Student looking through a clothing rack.

Apparel, Textiles and Merchandising

Welcome to the Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising Program

Our program emphasizes creativity, innovation, and sustainability.

In the classroom, you’ll explore buying, styling, production, marketing, social responsibility, and textiles to name a few through a combination of the business and creative aspects of the fashion industry. Our graduates go on to work as buyers, brand managers, entrepreneurs, trend forecasters, product developers, promotions and marketing, and influence the future of sustainable fashion. We're confident that you will do something great with your career and make a significant impact in the fashion industry. 

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Andrea Eklund

About the ATM Program

Learn about merchandising, textiles, production, marketing, and business in the apparel industry. CWU ATM graduates go on to achieve great things such as launching their own fashion lines, managing brands, working in product development or as a buyer, and shaping the future of sustainable fashion.

About Us

Read the Mission Statement for the Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising Department.

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Events

The annual Fashion Show is a showcase entirely produced and promoted by our students.

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Student Work

Read about Student Work at Central and how our hands on experience is beneficial.

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Advising Resources

In the apparel and textiles department, you discover a wealth of resources tailored to foster your growth and creativity.

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Explore our Degrees

Discover a range of programs designed to inspire creativity, build expertise, and prepare you for a successful career in Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising.

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The ATM Program

In the Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising (ATM) program, you’ll gain industry knowledge and hands-on experience while working closely with award-winning faculty. You can pursue a Bachelor of Science, a Fashion Marketing specialization, or minors in Apparel Design and Merchandising.

What You’ll Learn

Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising lies at the intersection of artistry and enterprise. In this program, you will explore the full industry pipeline, from sourcing and manufacturing to design, merchandising, and marketing. You’ll study the history of fashion while also examining modern industry trends, including sustainability, trend analysis, and the evolving role of technology in fashion.

Beyond coursework, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in research projects. One of the most exciting aspects of the program is the annual Spring Fashion Show, where student designers and production teams bring their visions to life in a public showcase of creativity and skill.

Industry Experience

Two recent ATM graduates took their designs from concept to runway, showcasing their collections at Bellevue Fashion Week’s New + Next Fashion Show. Read the full story.

Endless Opportunities

The apparel industry offers vast opportunities for alumni at regional, national, and global levels.

  • In 2024, the global apparel market is expected to generate $1.79 trillion in revenue, with projected annual growth of 2.72% through 2027.
  • The United States leads the industry, with an estimated $359 billion in revenue in 2024.
  • Nearly 400,000 people work in retail across Washington State, and nationwide, the industry supports one in four American jobs.
Graduates from this program have gone on to work for REI, Nordstrom, The North Face, and Nike, as well as on Broadway, in celebrity styling, and as buyers and boutique owners.
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Commitment to a Sustainable World

Central Washington University is committed to integrating sustainability across academics, operations, and campus life. The Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising program embeds sustainability-related concepts, skills, and applied learning that prepares students to think critically about their impact on the world around them.

CWU is nationally recognized for this work through the AASHE STARS Gold rating, reflecting our dedication to transparency, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.

Learn more about CWU’s sustainability efforts through the Office of Sustainability, explore CWU’s national sustainability recognition, or view the full AASHE STARS report.