Apparel Design & Development
Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)The Apparel Design & Development program prepares students for a rewarding, high-demand career in the world of clothing design and manufacturing. Learn to create the next generation of cutting-edge fashion, using industry-standard equipment and design philosophies drawn from real-world talent, as well as how to develop and showcase a strong portfolio of your work. Students will complete 95 credits of coursework over six quarters, earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Apparel Design & Development. Completing this program grants graduates the skills needed to thrive as part of a design team or on a freelance basis, and prepares them for quick job placement in a competitive field.
Estimated Length of Completion
Degree | Quarters | Credits |
---|---|---|
Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) | Full Time: 6 Part Time: |
95.0 |
Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.
Course | Course ID | Credits | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
AD&D Skill Development 1
For students preparing to enroll in the School of Apparel Design & Development who have little or no sewing or patternmaking experience. Introduction to sewing terms, commercial and production pattern development, layout and cutting, industrial sewing machine operation, and professional construction techniques for basic garments and samples. Prereq: Eligibility ENGL& 101. |
APPRL 96 | 2.0 | |
AD&D Skill Development 2
For students preparing to enroll in the School of Apparel Design & Development. Intermediate beginners update their sewing machine handling and patternmaking skills. More complex sewing techniques and sample garments are constructed using industrial sewing and pressing equipment. Includes pattern drafting and labeling for production. Prereq: APPRL 096 or permission through successful completion of a skills test and eligibility for ENGL& 101. |
APPRL 98 | 2.0 | |
AD&D Skill Development Intensive
This course can be substituted in place of taking all of the following three courses: An intensive course combining APPRL096, APPRL098, & APPRL100 (the prerequired courses to enroll in the Apparel Design & Development program). It is intended for students with little/no sewing experience. Students gain industrial-equipment skills for sewing and pressing, complete sewing techniques and sample garments, and cover pattern-development and proofing. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to enroll into the 2-year AD&D program. Prerequisite: eligibility for ENGL&101. |
APPRL 99 | 6.0 | |
AD&D Skill Development 3
Required for enrollment in AD&D. For students with previous sewing and patternmaking experience. Enhance industrial equipment handling skills for sewing and pressing to complete more difficult sewing techniques and sample garments. Covers pattern development of a bodice sloper and proofing methods. This course is a required prerequisite for enrollment into AD&D. Prereq: APPRL 098 or permission through successful completion of a skill test and ENGL&101 eligibility. |
APPRL 100 | 2.0 |
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss specific career goals and recommended coursework.
- Apparel Designer
- Apparel Product Developer
- Fabric and Apparel Pattern Maker
- Fashion Designer
- Patternmaker
For current employment and wage estimates, please visit the following online resources and search for the relevant occupational term:
All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (206) 934-4068. There are additional costs for books and supplies. Each student is responsible for the purchase of certain supplies and required tools before the instruction begins.
Hours may vary based on specific program requirements.
Coursework
Course | Course ID | Credits | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
Construction 1 - Professional Techniques
Covers professional techniques and methods to construct samples and garments to professional industry standards. Emphasis on accuracy, use of industrial sewing and pressing equipment, and developing technical specification packages.. |
APPRL 101 | 4.0 | |
Construction 2 - Professional Techniques
Build on skills from APPRL 101 by producing samples and garments using intermediate construction techniques and meeting industry quality standards. Emphasis on industrial equipment use and proficiency, and enhanced specification package development. Prereq: APPRL 101. |
APPRL 102 | 4.0 | |
Construction 3 - Professional Techniques
Presents techniques and methods using factory processes to construct garments for manufacturing. Blends skills in pattern design for target markets and construction for mass production. Continuation of technical specification development and industrial equipment use. |
APPRL 103 | 4.0 | |
Patternmaking 1 - Flat Pattern and Drafting
Development of basic production patterns using flat pattern and drafting methods. Focus on fundamental patternmaking practices including cutting, labeling and approaches for pattern manipulations. |
APPRL 111 | 4.0 | |
Patternmaking 2 - Draping
Pattern development using draping techniques to generate basic slopers. Combines draping with basic flat pattern manipulations to create patterns for garment designs. |
