Apparel Design and Production Management | College of Human Sciences

Apparel Design and Production Management is structured around a core of courses providing knowledge about raw materials and manufactured products, design and product development, production technology and marketing concepts. Designers and product developers must be creative, but must also understand that fashion begins and ends with the consumer.

This option is unique because of its strong emphasis on developing an understanding of consumer preferences and identifying market niches, in addition to focusing on product development, design and production management principles. Students learn to manage apparel products from the design concept through retail sales, creating tech packages as part of a team-based Apparel Line Development capstone course.

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Programs of Study

The Department of Consumer and Design Sciences offers two undergraduate degree options for its Bachelor of Science in Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management: Apparel Merchandising Option and Apparel Design and Production Management Option.

Auburn’s Apparel Design and Production Management Program is ranked #18 nationally and #2 in the South by fashion-schools.org. 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.

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Additional Information

The Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management Program is endorsed by the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), an endorsement that we have held since 1998. Our apparel program is invited to submit student applications each year for the nationally competitive Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF), which offers scholarships, internship placement and mentorship programs for outstanding students. Our Apparel Merchandising Program is a University Partner with the National Retail Federation Foundation, providing scholarship and mentorship opportunities for our students.

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Required professional internships in firms across the country and internationally prepare students for high-quality apparel-related positions. The senior-level internship in either a domestic or international firm is focused on the student’s career interests. Apparel Design and Production Management students intern with couture designers or in industry settings. Unique internships in theatrical costuming or in museums with historical costume or textile collections are also possible.

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Students must earn a “C” or better in all required professional courses (i.e., required CADS and other Human Sciences courses). Students must earn a “C” or better on any prerequisite CADS courses before enrolling in the required CADS course.

Apparel Merchandising & Design Association (AMDA) is an organization for students enrolled in Apparel Merchandising (APME) and Apparel Design & Production Management (APDP) in the 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 develop leadership skills and build relationships with professionals in the industry. AMDA sponsors an annual CADS/AMDA Fashion Event, featuring a fashion show, design exhibition and a silent auction.

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Study Trips to New York City are designed to give students insight 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. This trip is open to all apparel students from the sophomore to graduate level, providing an overview of the industry.

The Department of Consumer and Design Sciences offers a faculty-led study abroad course where students gain an immersive experience in the global fashion industry through the lens of London, one of the world’s premier fashion capitals.

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