Fashion (Apparel Product Development), BA
Launch your fashion ambitions to support diverse opportunities as your career progresses. Explore this concentration to set yourself up for a professional path with real room to grow.
Quick facts
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Fashion (Apparel Product Development), BA degree description
The Bachelor of Arts program in fashion with a concentration in apparel product development is designed to immerse you in the full product development lifecycle, from ideation to the finished garment available in stores. This concentration blends creativity, technical expertise and business strategy to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the fast-paced world of fashion product development.
Through a combination of studio-based projects, lectures and hands-on learning, you master vital product development skills, including flat and digital patternmaking, tech pack creation, fit analysis, garment construction and sourcing. These skills enable you to navigate complex production workflows, manage timelines and collaborate with cross-functional teams, while ensuring high-quality standards are maintained throughout. The curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach to product development, providing you with the expertise to oversee the end-to-end creation of a product. You learn how to transform creative ideas into commercially viable products, addressing market needs, forecasting trends, selecting materials and managing production. You also gain a deep understanding of line architecture and how to create cohesive product lines that align with brand identity and consumer expectations. You prepare to drive product strategy and innovation by integrating creative design with practical business decisions.
Another key element of the program is its emphasis on technology integration and innovation in product development. You explore the tools and software that are transforming the fashion industry, such as 3D design software, CAD systems and virtual prototyping tools. By mastering these technologies, you are equipped to streamline the product development process, enhance design accuracy, and reduce time-to-market. This technological proficiency prepares you to lead in an industry increasingly driven by digital solutions and innovative design.
Why specialize in apparel product development at ASU?
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts stands among just a handful of colleges teaching a complete degree focused specifically on product development.
Product development and technical design is a fast-growing career field facing a shortage of qualified candidates, and working fashion industry professionals developed this concentration. Every course in the track includes video demonstrations, so you can learn, rewatch, practice and lean on continued support along the way.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| FSH 125 Survey of the Fashion Industry |
| FSH 175 Merchandising Essentials |
| FSH 200 Textiles Science Lab |
| FSH 201 Textiles Science |
| FSH 204 Social Aspects of Fashion |
| FSH 208 Creative Technology for Fashion |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
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See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Fashion varies from country to country, city to city and culture to culture. Studying abroad exposes students to unique cultural environments and allows students to expand their fashion knowledge in diverse settings. Students are challenged to adapt and persevere under unfamiliar social and cultural circumstances, which allows them to grow and prosper in their professional and personal lives. Students have the opportunity to enhance their resume and portfolio with a global perspective gained by studying abroad.
The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts recommends these programs for students majoring in fashion.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buyer | 6.0% | $77,710 | Learn more |
| Fabric and Apparel Designer | -15.0% | $62,750 | Learn more |
| Fashion Designer | 0.1% | $80,960 | Learn more |
| Marketing Manager | 6.9% | $166,790 | Learn more |
| Merchandiser | 6.0% | $77,710 | Learn more |
| Product Marketing and Promotions Manager | 0.2% | $39,320 | Learn more |
| Technical Director | 4.0% | $90,360 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this apparel product development concentration prepares you for
With a clear focus on product development, this program prepares graduates for dynamic careers in fashion. Whether pursuing roles in product development management, technical design or merchandising, graduates are equipped with the tools to innovate, manage and execute the creation of products that resonate with consumers, stand out in the market, and lead the next wave of fashion product innovation.
Graduates are prepared to enter the fashion industry in a variety of roles. Some examples are:
- apparel designer
- fashion business analyst
- marketing researcher
- merchandise display and window designer
- product developer
- supply chain manager
- technical designer
- textile and apparel production manager
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
ASU FIDM
|
CCG 202
asufidm@asu.edu
602-496-5559
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
