Apparel Design & Merchandising (ADM)

Explanation of Course Descriptions, Symbols, and Terms

ADM 260 Textiles (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Restricted to sophomore standing and above.

Fiber, yarn, and fabric terminology and production with an emphasis on the chemical impact the fiber/textile industry has on the environment. Scientific innovations in fiber technology and dyeing, printing, finishing, and consumer care techniques.

Course Attributes:

  • 5A: Physical Science
  • B1: Physical Science

ADM 261 Apparel Construction: Industry Methods (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Restricted to Apparel Design and Merchandising majors or permission of the instructor.

Hands-on training in garment construction using fashion industry methods and equipment from pattern analysis to final pressing. Gain skills in factory-standard sewing machines, pressing systems, and production-style workstations while developing professional techniques, vocabulary, and quality benchmarks to meet industry standards for apparel production and manufacturer collaboration. May be repeated for up to 6 units. Lecture, 2 units; laboratory, 1 unit.

ADM 262 Fashion Illustration and Design Communication (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Restricted to Apparel Design and Merchandising majors or permission of the instructor.

Explore illustration and visualization techniques used in the fashion industry to communicate design concepts and technical details. Emphasis on developing skills in garment rendering, technical communication, and visual storytelling through a combination of digital and traditional methods. Includes the creation of professional mood boards, fashion figures, and technical sketches using computer-aided and emerging design tools to support product development and presentation. Lecture, 2 units; activity, 1 unit.

ADM 265 Introduction to the Fashion Industry (Units: 3)

In-depth exploration of the fashion industry, focusing on the design, manufacturing, and distribution of textile and apparel products for various markets. Comprehensive study of the processes involved in creating fashion products, from initial design concepts to final market distribution. Explore diverse career opportunities within all market segments, providing insights into professional pathways in the global fashion industry.

ADM 300 Designers of the 20th and 21st Centuries (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.

The impact that outstanding 20th and 21st century designers have on the fashion industry. Examination of the creative processes and business strategies of diverse designers that define contemporary fashion.

ADM 360GW Fashion, Clothing, and Society - GWAR (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Apparel Design and Merchandising majors; GE Area 1A/A2.

Social, psychological, and economic forces which underlie fashion and affect both the consumer and the clothing industry. The function of clothing for diverse individuals and communities. Issues of social justice related to appearance, clothing, and the fashion industry.

Course Attributes:

  • Graduation Writing Assessment

ADM 361 Apparel Design I: Patternmaking Foundations (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: ADM 261*.

Introduction to flat patternmaking through the development and manipulation of slopers as the foundation of apparel design. Emphasis on accuracy, fit analysis, and pattern adjustments for diverse body types. Techniques focus on creating balanced, production-ready patterns while applying professional standards in drafting and documentation. Lecture, 2 units; laboratory, 1 unit. Extra fee required.

ADM 362 Apparel Design II: Advanced Patternmaking with 2D/3D CAD (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: ADM 261* and ADM 361*.

Advanced patternmaking techniques using traditional drafting alongside digital methods. Development of technical expertise through creation of advanced garments while learning to visualize, test, and refine designs through 2D pattern software and 3D virtual prototyping. Emphasis on digital workflows, fit and technical specifications, and sustainability practices that reflect evolving industry standards. Lecture, 2 units; laboratory, 1 unit. Extra fee required.

ADM 365 Textile Laboratory (Unit: 1)

Prerequisite: Restricted to Apparel Design and Merchandising majors.

Yarn and cloth identification and textile fiber identification through microscopic and chemical testing. Stain removal, detergency, dye, and finish tests. Laboratory.

ADM 366 Forecasting Apparel and Interior Design Trends (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: College-level drawing class or consent of the instructor.

Forces in society that influence apparel and interior design trends. Data used to develop trend reports, color reports, and retail reports. Culminating in a professional forecasting presentation of colors, silhouettes, fabrications, and lifestyles.
(This course is offered as ADM 366 and ID 366. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

ADM 369 Fashion Merchandising and Buying (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Areas 1A/A2*, 1B/A3*, 1C/A1*, and 2/B4* all with grades of C- or better; a GWAR course*.

