College of Education and Professional Studies
Apparel, Textiles, Merchandising
Bachelor of Science | Major
Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising, BS
Throughout your studies, you will cultivate skill sets to excel in the ever-evolving global fashion industry.
Our Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising degree offers classes that cover the intricacies of apparel and textile production, effective merchandising strategies, sustainable practices, industry technologies, emerging trends, and consumer behavior.
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Andrea Eklund
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What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising Website
ATM Core Classes
- ATM 270 - Digital Presentation Techniques
- ATM 281 - Socio-cultural Aspects of Apparel
- ATM 301 - Introduction to the Fashion Industry
- ATM 310 - ATM Internship Planning
- ATM 340 - Fashion Trend Analysis
- ATM 420 - Consumer Textiles
- ATM 487 - Fashion Merchandising Exit Assessment
- ATM 492 - Apparel, Textiles and Merchandising Practicum
- RMT 330 - Principles of Retailing
- RMT 350 - Omni Channel Retailing
Courses
- ATM 280 - Basic Sewing Techniques
- ATM 320 - Buying and Merchandising Math
- ATM 350 - Style Principles: Body to Store
- ATM 360 - Fashion Show Production
- ATM 410 - History of Fashion
- ATM 425 - Northwest Field Experience in Apparel and Textiles
- ATM 460 - Apparel Manufacturing
- ATM 470 - Merchandise Buying and Planning
- HTE 419 - Applied Research and Evaluation
- IT 101 - Computer Applications
- IT 258 - Spreadsheet Applications
Professional Relationships
Networking-facilitated internships provide you with practical industry insights, allowing you to understand daily operations, challenges, and innovations firsthand by working with professionals.
Industry Technology
Learn to use industry-standard software used for visual communication and develop essential skills like creating line plan components, mastering presentation techniques, and designing concept boards.
Industry Insight
Visiting fashion capitals gives you a firsthand look at the fast-paced industry, letting you see the latest trends and innovations that textbooks or online resources can't fully capture.
Alumni
Our alumni have gone on to have successful careers at Nordstrom, PacSun, Eddie Bauer, Zumiez, Volcom, H&M more.
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Financial Aid
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Student Life
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Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Job Placement
Our program's strong industry connections and opportunities help our students easily secure careers.
in Fashion
Seattle ranks as the fourth central area for apparel talent and fashion design, rivaling New York and Los Angeles.
Sustainable Fashion
Our classes cover the textile industry, including fibers, yarns, construction, coloration, and finishes, with a focus on sustainability, laws, regulations, and testing.
Why Study Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising at Central?
- No matter what career path you choose, effective communication skills are fundamental to success
- Understand how to use communication to inspire and motivate those around you
- Acquire the ability to craft and communicate a vision that others will be eager to follow
- Gain the ability to effectively communicate your needs in both professional and personal settings
Career Pathways
Buyer
Merchandiser
Trend Analyst
Product Developer
Merchandise Planner
Entrepreneur
Brand/Licensing Manager
Sales Representative
Visual Communications
Quality Assurance
Commitment to a Sustainable World
Central Washington University is committed to integrating sustainability across academics, operations, and campus life. Many CWU programs embed sustainability-related concepts, skills, and applied learning that prepare 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.
Some sustainability courses include:
- ATM 485 International Retailing
- RMT 345 Sustainable Retailing
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.