Purdue University

Apparel Design and Technology  

Clothing fascinates you. You love the way different fabrics drape; the way they feel. You want to learn more about the ways that the cut, pattern, and texture of fabric can adapt to new uses and designs. If you want to go beyond to learn the business behind clothing, check out the apparel design and technology program in the Department of Consumer Sciences and Retailing.

Plan of Study

• Download the Plan of Study for Apparel Design and Technology

Career Options

Flexible course requirements allow you to tailor your education to a variety of careers, including:

• apparel designer
• CAD systems manager
• fashion illustrator
• freelance designer
• merchandiser
• patternmaker
• quality assurance specialist
• Visit CFS Graduates at Work to see how alumni are using their degrees in the real world

Where You Might Work

• accessories manufacturers
• apparel manufacturers, including specialized areas such as sportswear, children's wear, dancewear, uniforms, and more
• apparel retailers
• manufacturers of textile-related items such as furniture or automotive seating
• theatre production companies

Coursework

• apparel illustration
• art and design
• business
• computer-aided design (CAD) for apparel
• draping
• historic costuming
• manufacturing
• marketing
• pattern design
• textile design
• textile science
• complete course list

Fashion Institute of Technology

You may also attend a one-year program at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, and your credits will transfer to Purdue. When you complete your bachelor's degree from Purdue, you will also receive an associate's degree from FIT.

Learn from Experience

• Showcase your design in the Spring Fashion Show, an annual event organized by apparel design and technology students and the Purdue Fashion Association.
• Perform an internship and/or work in an industry-related summer job. You'll practice interviewing, and learn how to create a resumé and assemble a design portfolio.
• Learn the latest industry software for CAD and other related applications.

You'll Have Help Finding a Job

• The Consumer Sciences and Retailing gives students the chance to meet and interview with potential employers.
• Purdue's Center for Career Opportunities provides a variety of job search services including a list of internships, employer profiles, salary surveys, and interview and job search clinics.

For more information, contact: