The online catalog includes the most recent changes to courses and degree requirements that have been approved by the Faculty Senate, including changes that are not yet effective.
Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles
amdt.wsu.edu
Johnson Annex, C 30
509-335-1233
Department Chair and Professor, T. Chi; Associate Professor, H. Liu; Assistant Professors, Y. Chen, A. Ghalachyan, X. Lou, J. Son; Instructor, M. Shaheen; Principal Assistant, L. Byers-Brown; Academic Coordinator, K. Gardner-Schrand; Professors Emeriti, L. Bradley, C. Salusso.
Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles offers Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees, and also participates in the Individual Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program.
As the largest and most comprehensive 4-year apparel and textiles program that offers a full Apparel Design program and an in-depth Merchandising program in Washington, we offer students all of the tools necessary to succeed in the fashion, textiles and apparel industry. We have state of the art classrooms, computer lab and laboratory equipment, fully equipped apparel design studios, visual merchandising studio, and photo studio, a program and curriculum aligned with industry, and nationally and internationally recognized faculty who challenge students to understand all the aspects of the discipline. Students in the AMDT department graduate with a thorough understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of the apparel and textile industry across the supply chain. The curriculum options are designed to teach students to:
• Recognize the global world that we live in today by understanding dynamic and diverse political, socio-cultural, and economic systems and how they impact human behavior and industry processes in a global economy.
• Increase knowledge of the industry by applying industry relevant decision making and creative processes in the selection, production and placement of goods and services that meet consumer needs in the textile, apparel & retail complex using industry best practices.
• Utilize technology by applying knowledge and skills regarding current technology to retrieve, analyze and disseminate information, and develop solutions relevant to the textile, apparel, and retail complex.
• Improve verbal, visual, and written communication skills by demonstrating the ability to effectively communicate ideas verbally, visually and in writing as team members and/or leaders within a professional environment.
• Think analytically and critically by demonstrating analytical and critical thinking skills to recognize problems, collect, analyze, synthesize information, develop, evaluate and implement solutions.
• Develop an understanding of sustainable practices by understanding environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially supportive sustainable practices in the textile, apparel and retail complex.
Students majoring in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles choose an emphasis in Apparel Design or Merchandising. Each option includes the program's core courses, as well as option requirements and electives. Students can individualize their expertise by exploring minors and supporting work in business administration, communication, and fine arts.
An internship is required of students in both emphasis areas. Internships are a valuable way to gain experience and contacts in the industry and make students more competitive when they graduate. A large number of companies in the U.S. and abroad offer internships in the textile and apparel field. Internship exposures help students better their understanding of the industry and determine what career path is best for them.
Normally the applicant for graduate study should have an undergraduate major in apparel, merchandising, design, or textiles. However, candidates with a good record in related fields (such as business, economics, marketing, psychology, sociology, and etc.) may be well prepared for certain areas of advanced study. All graduate students must show competency in their area of study (through an undergraduate degree or industry experience) in order to earn their degree. Please refer to WSU Graduate catalog and web site at https://gradschool.wsu.edu/.
Student Learning Outcomes
The goal of Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles is to provide high-quality education that prepares graduates for success in the fashion, retails, textiles and apparel industry. State of the art classrooms, computer lab and laboratory equipment, fully equipped apparel design studios, visual merchandising studio, and photo studio, a program and curriculum aligned with current industry needs, and nationally and internationally recognized faculty, give the students in WSU’s AMDT program a learning advantage.
You may find all Student Learning outcomes at:
Schedules of Studies
Honors students complete the Honors College requirements which replace the UCORE requirements.
Apparel Design (120 Credits)
Students are admitted to the apparel design option upon making their intention known to the department.
Students seeking to remain admitted to the apparel design option are accepted through a portfolio review process. Applications are available in the Academic Coordinator’s office and must be submitted during the spring semester of the second year. Transfer students who have completed two years of college may submit an application during the summer prior to the first semester of attendance at WSU for consideration.
Students who major in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and receive a C or better grade in all AMDT courses. A course may only be repeated once. Courses required in these programs cannot be taken on a pass, fail basis.
