COURSE CURRICULUM

The Fashion major is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the global fashion industry, combining creative, cultural, and business perspectives. The program emphasizes the multifaceted nature of fashion, addressing not only the aesthetic and cultural aspects of apparel but also the economic, social, and managerial dimensions of the industry. Students begin with core courses that provide a strong foundation in fashion principles, textiles, apparel construction, and human interaction with fashion. Courses such as Fashion and Human Environment, Textile Science: Fibers and Fabrics, and Apparel Construction I: Fundamentals give students a thorough understanding of the materials, techniques, and consumer behaviors that influence the fashion market. Foundational courses in economics, mathematics, and statistics develop analytical and quantitative skills that are essential for effective decision-making in the business side of fashion.As students advance to upper-division courses, they gain specialized knowledge and practical skills in areas critical to a fashion career. Courses such as History of Western Fashion, Quality Analysis: Apparel, Merchandise Buying, Fashion Retailing, Textiles and Apparel in the Global Economy, and Fashion Entrepreneurship integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing students to navigate the complexities of the international fashion marketplace. Principles of Marketing ensures students understand consumer behavior, branding, and strategic communication. Elective courses allow students to tailor their studies to individual interests, including Creative Principles of Apparel Design, Fashion Law, or Clothing, Society, and Culture, focusing on creativity, legal frameworks, or sociocultural dimensions of fashion.Graduates of the Fashion program are prepared to pursue careers in management, marketing, buying, retail, product development, and entrepreneurship within the fashion industry. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional communication, enabling students to respond effectively to emerging trends, global market demands, and consumer needs. By combining a strong creative foundation with practical business and analytical skills, the program ensures that students are ready to thrive in the dynamic and competitive world of fashion, contributing to both the creative and commercial success of the industry.