Explore factors that affect the merchandising and management of fashion products with an emphasis on buying functions and the quantitative evaluation of merchandising decisions. Examine differences in buying techniques used by various types of manufacturers and retailers and apply quantitative reasoning to pricing, assortment planning, inventory management, and sales analysis in real-world retail contexts.

Course Attributes:

  • 2UD: MATH/Quant. Reasoning

ADM 466 Computer Applications in the Clothing and Textile Industries (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Restricted to Apparel Design and Merchandising majors.

Explore how computer software is applied to the textile and apparel industries, including Adobe Creative Cloud with a focus on Adobe Photoshop. Apply the principles of visual presentation to trend boards, online merchandising layouts, and in window displays. Principles and methods of promotion for manufacturers and retailers. (Extra fee required).

ADM 560 Supply Chain Management in the Textile and Apparel World Marketplace (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to upper-division standing; a GWAR course.

World textile and apparel production and consumption. U.S. apparel import program including domestic policies and international agreements. U.S. textile and apparel exports, international apparel manufacturers, and retailers.

Course Attributes:

  • Global Perspectives

ADM 561 Culture and Historical Costume (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to senior Apparel Design and Merchandising majors; ADM 262* and ADM 360GW*.

Variations in dress patterns developed from the study of historical and cultural influences on western clothing and textiles.

ADM 566 Fashion and the Consumer (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to senior Apparel Design and Merchandising majors; ADM 360GW*.

Consumer influences including fashion, mass media, ready-to-wear market, demographics, societal trends, current developments and research in clothing and textiles, and their relation to behavior and satisfying clothing needs.

ADM 569 Visual Merchandising and Promotion (Units: 3)

Prerequisite for FCS 769: Restricted to Family and Consumer Sciences graduate students or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisites for ADM 569: Restricted to Apparel Design & Merchandising graduating seniors; ID 240; a college-level drawing class; concurrent enrollment in ADM 560 and FCS 600; GPA of 3.0 or higher; or permission of the instructor.

Application of principles of visual presentation in window displays, point-of-purchase, and other retail venues. Practice with equipment, materials, and techniques used in the presentation of merchandise. Principles and methods of promotion for manufacturers and retailers. [CSL may be available]
(FCS 769/ADM 569 is a paired course offering. Students who complete the course at one level may not repeat the course at the other level.)

ADM 661 Advanced Apparel Design (Units: 3)

Prerequisite for FCS 761: Restricted to Family Interiors Nutrition & Apparel graduate students or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisites for ADM 661: Restricted to Apparel Design & Merchandising graduating seniors; ADM 361 and ADM 362; concurrent enrollment in ADM 560 and FCS 600; GPA of 2.5 or higher; or permission of the instructor.

Advanced apparel design related to diverse populations. Development of design prototypes based on creative research and market analyses. Lecture, 2 units; laboratory, 1 unit. Extra fee required.
(FCS 761/ADM 661 is a paired course offering. Students who complete the course at one level may not repeat the course at the other level.)

ADM 665 Product Development for Apparel (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to senior Apparel Design and Merchandising majors; ADM 260*, ADM 262*, ADM 265*, ADM 360GW*, and ID 240*; or permission of the instructor.

Design, merchandising, and quality assurance in the apparel and sewn products industry. Development and implementation of a design idea geared to a specific market.

Course Attributes:

  • Env. Sustain. & Climate Action

ADM 675 Variable Topics in Apparel Design (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: ADM 361*.

Exploration of variable topics and techniques in apparel design. Topics to be specified in the Class Schedule. May be repeated when topics vary. Lecture, 2 units; laboratory, 1 unit.

Topics:

  1. Menswear
  2. Outerwear
  3. Couture
  4. Streetwear
  5. Activewear
  6. Plus-Size
  7. Technical Design
  8. Functional Design and Wearable Technology
  9. Childrenswear
  10. Tailoring
  11. Computer-Aided Design