| First Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AMDT 105 | 1 |
| AMDT 108 | 3 |
| HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning [QUAN] | 3 |
| UCORE Inquiry1 | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| AMDT 268 | 3 |
| ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
| H D 205 [COMM] | 4 |
| UCORE Inquiry1 | 3 |
| Electives | 4 |
| Second Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AMDT 210 [PSCI] | 4 |
| AMDT 211 | 3 |
| AMDT 220 | 3 |
| ECONS 101 [SSCI] | 3 |
| UCORE Inquiry1 | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| AMDT 212 | 3 |
| AMDT 221 | 3 |
| AMDT 250 | 3 |
| AMDT 311 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Complete Writing Portfolio | |
| Third Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AMDT 310 | 4 |
| AMDT 314 | 3 |
| AMDT 315 [M] | 3 |
| AMDT 318 | 3 |
| AMDT 488 | 1 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| AMDT 308 | 3 |
| AMDT 312 | 3 |
| AMDT 317 [DIVR] [M] | 3 |
| AMDT 492 | 3 |
| AMDT Electives2 | 3 |
| Third Term | Credits |
| AMDT 490 | 3 |
| Fourth Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AMDT 409 | 3 |
| AMDT 411 | 3 |
| AMDT Electives2 | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| AMDT 412 | 3 |
| AMDT 413 [CAPS] | 3 |
| AMDT Electives 2 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
Footnotes
| 1 | Must complete 3 of these 4 UCORE designations: ARTS, BSCI, EQJS, HUM. |
| 2 | AMDT Electives (9 credits): Any AMDT course not used to fulfill major requirements or as approved by advisor. |
Merchandising (120 Credits)
Students are admitted to the merchandising option upon making their intention known to the department.
Students who major in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and receive a C or better grade in all AMDT courses and the business industry elective. A course may only be repeated once. Courses required in these programs cannot be taken on a pass, fail basis.
| First Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AMDT 105 | 1 |
| AMDT 108 | 3 |
| ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning [QUAN] | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| AMDT 221 | 3 |
| H D 205 [COMM] | 4 |
| HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
| UCORE Inquiry1 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Second Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AMDT 268 | 3 |
| ECONS 101 [SSCI] | 3 |
| UCORE Inquiry1 | 6 |
| Electives | 4 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| ACCTG 220 | 3 |
| AMDT 210 [PSCI] | 4 |
| AMDT 212 | 3 |
| AMDT 250 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Complete Writing Portfolio | |
| Third Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AMDT 314 | 3 |
| AMDT 318 | 3 |
| AMDT 488 | 1 |
| Electives2 | 6 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| AMDT 307 | 3 |
| AMDT 308 | 3 |
| AMDT Electives2,3 | 3 |
| Business Industry Elective4 | 3 |
| Electives2 | 3 |
| Third Term | Credits |
| AMDT 490 | 3 |
| Fourth Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| AMDT 317 [DIVR] [M] | 3 |
| AMDT 430 | 3 |
| AMDT 435 | 3 |
| AMDT Electives2,3 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| AMDT 413 [CAPS] | 3 |
| AMDT 450 [M] | 3 |
| AMDT Electives2,3 | 3 |
| Electives2 | 4 |
Footnotes
| 1 | Must complete 3 of these 4 UCORE designations: ARTS, BSCI, EQJS, HUM. |
| 2 | AMDT and general electives should include sufficient 300-400-level coursework to meet University requirement of 40 upper-division credits. |
| 3 | AMDT Electives (9 credits): Any AMDT course not used to fulfill major requirements or as approved by advisor. |
| 4 | Business Industry Elective: B LAW 210; ECONS 321, 326, 352, 430; H D 320 [M]; MGMT 301, 315; MIS 250; PHIL 360. |
Courses
The online catalog includes the most recent changes to courses and degree requirements that have been approved by the Faculty Senate, including changes that are not yet effective. Courses showing two entries of the same number indicate that the course information is changing. The most recently approved version is shown first, followed by the older version, in gray, with its last-effective term preceding the course title. Courses shown in gray with only one entry of the course number are being discontinued. Course offerings by term can be accessed by clicking on the term links when viewing a specific campus catalog.
Apparel, Merchandising, Design, And Textiles (AMDT)
105 Introductory College Seminar in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles 1 Course Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in AMDT 108. Concepts of shared responsibility in planning and actual completion of AMDT undergraduate study.
108 Introduction to Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles 3 An introduction to apparel, textiles, merchandising and design with an emphasis on an examination of industry structures and careers.
210 [PSCI] Textiles 4 (3-3) Examination of basic textile components including fibers, yarns, structure, coloration, and finishes relative to performance standards and expectations for intended use.
211 Apparel Assembly 3 (0-6) Problem solving approach to apparel and textile product assembly with emphasis on product development process.
212 Apparel Product Development 3 Course Prerequisite: AMDT 210. Examination and evaluation of ready-to-wear apparel as it applies to the retail industry; explores concepts and principles of apparel production and terminology in the apparel industry.
220 Historic Costumes and Textiles 3 Global survey of dress and textiles from prehistory to mid-1800s.
221 Historic Costume II 3 Course Prerequisite: AMDT 210 or concurrent enrollment. Overview of apparel design, designers and social history in the 20th century.
222 [EQJS] Fat Studies 3 Course Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Examination of weight-based oppression as a social justice issue with other systems of oppression based on gender, race, class, age, sexual orientation, and ability. (Crosslisted course offered as AMDT 222, WGSS 222.)
