An Apparel and Merchandising graduate student works on a design project.

The M.S. in Design and Merchandising, Plan A, Apparel and Merchandising Specialization offers the opportunity for students to critically explore how apparel products are designed and developed, distributed, and merchandised as well as the ways in which consumers interact with and use those products in various historical and socio-cultural contexts. Emphasis is placed upon fostering cultural/global awareness and a commitment to social responsibility. The Plan A emphasizes the development of content knowledge and research skills through the completion of an original research study, preparing graduates well for doctoral-level work or for industry positions requiring critical thinking, analytical abilities, and/or depth of knowledge in the field.

Areas of graduate study and research in Apparel and Merchandising include:

  • Apparel Design and Production
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Historic Costume and Textiles
  • Merchandising
  • Product Development
  • Social-Psychological and Cultural Aspects of Dress and Appearance

Effective Fall 2001

Department Core
DM 501Research and Theory-Design and Merchandising3
DM 551Research Methods3
Specialized research/data analysis methods 13
Breadth
Out-of-department Course 23
Specialization Courses
Select a minimum of 12 credits 312
Thesis
DM 699Thesis6
Program Total Credits:30

 A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.

1

Select a minimum of one course from department list with approval of advisor.

2

Select an out-of-department course at the 500-level with approval of advisor.

3

Select 500-level courses from the AM, DM, or INTD subject codes with approval of advisor.

For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees

NOTE:  Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.

Forms are available online.

Step Due Date
1. Application for admission (online) Six months before first registration
2. Diagnostic examination when required Before first registration
3. Appointment of advisor Before first registration
4. Selection of graduate committee Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) Two terms prior to final examination
7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) Within two working days after results are known
8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) When change is made
9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying
10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee
11. Final examination Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website.
14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
15. Graduation Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website