The Apparel, Textiles and Merchandising program offers a Bachelor of Science in Apparel, Textiles and Merchandising, a specialization in Fashion Marketing, a minor in Apparel Design, and a minor in Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising. Students gain a thorough knowledge of the business aspects of the fashion industry, developing skills in fashion theory; creativity; merchandising; retail operations; buying strategies; technology; fashion forecasting; and target markets depending on program choice. Students use a blend of both right and left-brain thinking to become industry leaders who are forward-thinking, creative, innovative, relevant, and passionate. Small class sizes with rigorous learning experiences supplemented with industry field trips and internships assures students are industry-ready.
The apparel, textiles, and merchandising major prepares students for a wide range of careers in the international fields of buying, merchandising, fashion trend analysis, product development, merchandise planning, entrepreneurship, visual merchandising, fashion styling, product/brand/licensing management, quality assurance, and more.
Graduates of the fashion marketing specialization are creative and business professionals working in social media management, editorial communications, fashion marketing, fashion promotions, photo styling, and fashion journalism.
Seattle is number four in the US apparel industry with vast opportunities to stay in the pacific northwest post-graduation or go nationally or internationally. The Central Washington University apparel, textiles, and merchandising program combines fashion, business, and creativity to foster students’ personal goals. Students immerse themselves in chosen interest areas where they learn, understand, and apply new knowledge to the many facets of the apparel industry while networking with industry professionals throughout their education.