Apparel and Fashion Studies Minor

Program Coordinator/Contact

Jane Hegland, Department Head
Department of Consumer Sciences
Wagner Hall 229
605-688-5196

Program Information

A minor in Apparel and Fashion Studies will provide a focus on fashion studies and will develop students into professionals capable of entering the workforce of fashion, apparel, and textiles. The coursework is designed to prepare students with a better understanding of the apparel and fashion industry, which will expand their awareness of aesthetics, allow them to analyze garment construction and identify textiles and fabrics, enable their understanding and implementation of design elements and principles, and ensure their appreciation of the impact that dress has on the world.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Apparel and Fashion Studies minor will:

• Demonstrate factual knowledge of terminology, methods and classifications related to the fashion process and industry, the role of fashion in society, and professional practices in the global workforce.
• Apply design principles in order to design and evaluate store layout, window displays, and wall presentation strategies.
• Identify fibers, yarns, and fabrics and relate fiber properties to their performance and care requirements.
• Evaluate product quality and serviceability and illustrate the relationships among costs, costing, and profit for garments, and will appreciate how aesthetics add value to the apparel product and our surroundings.

Academic Requirements

Fashion Studies and Retail Merchandising majors are not eligible for the minor.

Course Delivery Format

Students learn through lecture, laboratory, and hands-on learning experiences.