Apparel merchandising and product development is especially suited for students who seek a career in the fashion industry.
Students acquire skills needed to select clothing based on quality, style and performance.
The product development portion of the program allows students to create private label items while focusing on customer type, trends, fabric and color selection, styles and presentation of product lines. The AMPD program prepares students for entry level opportunities in the fashion industry as assistant buyers, merchandisers, retail managers, computer-aided design operators, product developers and designers. Designers, merchandisers and manufacturers all work as a team in retail corporations. Numerous positions exist in retail and wholesale organizations for a variety of clothing segments including men's, misses, children's, sportswear, accessories and lingerie. Curriculum AMPD courses focus on the development, management and evaluation of clothing and accessories.