222 (Effective through Summer 2024) [DIVR] Fat Studies 3 Course Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Examination of weight-based oppression as a social justice issue with other systems of oppression based on gender, race, class, age, sexual orientation, and ability. (Crosslisted course offered as AMDT 222, WGSS 222. Formerly offered as AMDT 422, WGSS 422.)
230 Creating Visual Advertising in Fashion 3 Hands-on opportunity to visualize and execute cross-sector visual advertising campaigns within the commercial, editorial, and lifestyle world of fashion in advertising.
250 Principles of Merchandising 3 Course Prerequisite: AMDT 108. Concepts and functions of merchandising in apparel and textiles industries; cost, pricing, and profit; marketing and retailing strategies.
268 Communicating Creative Concepts in Fashion 3 (0-6) Illustration and rendering used for fashion and costume design; drawing fashion figures and apparel; studies or composition for fashion presentation, advertising, and portfolio.
307 Consumer Behavior in Fashion 3 Course Prerequisite: AMDT 314. Concepts and theories from social sciences to consumer behavior research related to fashion and apparel marketing.
308 Visual Merchandising and Promotion 3 (2-2) Course Prerequisite: AMDT 250; AMDT 268. Examination of fashion promotion components of visual display and store layout; application of principles and elements of design and concept development.
310 Advanced Apparel Assembly 4 (1-6) Course Prerequisite: AMDT 211; admitted to the major in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles. Advanced assembly techniques for a range of textiles and multi-layer garments; emphasis of high-quality execution on final products.
311 Apparel Flat Patterning and Design 3 (0-6) Course Prerequisite: AMDT 211. Flat pattern techniques for apparel patternmaking; development and creation of original design.
312 Apparel Draping, Fitting, and Design 3 (0-6) Course Prerequisite: AMDT 311; admitted to the major in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles. Exploration of draping and flat pattern techniques; fitting techniques emphasized; development and creation of original design.
313 [ARTS] Visual Analysis and Aesthetics 3 Course Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. In-depth analysis of the visual interaction among apparel, accessories and the body; identifying effective visual communication.
313 (Effective through Summer 2024) [ARTS] Visual Analysis and Aesthetics 3 Course Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. In-depth analysis of the visual interaction among apparel, accessories and the body; identifying effective visual communication. (Formerly offered as AMDT 408.)
314 Fashion Forecasting 3 Course Prerequisite: AMDT 210; AMDT 221; AMDT 250; AMDT 268. Developing forecasting expertise needed to work in merchandising environment; examined through influences on acceptance and rejection of apparel/textile products; analysis of the forces such as socio-cultural indicators, past and present trends that influence existing trends, and the role of fashion forecasting theory and technique method in determining future trends in fashion and related industries.
315 [M] Textile Product Analysis 3 (2-2) Course Prerequisite: AMDT 210. Analysis of textile product characteristics including fiber, structure, finish, apparel product properties, garment performance, and overall quality assessment and assurance.
317 [DIVR] [M] Multicultural Perspectives on the Body and Dress 3 Course Prerequisite: Junior standing. Engagement in multidisciplinary approaches that explore the social importance of the body, gender and dress.
318 Merchandise Buying and Planning 3 (2-2) Course Prerequisite: AMDT 250; MATH [QUAN]; admitted to the major in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles. In-depth study of apparel buying and planning, application of buying and planning principles, problem solving skill development.
409 Technical Apparel Design 3 (0-6) Course Prerequisite: AMDT 312; AMDT 492; admitted to the major in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles. Advanced understanding of technical applications in apparel production, development, and construction related to modern manufacturing. Credit not granted for both AMDT 409 and 509. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
411 Advanced Apparel Design 3 (0-6) Course Prerequisite: AMDT 312; AMDT 492; admitted to the major in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles; senior standing. Integrated application of apparel design, patternmaking principles with assembly processes to demonstrate capacity to develop and create high quality original designs.
412 Apparel Design Collection 3 (0-6) Course Prerequisite: AMDT 411; admitted to the major in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles. Problem-solving creation and presentation of two and three-dimensional high quality original apparel and designs.
413 [CAPS] [M] Global Sourcing 3 Course Prerequisite: ADMT 307; ADMT 318; admitted to the major in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles; junior standing. Knowledge, skills, and effective solutions for textile and apparel sourcing in a global context.
414 Creativity: Development of Consumer Products 3 Course Prerequisite: Admitted to the major in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles; junior standing. Processes and techniques to stimulate creativity from a multidisciplinary approach for the development of new consumer products.
419 Regional Experience in Apparel/Textiles Field V 1-3 Course Prerequisite: Admitted to any major. Field trips to experience the textile and apparel industry from the perspective of professionals within a wide range of careers. Additional cost associated with class. See department for details.
