FMD - Fashion Merchandising & Design at Central Michigan University

FMD - Fashion Merchandising & Design at Central Michigan University Committed to preparing students for careers in the apparel and textile industries. Why study Apparel Merchandising and Design at CMU? level.

Undergraduates:
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Applied Arts or Bachelor of Science majoring in Apparel Merchandising and Design. The degree can either have a concentration in Merchandising or Design, or students can choose to have a dual concentration in both merchandising and design. The apparel merchandising and design program at CMU prepares students for careers in the appa

rel and textile industries. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
-Course work and hands-on experiences offered in state-of the-art facilities, including computer-aided design laboratories, textile testing laboratory, and apparel production laboratory
-The only university in Michigan to have a body scanner to custom design clothing and the only environmental chamber in the state that can test clothing in a climate-controlled environment
-Opportunities to receive credit for taking selected courses at New York City's Fashion Institute of Technology, the American College in London, the Paris American Academy, and many other institutions around the world
-Experienced faculty members who make teaching and students their top priority

The purpose of the major is to study aesthetic and functional design, marketing, and retailing of apparel and textiles. The major is planned to prepare students for a variety of professional careers in the apparel and textile industry. Career possibilities are available in the design, production, and distribution of apparel and textile products. The major includes an apparel merchandising and design core plus additional required courses and an elective in each of the concentrations of apparel design or apparel merchandising. In addition to the required courses in the cores, students are required to choose a concentration. Please visit these pages for more information. https://go.cmich.edu/academics/Undergraduate/Find_Program/Pages/Apparel_Merchandising.aspx



Accelerated Masters Program:
Undergraduate students pursuing bachelor of arts, bachelor of applied arts, or bachelor of science degrees and majoring in Apparel Merchandising and Design at CMU can apply 9 credit hours of graduate course work toward both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. The Apparel Product Development and Merchandising Technology (APDMT) accelerated master’s degree prepares graduates for positions in apparel and textile product design and development, as well as for careers in higher education and government. Please visit this page for more information:
https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/ehs/program/amd/Documents/AMDAccGradNEW.pdf



Graduate level:
The Master of Science Degree in Apparel Product Development and Merchandising Technology is in the Department of Human Environmental Studies and uses a creative and collaborative approach to the study of apparel and textiles. The primary objective of the program is to expand students' knowledge of apparel products – from concept development to retail distribution using advanced knowledge and creativity in design, production, evaluation and technology. Graduate students in this program will have access to cutting edge technology and research utilizing state of the art facilities and resources as well as an open invitation to join faculty in ongoing multidisciplinary research in the exploration of design issues that interface with the human body. Graduates of this program will be prepared for executive level positions in apparel and textile product design and development, CAD technology, industry research and development, as well as for careers in higher education and government. This program is also appropriate for those individuals seeking further graduate study at the Ph.D. For more information please visit the following pages:
https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/cgs/landing_pages/Pages/Apparel-Product-Design-and-Merchandising-Technology.aspx
https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/ehs/program/amd/at-ehs/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/cgs/GSGraduatePrograms/GSCollegeofGraduateStudies/Documents/APDMT%20-%20MS.pdf

Central Michigan University respects the diversity of values and opinions held by members of its community. The views expressed on this page are those of the author and not necessarily those of Central Michigan University or its officers and trustees. The content of this page has not been reviewed or approved by Central Michigan University, and the author is solely responsible for its content

Celebrating the incredible work of our FMD graduate students!At last month’s FMD Innovation Summit: AI in the Fashion In...
05/31/2026

Celebrating the incredible work of our FMD graduate students!

At last month’s FMD Innovation Summit: AI in the Fashion Industry, Shaniya Coffee, Marisa Fisher, Nigar Sultana, and Sophia Oster shared thoughtful presentations exploring the growing role of AI in fashion, from emerging technologies and startup innovation to product development and consumer experiences.

We are so proud of the hard work, creativity, and insight our students brought to these conversations about the future of the industry.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this exciting event!

🌏 Learning beyond the classroom, all the way from Seoul!Students in our FIDM Study Abroad program recently had the oppor...
05/29/2026

🌏 Learning beyond the classroom, all the way from Seoul!

