School of Family and Consumer Sciences

Our Program

The AMPD curriculum focuses on modern merchandising concepts that are utilized in a consumer-driven apparel complex.  

As part of our graduation requirements, students must complete one of the two following options:

Marketing Minor 

      Includes required courses in management, marketing, and economics.
     (For a suggested schedule of courses for the Marketing Minor, click here)

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, NY

      Upon acceptance at FIT, students are eligible to enter a year of study in one of the two areas:

• Advertising and Communications, or
• Textile Development and Marketing

(For a suggested schedule of courses for the FIT option, click here)

Descriptions of the required AMPD courses for both options are provided below:

AMPD 1510: Apparel and Textile Industry

Overview of industry including mills, manufacturers, designers, retailers and impact of technology in producing, distributing, and selling goods. Introduction to product development performed both at the retail and manufacturing levels. Preface to career preparation and internships.

AMPD 2020: Merchandising Math

Application course that focuses on the calculation and analysis of the selling price, profitability, assortment planning, purchasing, and inventory control. Includes spreadsheet applications and exercises. Prerequisite: MATH 1210 or higher.

AMPD 2510: Apparel Fundamentals

Understand the apparel production processes. Introduction to component parts, shaping, joining and styling details for apparel products. Quality standards emphasized. Application of fit, principles of design and aesthetic principles. Prerequisites: AMPD 1510, AMPD major.

AMPD 2810: Textiles for Apparel

Analyze the interrelationships of the chemical and physical properties of fiber, yarn, fabric, and finishes to the performance of the finished product. Identify fabric names and uses. Evaluate fabric performance by durability, aesthetics, comfort, and care factors. Make recommendations about textile problems. Prerequisite: AMPD 1510, AMPD majors only.

AMPD 3090: FIT Visiting Student (FIT track only)

Enrolled in a one-year FIT program: either Advertising & Marketing Communications or the Textile Development & Marketing Program. May be repeated. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Fashion Institute of Technology-NYC, AMPD 2020, and AMPD 2810.

AMPD 3130: Textile product analysis

Evaluate apparel and textile products based on deconstruction techniques, industry specifications, and price/quality relationships. Research current issues related to economics, environmental, and consumer needs. Prerequisites: AMPD 2510 and AMPD 2810.

AMPD 3510: Fashion Forecasting

Analysis of the fashion forecasting process; analysis of fashion dynamics of color, textile, and style trends; and examination of marketplace dynamics to identify and analyze the connection between consumer preferences and product. Prerequisites: AMPD 1510 and CO-OP 50.

AMPD 3800: Visual Merchandising

A practical, hands-on course in visual merchandise presentation utilizing computer aided design programs. Prerequisites: AMPD 1510, AMPD 2510, CO-OP 50 & MKT 3000.

AMPD 3890: Supervised Field Experience

Supervised work experience in an approved site within the apparel or soft goods industry. Work settings and specific requirements must be approved. May be repeated. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: AMPD major, AMPD 1510, AMPD 2020, CO-OP 50.

AMPD 4010: Twentieth Century Fashion

Development of fashion from the 1900s to present; emphasis on relationship of modern fashion to earlier forms of dress. Explore the social, economic, cultural, artistic, and technological themes as they relate to fashion. Prerequisites: AMPD 1510, AMPD major only with junior standing.

AMPD 4020: Merchandising Soft Goods

Merchandiser's role in planning, procuring, distributing, and promoting apparel products in a global market. Emphasis on retail mathematics for developing merchandise plans used to control profits and inventory. Introduction to technology used by merchandisers. Prerequisites: AMPD 1510, AMPD 2020, and MKT 3000.

AMPD 4030: Consumer Analysis in Fashion

In depth examination of the processes involved when individuals or groups select, purchase, use or dispose of textiles and apparel products to satisfy needs and desires. Relevant topics include: consumer characteristics and implications in the fashion industry, fashion communication and decision making, ethics, and consumer protection within the textiles and apparel industry. Prerequisites: AMPD 1510, and MKT 3020 or AMPD 3090, AMPD majors only.

AMPD 4140: Product Development Studio

Private label and product development processes. Develop a total concept for a line of garments, including fabrics, color palette style, and construction with emphasis on research, quality, and professional presentation, which meet acceptable standards. Prerequisites: AMPD 2020, AMPD 3130 and MKT 3000, and Junior Standing.

AMPD 4400: Computers for Apparel Products

Understand the vital role of technology in the apparel and textile industry, implications for retailers involved in product development, merchandising, and marketing. Gain skills in using computer software to produce digital boards for private label collections. Prerequisites: AMPD 2810, AMPD 3510, and MKT 3000.

AMPD 4510: Global Issues in Apparel and Textiles

Defines the scope and challenges of the apparel and textile industry in the global market. Examines the ories concepts, and problems relating to global trade of apparel and textile products. Prerequisites: AMPD 1510, AMPD 2510, ECON 2000 or higher, and junior standing.

AMPD 4890: Apparel Internship (Optional)

Full-time internship position within an apparel or soft goods retail organization. Work settings are approved on an individual basis. May be repeated. Graded S/U.