Apparel Design and Product Development professionals design sportswear, suits, dresses, coats, accessories, and just about everything else that people wear. Designers research color and style trends to create concepts and sketches for fashions one to two years in advance of the market. Some create new garment styles while others adapt styles from a previous season.

Pattern makers make designs a reality by working out proportions and exact details of style for production. Apparel design includes specializations in active sportswear, protective clothing for industry, functional apparel for people with physically challenging conditions and costuming for the theater. All of these careers are open to talented men and women with degrees in Apparel Design from OSU.

• Major Requirements
• DHE Internship Program
• Job Opportunities
• Field Trips
• Where Graduates Are Now
• Student Designs

Major Requirements

For specific course requirements within the major, see the OSU General Catalog.

This major has a wireless laptop requirement.

Job Opportunities

The demand for new apparel and accessories is continual. The competition for assistant-designer and designer level positions is strong in some locations. Being able to move to a city where job openings are plentiful increases your career opportunities. Preparing a strong portfolio will enhance your entry-level potential.

Professionals in this industry ride the ups and downs of the economy. They work within the limitations of budget, machinery, fabrics and market. They create ideas under the pressure of time and competition. Predicting what people want and being the first with an idea are important in this field.

Field Trips

See the OSU Fashion Organization area under Undergraduate Student Organizations.