Students in our FIDM Study Abroad program recently had the opportunity to visit Musinsa in South Korea, gaining insight into the fashion industry through a global perspective and real-world experience.

Experiences like these give students a chance to connect classroom learning with industry and culture in meaningful ways. We are excited to see our students exploring, learning, and making memories along the way.

Photo credit: .artist &

Another stop on the Sneaker Design Workshop tour 👟🔥This month, we had the opportunity to visit Van Buren Tech Center, wh...
05/28/2026

Another stop on the Sneaker Design Workshop tour 👟🔥

This month, we had the opportunity to visit Van Buren Tech Center, where students put their creativity to work and explored what goes into bringing sneaker concepts to life. From early ideas to design details, it was exciting to see so many unique approaches take shape.

A big thank you to Van Buren Tech Center for having us. We always love seeing future designers think outside the box and bring their ideas to the table.

Happening tonight!Step into the history of Threads and explore the student work that helped shape it into the innovative...
04/30/2026

Happening tonight!

Step into the history of Threads and explore the student work that helped shape it into the innovative production it is today.

🗓️ 5:30–7 PM
📍 Visual Merchandising Lab (Wightman 226)

Exhibition by Mari Fisher
Stop by and check it out ✨

You’re invited!FMD student Leala Sheldon presents Petals to Ash, a fashion gallery show where fashion design meets digit...
04/22/2026

You’re invited!

FMD student Leala Sheldon presents Petals to Ash, a fashion gallery show where fashion design meets digital fabrication.

Featuring sculptural 3D-printed elements and themes of transformation, decay, and renewal, this collection brings each look to life in a truly unique way.

📍 Art Reach of Mid Michigan
📅 Friday, April 24
🕠 5:30–8:00 PM
Free event

Come support student work and experience an evening of fashion and creativity.

Interested in scholarships, competitions, and real-world retail experience?Join us this Thursday at 5 PM for a virtual i...
04/15/2026

Interested in scholarships, competitions, and real-world retail experience?

Join us this Thursday at 5 PM for a virtual info session hosted by FMD student Lauren McCarthy, covering NRF opportunities like the Next Generation Scholarship and University Challenge.

These are amazing chances to gain industry experience, connect with top retail professionals, and even earn scholarship funding.

Check out the flyer for details and join the Zoom to learn more! Link in bio.

The Fashion Styling class has been hard at work this semester! Check out their latest. Which bandana looks are your favo...
04/06/2026

The Fashion Styling class has been hard at work this semester! Check out their latest. Which bandana looks are your favorite? 👀

CMU’s Sneaker Design Workshops continue to connect with future designers!In January and February, our faculty visited Wa...
03/12/2026

CMU’s Sneaker Design Workshops continue to connect with future designers!

In January and February, our faculty visited Walled Lake Central High School and the Career Tech Center in Holland, giving students a chance to explore the sneaker design process from concept to creation. They worked through trend inspiration, sketching ideas, and thinking about the materials and details that bring footwear designs to life.

It is always exciting to see students dive into the creative process and start imagining where their ideas could take them in the world of fashion and footwear.



your.fashion

02/12/2026

FMD Students - Hear from your Peer on our unique Accelerated Master's Program !!!

Calling all high school students who love fashion (and families looking for a meaningful spring break experience) 👀✨Cent...
01/30/2026

Calling all high school students who love fashion (and families looking for a meaningful spring break experience) 👀✨

Central Michigan University’s Fashion Merchandising and Design program is hosting Spring Break Fashion Camp 2026 in Detroit! This four-day camp includes hands-on sessions with expert faculty, covering draping, trend forecasting, industry insights, and more.

📅 March 30 – April 2, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 The Carhartt Workshop, Detroit

💲 Just $25 per student — lunch included each day, thanks to support from Carhartt.

Space is limited, so register early to save your spot!

For more information, visit the link in our bio or use the QR code on the flyer.

Address

Mount Pleasant, MI
48859

Telephone

+19897743218

Website

https://www.cmich.edu/academics/colleges/college-education-human-services/departm

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