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Apparel Technical Design

Curriculum

The following are the required courses for this major. Students who attend Orientation and meet with the Education Department can obtain personalized academic counseling to complete the program. Transfer credits, changes in curriculum, and other factors may affect the academic plan for individual students. The FIDM Education Department can provide additional information.

Prerequisite:

Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Merchandise Product Development, Fashion Design, or Apparel Industry Management from FIDM, or a prior Associate's degree in a related field from another accredited college or university. Additional requirements may apply.

One-on-one advisement is available to students from other FIDM Majors to consider eligibility for special admissions to this program. Contact the appropriate department chairperson.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Studies in Leadership+

Students explore leadership theories, the characteristics that define effective leaders, and develop the ability to navigate corporate culture as a follower and as a leader. They explore the processes whereby an individual empowers or influences a group of people for the purpose of achieving a (common) goal. They analyze the characteristics of leadership vs. management, and develop an awareness of how diversity impacts leadership.

Principles of Kinesiology+

The emphasis of this course is to scientifically examine the musculoskeletal and physiological systems of the body in motion and at rest. The principles of biochemical, pulmonary, and circulatory systems related to movement and exercise and the contemporary issues of neuromuscular health are investigated.

Principles of Kinesiology Lab+

This lab includes field excursions, observation journals, and interviews with practitioners in the field of kinesiology, including physical therapists, sports medicine physicians, and professional trainers.

Microeconomics+

Through the study of classical economic principles, students develop a framework for analyzing economic variables and their effects on individuals, business organizations, and economics. Using graphs and models, students also explore and apply fundamental economic concepts such as supply and demand, competition and monopoly, and profit maximization.

Principles of Chemistry+

Students study the fundamental principles of chemistry and their applications. The relationships between atomic particles and their effect on bonding, chemical reactions, and matter are explored.

Macroeconomics+

Students study the global economy and the ways in which changing economic conditions shape local, national, and international policy decisions. They apply classical and contemporary economic theory to achieve an understanding of past and current world events in light of the many economic variables that exist. Prerequisite: GNST 2570

World Political History+

This global survey traces the quest for independence and prosperity on the part of emerging economies around the world after World War II. The course examines the varying fortunes of countries as they encountered the crucial questions of political organization, state control, and personal freedom from 1945 to the present. It also examines the issue of environmental sustainability in the face of pressures posed by population, industrialization, and consumerism.

Writing for Business Professionals+

This course explores the principles and strategies of effective written professional communication in the context of the global workplace, current and emerging technologies, and contemporary issues. Students apply sound communication, analysis, and research techniques to the composition of a professional bio, memos, formal reports, and other forms of business communication. The connection between skillful communication, critical thinking, and decision-making is also stressed.

Social Psychology+

A course that examines social psychology and how the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions of individuals are created and modified by the social and cultural conditions in which they live. Issues of social influence, cooperation and conflict, conformity, perception, change, and leadership are explored.

Professional Presentation+

A course in effective organizational communication, with emphasis on advanced oral communication skills, including interviewing. Students examine the dynamics of individual and group communication as preparation for full-scaled, business-specific informative and persuasive speeches, in which they use computer technology, visual aids, and statistical data to enhance the impact and clarity of their presentations.

Issues in Contemporary Society+

A General Studies capstone course addressing current issues in social diversity, globalization, business ethics, and civic responsibility. Students combine critical analysis, scientific inquiry, and technological skill to research and prepare a clear written and oral presentation on a challenging, advanced question of their own choosing.

Garment Construction & Analysis

In this course, students gain valuable experience in identifying and evaluating the apparel construction techniques, fabric selection strategies, and mass production processes and pricing used in developing garment prototypes. In visits to local production sites, they match construction, stitch, and style details to appropriate manufacturing facilities and machinery capabilities. By comparing innovative practices and garments from like brands, they acquire the ability to establish construction standards for a wide variety of product categories and price points. Prerequisite: MPDV 3200

Pattern & Fit Analysis

This course focuses on the development of first patterns for both woven and knit fabrics from technical specification sketches. Students analyze the effect of draping, body measurements, pattern shapes, and production construction techniques on garment fit, quality, and performance.

Quality Assurance in Technical Design

An examination of the processes required to control apparel quality, with emphasis on current quality standards in the global fashion supply chain across various retail price ranges. Students conduct quality testing during the various stages of product development, carefully considering compliance issues in fabric and trim choices, textile color application, factory sewing processes, and garment fit. The course also surveys current government regulations and individual company standards for testing at all stages of product development. Prerequisite: MPDV 3100

Computerized Patternmaking Applications

In this course, students reinforce skills developed in previous manual pattern drafting classes and apply their knowledge to create patterns using Gerber Accumark software. They explore additional techniques for drafting prototype patterns from specifications, inspiration garments, and sketches. Students also plot completed patterns and create sample markers to determine fabric yields for costing estimates. Prerequisites: MPDV 3200

