Apparel, textiles and design

Bachelor of Science

U of I student standing in a gallery showcasing her clothing designs.

Overview

College:

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Duration:

4 years, 120 credits

Locations:

Moscow

Technology, creativity, identity

The apparel, textiles and design program offers an exciting blend of lectures and studio courses bringing creativity and innovation together. Through the design process, you’ll tackle real-world challenges in aesthetics, sustainability, technology and consumer needs within the global apparel industry. Working both independently and in collaborative teams, you will design and develop apparel solutions that mirror professional practice. You’ll gain hands-on experience in industry equipment, garment construction and patternmaking techniques, building your technical skill set and problem-solving abilities. Studio projects and critical reflections will push your creative thinking and deepen your material knowledge. As part of your academic experience, you will complete a Professional Development Experience — an internship, study tour, study abroad or research project — preparing you to launch a successful career or entrepreneurial venture.

This program could be a good fit if you:

Are inquisitive and curious
Can see opportunities to improve products and processes
Work well independently and as part of a team
Understand or are interested in garment construction and design
See possibilities, spark innovation and create solutions for apparel and textile challenges

Producing the future of apparel

Curriculum

The B.S. in apparel, textiles and design is a 120-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

View the sample four-year plan for this degree.

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Learning objectives

Apply principles of design to create cohesive collections, utilizing advanced technology
Master traditional and industry-standard skills including patternmaking and garment construction using industrial machinery
Develop detailed tech packs to communicate effectively with manufacturers and production teams
Evaluate environmental and economic impacts of the global fashion supply chain, developing ethical and sustainable design strategies
Conduct research on consumer habits and market trends to ensure designs are both creative and commercially viable
Build a comprehensive, professional design portfolio

Hands-on learning

Work in our studios that house industrial and home sewing equipment, looms and body forms
Build software and technology skills using 3D printers, laser cutters, patternmaking software and digital prototyping tools in our Apparel Technology Lab
Experience a real-world product development project with industry partners
Solve problems as part of product team
Conduct an undergraduate research project with funding opportunities available
24/7 access to studios, equipment and software

Career outcomes

Current job openings

2,815 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HI

Potential careers and mid-career salaries

Fashion Designers
$86,600
Sales Managers
$154,526
Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives
$73,074
Art Directors
$69,718
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
$61,696

View all careers

Career Services

* Career data provided by Lightcast.

Clubs and involvement opportunities

Clubs and Opportunities

ATD Club — workshops, guest speakers, education and philanthropy
Phi Upsilon Omicron — Family and Consumer Science Honorary Club
Collegiate Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
Senior Apparel Design Showcase public display in May
Embark on an international or domestic faculty-led study tour
Expand global perspectives by studying abroad
Gain experience through internships

Financial aid and scholarships

While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:

Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.

If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance.

Application instructions

Undergraduate applications open each September, and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.

Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.