Apparel Merchandising and Management

www.csupomona.edu/~amm/

Peter Kilduff, Chair

Chitra Dabas
Cynthia L. Regan

Muditha Senanayake

The apparel production and distribution sector is a major component of the US economy. In addition to apparel manufacturing, international trading, and retailing activities, it embraces many specialist supporting sectors, including the media, logistics, business consulting, textiles, and equipment manufacturing. Southern California is home to a vibrant apparel sector, the largest in the nation. Renowned as a leading international fashion center, the Los Angeles area contains many top apparel brands and retail groups. It is also an incubator for dynamic new apparel companies based on the California lifestyle.

The Apparel Merchandising and Management program prepares students for leadership roles in what is a dynamic and global business sector. Career opportunities are diverse, embracing areas such as design, product development, manufacturing, merchandising, international sourcing, retail buying, visual merchandising, store operations management, and brand management.

The Bachelor of Science in Apparel Merchandising and Management has two options: Apparel Production and Fashion Retailing. These options, similar at the freshman, sophomore and beginning junior levels, diverge in the balance of upper division coursework into one of two areas of specialization. The common core of courses for the two options provides graduates with a broad based interdisciplinary educational background in product design and technology as well as in manufacturing and retailing processes. Graduates will have experience in all areas of the apparel business from market research through product development, production, wholesale and retail distribution, and brand marketing. Through a combination of coursework and internship, graduates will be prepared for managerial and executive level career paths.

The apparel curriculum contains a combination of theory and application in both the classroom and on-the-job internships. An Apparel Industry Advisory Board works closely with the apparel faculty in keeping the curriculum current and providing internship opportunities. The Apparel Production option is endorsed by the American Apparel and Footwear Association.

Students are actively involved in the apparel industry and utilize actual manufacturing and retailing facilities for first hand knowledge. Fashion Retailing students operate ApparelScapes, their own on campus micro apparel retail businesses. Apparel Production students similarly develop and market their own clothing line, labeled AM2, and sell it through ApparelScapes and the Bronco Bookstore.

Students work closely with their faculty advisors on career counseling, scheduling, and internship placement. They may also participate in the student organization, the Apparel Merchandising and Management Association, or Fashion Society, as well as many professional organizations and events.

The Apparel Merchandising and Management Department also offers a minor in Fashion Merchandising administered jointly with the International Business and Marketing Department.

For more information, contact the Apparel Merchandising and Management Department in Building 45 Room 152 at (909) 869-3377.

Programs

Major

Minor

Fashion Merchandising Minor

Courses

Apparel Merchandising and Management