Advanced Technical Illustration I

Students advance their illustration skills focusing on the speed and accuracy required for the development of industry standard technical flat sketches of garments and trims. Emphasis is on the creation, storage, and reuse of digital assets and on formatting and organizing digital files. Prerequisite: MPDV 3200

Advanced Technical Illustration II

In this continuation of MPDV 3600A, students master their skills in technical flat illustration and file management. They learn to integrate the use of photography in communicating fit corrections and style revisions. Students are further challenged to apply their skills across a variety of industry requirements. Prerequisite: MPDV 3600A

3-D Pattern Making

Students explore applications of 3-D fashion design software to create virtual, true-to-life garment visualization. They work to create new efficiencies in the design process, prototype development, pattern drafting, fit analysis and supply chain management. Prerequisite: MPDV 4100

Production Pattern Drafting

In this advanced course in developing patterns using Gerber Technology, students focus on the creation of production-ready patterns from technical specification sketches as well as finished garments. They learn to insure fit by modifying production patterns while maintaining performance and design integrity. The course examines principles of grading (including manual techniques of chart grading) and industry spreading and cutting techniques, as well as the use of computerized markers, which the students themselves create. Prerequisite: MPDV 3450

Trim Development & Application

Students research and analyze how trims are used for function, decoration, and support in the development of garments for a variety of product categories and target markets. Field trips to local suppliers enable students to observe and evaluate trim selection and construction methods appropriate for trim application and surface embellishments. Students also learn to document specifications for trims and are challenged to provide innovative solutions for the use of trim when developing garment prototypes. Prerequisite: MPDV 3300

Sustainable Practices in Design

In this course, students investigate sustainability from a global perspective, examining the impact of the fashion industry on people and the planet. Research will include an analysis of transparent and responsible production practices, current industry standards and governmental compliance, innovative best practices in design, and maintenance of healthy economies within the framework of sustainability. Prerequisite: MPDV 3450

Supply Chain & Lifecycle Planning

This course examines how to manage the global supply chain by utilizing the lifecycle planning process necessary to ensure on-time delivery of products to the consumer. As a product manager for a newly developed product category for a major retailer, students use PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software or Excel spreadsheets to plan, schedule, and coordinate all phases of supply chain research and decision-making, line planning and creation, technical design, sourcing, production, and distribution. Students demonstrate proficiency in communication skills through a variety of written and oral projects. Prerequisite: MPDV 4250

Through on-the-job training, students gain valuable insight as they apply theory and skills learned in the classroom to actual work situations and explore career options in technical design. Prerequisite: MPDV 4100

Design Thinking: Research & Ideation

In this first of two consecutive project-based courses designed to prepare students for the rigor and creative vitality sought by the industry, students use design thinking to research a technical design issue that calls for process or product innovation or improvement. Their project may address opportunities found in underserved markets, emerging technologies, or in global supply chain management. Through a process of human centered discovery, students define and interpret a problem, ideate their concept for resolving it, and identify potential risks to implementation before presenting their solution for review and evaluation to peers and industry representatives. Prerequisite: MPDV 4300

Prototype Development & Analysis (6 hours)*

In this capstone course, students design a garment of their choice to be executed to their specifications by a local sample maker. In the process, they exhibit their understanding of fabric selection and proper garment fit; they validate their ability to give detailed, precise and complete instructions (developed in previous pattern drafting and technical design classes) to produce a completed prototype; and they demonstrate their time management skills by adhering to schedules and meeting deadlines. Includes a three (3) hour lab. Prerequisites: MPDV 3450, MPDV 4100

Design Thinking: Implementation

In this second component of the MPDV Design Thinking sequence, students develop a complete business strategy for the product or process innovation begun in MPDV 4600 and now linked to a specific brand and target market. The business strategy details specifications, prototypes, experimentation methods, enumerates a budget and costs, describes sourcing strategies including a production timeline, and identifies potential business partners to support and help launch the new product or process. Students then culminate their accomplishment by presenting their new concepts to an industry panel for critique and evaluation. Prerequisite: MPDV 4600

Technical & Performance Textiles

Students research and examine the structure, performance and manufacturing of hi-tech fabrics. Product applications, suppliers, trends, industry requirements, and government standards are considered. Prerequisite: MPDV 3300

Denim Development & Finishing

This course examines the importance of denim design and production in the fashion industry. Students learn to identify denim fabric construction and finishes (including wet and dry processes), describe denim production from fiber to finished garment, and correlate varieties of denim with appropriate market segments. The course includes an analysis of domestic and international production strategies. Prerequisite: TSCI 3250

Fabric Management

A comprehensive analysis of textile materials in which students deepen their understanding of fiber and fabric choices suitable for specific garment types and end-use applications. Students in this culminating course synthesize all they have learned about contemporary textiles, garment performance and construction, industry-standard technology, and price-point structures appropriate to specific markets. The course also examines legal issues currently impacting the textiles industry.

Total Units of Credit: 91

* Three (3)-hour lab included in 6 hours

+ Available as an online (distance learning) course