry. The other study trip is open to students in the Advanced Buying and Retail Management class and focuses specifically on shadowing retail buyers during market week. (include links to pictures for both study trips).
Our partners with the Apparel program is made up of our Enthusiastic alumni as well as the Apparel Advisory Board. They provide support through:
Lecture Series
Since 1987 the Grisham/Trentham Lecture Series has brought world class designers and business leaders to the Auburn campus to share their insights, experiences, and successes with students, faculty, and guests. Initiated by Professor Gary Trentham of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Auburn University, and supported through an endowment established in 1989 by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Grisham, Huntsville, AL, the lecture series has expanded the horizons of many Auburn students, inspiring them to challenge themselves to fulfill their career goals and aspirations at a higher level. Click here to learn more.
Merchandising | Internship Firm | Location |
Janet Hunter Hawkins PRODJECT Modavanti Deep South Boutique fab’rik Coca Old Navy Target Renovate FashionAble Nordstrom Dillard’s Miz Scarlett’s Elegant Bridal Boutique Malouf’s Fine Apparel Republic Clothing Group Dillard’s Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Monark Events Belk Nordstrom BCBG Hombres MRKT Fit 4 Swimwear fab’rik Giorgio Armani Leib Associates Wedding Wonderland Casa de Novia/Atrium Starzz Boutique Smarthers & Branson Roberto Cavellli |
Atlanta, Ga New York, NY Brooklyn, NY Gadsden, AL Birmingham, AL Birmingham, AL Opelika, AL Opelika, AL Houston, TX Nashville, TN Bloomington, MN Tampa, FL Atlanta, GA Auburn, AL Southlake, TX New York, NY Montgomery, AL Destin, FL Destin, FL Cullman, AL Des Peres, MD New York, NY Chicago, IL New York, NY Alpharetta, GA New York, NY Atlanta, GA Knoxville, TN Houston, TX Auburn, AL Bethesda, MD New York, NY |
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Design | Internship Firm | Location |
A Southern Fashion House Lasting Impressions Volcon Spanx Jenny Threads, Inc. BCBG Max Azria Anne Barge Suzanne Perron Sally LaPointe |
Santa Rosa Bch, FL Columbus, GA Los Angels, CA Atlanta, GA Asheville, NC Vernon, CA Atlanga, GA New Orleans, LA New York, NY |
Other |
America’s Mart AU-CHS Development Office Berry Jewelry BCBG Max Azria Dillard’s AMAX Talent the ONE Showroom D&D Wholesale BCBG Max Azria Water Oak Manor Marie Claire Misha Nonoo EC Scott Group Seamless Showroom Marie Claire Magazine Starworks Group Kendra Scott Ann, INC. (Ann Taylor) BPCM LA Garb Shoetique Jewelry Television ELLE Magazine |
Atlanta, GA Auburn, AL New York, NY New York, NY St. Petersburg, FL Nashville, TN Los Angeles, CA Trussville, AL Vernon, CA Auburn, AL New York, NY New York, NY Pittsford, NY Los Angeles, CA New York, NY Los Angeles, CA Austin, TX New York, NY West Hollywood, CA Smyrna, GA Knoxville, TN New York, NY |
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Department of Consumer and Design Sciences
308 Spidle Hall
Email Us
334-844-4084
