Apparel, Retail Merchandising and Design

This is an archived copy of the 2019-20 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://bulletin.ndsu.edu.

If you are looking for a career in a fast-paced environment that provides new opportunities each day, then a degree in Apparel, Retail Merchandising and Design (ARMD) is just for you. The global textile and apparel industry is made up of companies that produce fibers, yarns, and textile and apparel products for consumers around the world. National and global retailers provide goods and services to consumers everywhere, via multi-channel retailing involving traditional stores, catalogs, online venues, including social networking sites.

The undergraduate program in ARMD offers students opportunities to develop new approaches for dealing with challenges facing all areas of the global textile, apparel, and retail industry. Students are involved in designing new solutions for an ever-evolving global industry.  Because of the size and scope of the industry, there are a variety of career opportunities available worldwide.

Students gain aesthetic, technical, practical, and professional skills in two option areas. The first option is retail merchandising that provides students with a firm grasp of business strategy. Graduates hold positions as buyers, store managers, visual merchandisers, marketing managers, sales and account executives, and trend forecasters with many retail companies. An option in apparel studies focuses on developing, designing, and marketing materials and products within this global industry. Students develop a trained eye and skills to showcase and sell products to a fashion-conscious consumer. Graduates have accepted positions in product development, technical design, fashion journalism, quality control, museum collection management, and theatrical costuming. Others have used their skills to successfully run their own businesses.

Students entering their first year of study are required to have their own laptop computer that meet or exceeds required minimum specifications. Refer to the apparel, retail merchandising and design program website for the minimum specifications at www.ndsu.edu/adhm/apparel-retail/program/equipment.html.