429 National Experience in Apparel/Textiles Field V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Course Prerequisite: Admitted to the major in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles. Field trip to experience national culture integrated with the field of textiles and apparel in industry centers in the US. Additional cost associated with class. See department for details.
430 Soft Goods Supply Chain Management 3 Course Prerequisite: AMDT 318; admitted to the major in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles. Stages and functional areas of soft goods supply chain management.
435 Retailing in the Apparel and Textile Industries 3 Exploration of apparel and textile multi-channel retailing from a managerial point of view; use of industry-standard software to work through common scenarios; critical examination of current industry issues.
439 International Experience in Apparel/Textiles Field V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Course Prerequisite: Admitted to any major. Field trip to experience international culture integrated with the field of textiles and apparel in industry centers worldwide. Additional cost associated with class. See department for details.
440 Organizational Leadership 3 (2-2) Application of organizational leadership principles using experiential learning models for skill transfer to industry.
450 [M] Strategy Planning and Decision Making 3 Course Prerequisite: AMDT 307; AMDT 318; admitted to the major in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles. Examination and synthesis of advanced merchandising theory; strategic planning, decision-making and the role of technology in the textile and apparel industry.
460 [M] Costume Museum Management 3 Course Prerequisite: Junior standing. Skills and techniques for handling textiles and apparel artifacts in museums.
488 Internship Preparation 1 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 2 credits. Orientation and practical information for students in preparation for an internship.
490 Cooperative Education Internship V 1-6 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 12 credits. Course Prerequisite: AMDT 488. Experience with business, industry or government unit.
492 Computer Applications in Apparel, Textile, and Design 3 (1-4) Course Prerequisite: AMDT 268; admitted to the major in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles. Computer-aided design techniques in fashion graphics; portfolio development and presentation.
495 Instructional Practicum V 1-4 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 4 credits. Course Prerequisite: By interview only.
496 Special Event Production V 1 (0-2) to 3 (0-6) May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Course Prerequisite: By permission of instructor; AMDT 211 or 308; admitted to the major in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles. Producing, exhibiting, and promoting product lines/special events or apparel, textiles and illustrations exhibits.
498 Special Topics V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Current issues, trends, and merchandising strategies in apparel and textiles.
499 Special Problems V 1-4 May be repeated for credit. Course Prerequisite: By department permission. Independent study conducted under the jurisdiction of an approving faculty member; may include independent research studies in technical or specialized problems; selection and analysis of specified readings; development of a creative project; or field experiences. S, F grading.
508 Environmental and Social Issues in the Apparel Industry 3 Exploration of current environmental and social issues in the global apparel industry.
509 Technical Apparel Design 3 (0-6) Advanced understanding of technical applications in apparel production, development, and construction related to modern manufacturing. Credit not granted for both AMDT 409 and 509. Offered at 400 and 500 level.
512 Apparel Design Graduate Studio 3 Course Prerequisite: AMDT 508. Integration of consumer demand target market research with the development, application, and testing of prototype products for specific end uses.
515 Textile Product Development and Innovation 3 Apply knowledge of textile component and emerging materials/techniques to innovative textile product development. Recommended preparation: AMDT 210.
517 Theory and Methods of Culture, Gender and Dress 3 Exploration of appearance issues, theory, and research from the perspective of social science, feminist theory, postmodern and poststructural discourses.
518 Apparel Merchandising Analysis 3 Analysis of marketing and retailing strategies, trends and technological developments in relation to business and consumer aspects within a global context.
519 Research Methods 3 Analysis and understanding of research methods, exploration of thesis topic as applicable to the fields of apparel, merchandising, design and textiles.
520 Aesthetic Analysis of Fashion Design 3 In-depth analysis of apparel fashion design provided through exploration of aesthetic and human perception theories within a socio-historic context.
550 Social Networking and Omni-channel Retailing 3 Analysis of social networking technology and consumer trends, industry practices, and marketing strategies that comprise omni-channel retailing; assessment and solution of market challenges; presentation of academic research.
596 Advanced Instructional Practicum 3 Information and direction for graduate student teaching assistants seeking professional development in classroom teaching. S, F grading.
598 Topics in Apparel and Textiles V 1-3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 8 credits. Current topics in apparel and textile theory and research.
600 Special Projects or Independent Study V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent study, special projects, and/or internships. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor before enrolling in 600 credit, which cannot be used toward the core graded credits required for a graduate degree. S, F grading.
700 Master's Research, Thesis, and/or Examination V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent research and advanced study for students working on their master's research, thesis and/or final examination. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor/committee chair before enrolling for 700 credit. S, U grading.
702 Master's Special Problems, Directed Study and/or Examination V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent research in special problems, directed study, and/or examination credit for students in a non-thesis master's degree program. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor/committee chair before enrolling for 702 credit. S, U grading.