Apparel and Textile Design

The Apparel and Textile Design program at Michigan State University offers students a comprehensive education in the innovative and dynamic field of fashion, textiles, and apparel design. This program is designed to equip students with the creative skills, technical knowledge, and industry insights necessary to succeed in the fast-paced world of fashion and textile industries. Students explore a wide range of disciplines, including textile science, apparel construction, fashion illustration, and sustainable design practices, fostering their ability to develop original and functional designs that meet aesthetic and market demands. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through state-of-the-art studios and workshops, enabling students to experiment with fabric manipulation, pattern making, and computer-aided design (CAD) software, ensuring they are proficient in current industry technologies. Additionally, the program integrates coursework in fashion marketing, merchandising, and business principles, preparing graduates for diverse careers such as fashion designers, textile technologists, product developers, and sustainability consultants. Michigan State University’s strong connections to industry partners and its location within a vibrant fashion and textile hub provide students with ample internship and networking opportunities, facilitating real-world experience and professional development. The program also encourages innovation in sustainable and ethical fashion practices, aligning with global trends toward environmentally responsible manufacturing. By the time students complete their degree, they will have built a strong portfolio showcasing their design capabilities and technical skills, positioning them well for employment or further study in the global apparel and textile industries. With faculty expertise in textile science, fashion design, and sustainability, students receive mentorship and guidance tailored to their career ambitions. The Apparel and Textile Design program at Michigan State University is committed to fostering creativity, technical proficiency, and industry readiness in its students, helping them become influential contributors to the future of fashion and textiles.

1. The University requirements for bachelor’s degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog, 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Apparel and Textile Design.
   
   The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Apparel and Textile Design major is met by completing Apparel and Textile Design 439.
2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	All of the following courses (12 credits):
   	STA	110	Drawing I				3
   	STA	112	Art and Design: Concepts and Practices				3
   	STA	113	Color and Design				3
   	STA	114	Three-Dimensional Form				3
   b.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   	STA	300	Intermediate Drawing				3
   	STA	391	Special Topics in Drawing				3
   c.	Complete three additional Studio Art courses. Courses used in fulfillment of item 3. a. and 3. b. may not be used to fulfill this requirement (11 credits):
   d.	All of the following courses (19 credits):
   	ATD	111	Basic Apparel Structuring				1
   	ATD	121	Explorations in Apparel and Textile Design				3
   	ATD	222	Structuring, Couture and Tailored Garmets				4
   	ATD	231	Textile Materials				4
   	ATD	323	Apparel Pattern Design				4
   	ATD	439	Portfolio Development and Exhibition (W)				3
   e.	Complete five of the following courses including one concurrent enrollment in a corresponding ATD Senior Project course or an approved internship for at least 3 credits (15 to 22 credits):
   	ATD	325	Design by Draping				4
   	ATD	332	Textile Design				4
   	ATD	335	Design Development and Presentation				4
   	ATD	423	Design Methods and Approaches				4
   	ATD	424	Specialized Design				4
   	ATD	427	Knitwear Design				4
   	ATD	428	Design Studio				4
   	ATD	491A	Special Topics in Apparel				3
   	ATD	491T	Special Topics in Textiles				3
   	ATD Senior Project courses:
   	ATD	423S	Senior Project in Design Methods and Approaches				3
   	ATD	424S	Senior Project in Specialized Design				3
   	ATD	427S	Senior Project in Knitwear Design				3
   	ATD	428S	Senior Project in Design Studio				3
   	ATD	491AS	Senior Project in Special Topics: Apparel				3
   	ATD	491TS	Senior Project in Special Topics: Textiles				3
   	ATD Internship course:
   	ATD	493	Internship in Apparel and Textiles				1 to 6
   f.	Apparel and Textile Design, or Studio Art electives: Additional credits in Apparel and Textile Design, or Studio Art courses as needed to meet the requirement of at least 65, but not more than 68, credits in the major. Courses in item 3. g. may not be used in fulfillment of this requirement.
   g.	Art History and Visual Culture (a minimum of 12 credits)
   	Complete four courses from the following:
   	(1)	The following course (3 credits):
   		ATD	426	History of Dress and Textile			3
   	(2)	One or both of the following courses (3 or 6 credits):
   		ATD	430	Dress, Culture and Human Behavior			3
   		ATD	431	Global Context for Sustainable Design			3
   	(3)	One or two History of Art courses as approved by the student's academic advisor (3 to 8 credits)

• Complete MSU’s application for admission online, including the required personal statement.
• Pay the $75 nonrefundable application fee (drawn on U.S. funds) using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or an electronic check.
• Request that all secondary schools, colleges or universities attended and examination boards send original or attested copies of all transcripts, diplomas, mark sheets and certificates directly to Michigan State University in an official, sealed envelope. In addition, where the original documents are not issued in English, an official English translation of each document must be provided.
• Have the testing agency (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, MSUELT or MELAB accepted) provide proof of English proficiency directly to MSU if your first language is not English. MSU's TOEFL code is 1465. International students are encouraged, though not required, to submit SAT or ACT scores. The SAT code is 1465; the ACT code is 2032.
• Do not send letters of recommendation, photographs, portfolios or additional personal essays. Doing so will delay processing of your application.
• In order to obtain the documents needed to file for a student visa (I-20 or DS-2019), admitted students must show adequate proof of financial support. Upon acceptance, admitted students will be required to upload a signed affidavit of support and bank statement with the name of the account holder in English through your admissions account. Please do not send financial documents in paper form at the time of application.

Scholarships

• Global Spartan Scholarship
• Professorial Assistantship

The Apparel and Textile Design program at Michigan State University offers students a comprehensive education in the creative and technical aspects of designing clothing and textile products. This program emphasizes the development of artistic skills, technical knowledge, sustainability principles, and industry practices to prepare graduates for successful careers in fashion, textile design, and related fields. Students have opportunities to explore various facets of apparel design, including fashion illustration, textile science, pattern making, sewing techniques, and fabric development. The curriculum integrates hands-on projects, studio work, and internships to provide practical experience and industry connections. Students are encouraged to develop their unique design aesthetic while understanding market trends, consumer preferences, and sustainable practices in the fashion industry. State-of-the-art facilities and equipment support creative experimentation, and faculty members are experienced professionals and researchers committed to mentoring students. The program also emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness, ethical sourcing, and environmentally responsible production methods. Graduates of the program find employment in apparel companies, textile firms, fashion houses, and retail organizations, or they may pursue graduate education to further specialize in areas such as textile technology or fashion marketing. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, the Apparel and Textile Design program equips students with the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic global industry.