APPRL 112 | 4.0 | |
Patternmaking 3 - Design by Flat Patternmaking
Continues development of flat pattern and draping techniques from APPRL 111 and 112. Combines fitting methods, and use of production pattern blocks and pattern modifications to create more complicated garment designs. |
APPRL 113 | 4.0 | |
Patternmaking 4 - Pattern Alteration for Fit
'Related Instruction' course Focuses on evaluating and achieving good fit through fit analysis and pattern adjustment and alteration techniques for common body variations. |
APPRL 114 | 2.0 | |
Apparel Manufacturing
'Related Instruction' course Survey of the apparel manufacturing business cycle. Includes materials acquisition, production, scheduling, product costing, machine processes and industry standards. |
APPRL 130 | 2.0 | |
Business Practices in Fashion
'Related Instruction' course Examines aspects of conducting business in the fashion profession including industry practices, job categories, professional development and business communications. |
APPRL 131 | 3.0 | |
Fashion History
Survey of key clothing items from major historical periods. Gain tools for communicating clothing concepts and understand current fashion trends. Explore social influences and cultural ideals that impact fashion. |
APPRL 138 | 3.0 | |
Design 1 - Principles of Design
Covers the basic design principles of repetition, rhythm, emphasis, harmony, balance, scale and proportion as they relate to garment design |
APPRL 141 | 2.0 | |
Design 2 - Fabric Science and Textiles
Analyze how fibers, yarns, fabric structure and finish affect fabric characteristics. Studies include textile history, independent research and visual presentation. |
APPRL 142 | 2.0 | |
Design 3 - Color and Palettes
Investigates color design trends and application in the apparel market. Explores hues, values and saturation and basic color theory. |
APPRL 143 | 2.0 | |
Computer Applications for Apparel Design 1
'Related Instruction' course Develop Excel, Illustrator and Photoshop skills for use in the apparel design field. Includes specification development, technical drawing and image editing. |
APPRL 151 | 3.0 | |
Computer Applications for Apparel Design 2
'Related Instruction' course Continues building computer skills, terminology and procedure. Gain proficiency in graphics programs commonly used in industry to produce technical drawings and visual presentations. |
APPRL 152 | 3.0 | |
Work Experience in Apparel Design
Credit range: 1 - 5 Total required credits: 5 Earn relevant work experience and practical hands-on skills through the completion of an internship in the apparel design and development field. |
APPRL 197 | 5.0 | |
Ready-To-Wear Construction
Construction methods with focus on ready-to-wear and tailored garments. Coordinates with APPRL 211 to execute pattern designs for specific target markets. |
APPRL 201 | 4.0 | |
Active Sportswear Construction
An advanced course focused on industry methods and standards for constructing active, technical sportswear, outerwear and accessories. Projects are constructed from patterns designed in APPRL 212. |
APPRL 202 | 4.0 | |
Pattern Design for Ready-To-Wear
Presents advanced pattern design for ready-to-wear and tailored garments. Employs a variety of methods to produce patterns from blocks, measurements, fashion source material, and line drawings. Coordinates with APPRL 201 to construct pattern designs. |
APPRL 211 | 4.0 | |
Pattern Design for Active Sportswear
Patternmaking for active sportswear and outerwear. Develop patterns from samples and sketches to industry standards and for functionality. Pattern designs are constructed in APPRL 202. |
APPRL 212 | 4.0 | |
Pattern Grading
Covers basic principles of grading garment designs for manufacturing. Produces scaled-up and scaled-down versions of patterns using the shift and grid methods of grading. |
APPRL 221 | 4.0 | |
Computerized Pattern Grading
'Related Instruction' course Explore apparel industry standards and guidelines for pattern sizing for more complex patterns. Intro to using computer-aided technology to size patterns. |
APPRL 222 | 4.0 | |
Portfolio and Resume Development
'Related Instruction' course Survey course of job search and interviewing strategies including production of a professional portfolio and resume targeted for the apparel design and development industry. |
APPRL 230 | 4.0 | |
Design 4 - Print and Pattern
Development of surface designs for fabrics and garment silhouettes. Focus on design methodology, textile pattern and print technology, Photoshop techniques and apparel industry practices. |
APPRL 241 | 4.0 | |
Design 5 - Line Design
'Related Instruction' course Explore elements of designing a line of clothing to industry standards. Focus on development of boards for line presentations and design of a clothing line for production in APPRL 270. |
APPRL 242 | 4.0 | |
Final Line Design and Development
Capstone course to produce the line of clothing designed in APPRL 242. Includes pattern development, materials sourcing, garment construction and production of technical specifications. Collaboratively produce the annual fashion portfolio show where final collections and portfolios are on display to industry professionals and the public. |
APPRL 270 | 8.0 |