Apparel Product Development and Merchandising Technology Graduate Program

Engage in cutting-edge high-tech fashion

In our Apparel Product Development and Merchandising Technology program, you will experience working on the cutting edge of fashion with high-tech learning that makes all the difference. Through a creative and collaborative approach to the study of apparel and textiles, our primary goal is to introduce you to real-world apparel and design – from concept development to retail distribution using advanced knowledge and creativity in design, production, evaluation and technology.

Imagine working with Cotton, Inc. on a 3D virtual selling space; or using a thermal manikin to help lululemon evaluate the thermal properties of fabrics for potential use in their apparel; or examining Polartec fabrics on runners using infra-red thermography.

You will be ready and confident 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 if you are seeking further graduate study at the Ph.D. level.

The Dual-Degree Option allows undergraduate students to apply nine hours of graduate work toward both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Get admitted

    Admission requirements:

    1. Be within 30 credit hours of graduation
    2. Have an overall GPA of 3.3, or a 3.3 GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework
    3. Complete all university requirements
    4. Have a signed Fashion Merchandising and Design major or minor on a B.S., B.A. or B.A.A. degree

    Admission Requirements:

    1. Complete a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 12 hours of undergraduate coursework in fashion merchandising and design or closely related areas. Students accepted for the M.S. program who lack supporting course work generally are required to make up these deficiencies by taking undergraduate course work in fashion merchandising and design. Equivalent work experience in the field may be counted as supporting coursework toward minimum admission requirements.

    2. Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.

    Required admission materials

    • Graduate program application
    • Three letters of recommendation, including two from faculty. If it is not possible to obtain faculty references, references should be from professionals who can address your capacity to succeed as a graduate student. The letters may be submitted electronically to  kumph1p@cmich.edu as an attachment. The letters must be signed and printed on letterhead from the recommender's university or company, and include the recommender's contact information.
    • One official transcript (with the institution's seal) sent directly from each institution attended (other than CMU).
    • A 2-4 page, typed, double-spaced essay that (Part I) describes how previous experiences and training have prepared and led the applicant to pursue a Master of Science degree in Apparel Product Development and Merchandising Technology (APDMT) and (Part II) identifies likely professional goals and how graduate training can help accomplish these goals.
    • Non-refundable application fee.
    • ACCELERATED ADMISSION ONLY: Accelerated Master's Degree Program Acknowledgement
      & Approval Form

    Application deadline dates:

    • February 1 for Fall admission
    • August 1 for Spring admission

    • Complete application materials must be received by the date indicated. Applicants interested in being considered for a graduate assistantship should contact the Graduate Program Director.

    International Students

    Application guidelines for international students may be found on the Graduate Studies website.