Overview

The Fashion Design and Development programme at Western Michigan University provides students with the essential creative and technical expertise required to excel in the modern apparel and soft goods industry. This curriculum integrates design, merchandising, and business courses to ensure graduates understand the interrelated nature of private branding and retail manufacturing. Students develop professional proficiency in pattern development, quality control, and strategic sourcing.

Why Fashion Design and Development at Western Michigan University?

Western Michigan University offers a nationally recognised programme accredited by both the Textile and Apparel Programs Accreditation Commission (TAPAC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). This dual accreditation ensures that the curriculum meets the highest industry standards for academic quality and experiential learning.

Students benefit from exceptional global opportunities, with the ability to earn up to 24 credit hours through prestigious partnerships. These include study abroad options at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Regents University London, University of the Arts London, and Florence University of the Arts in Italy. These connections provide unique perspectives on international fashion markets.

The programme maintains a strong professional network through a dedicated advisory board of industry leaders and a successful alumni base. Students can showcase their creative talents in the annual fashion show sponsored by the Merchandising Opportunities and Design Association (MODA), gaining practical experience in event production and design exhibition.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20525 per year
National fee: USD 20525 per year
Local fee: USD 16449 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the journey from initial concept to final product completion. Modules may include:

Fashion Design and Development
Pattern Development
Quality Control and Assurance
Sourcing
Apparel Manufacturing
Merchandising
Marketing
Textiles
Fieldwork

Careers with Fashion Design and Development

Graduates from Western Michigan University are highly successful, with approximately 97% finding employment or continuing their education within three months of finishing the programme. Alumni work for world-renowned brands and national retailers, including Anthropologie, Bloomingdale's, J. Crew, and Land's End.

The diverse skill set acquired during the course allows graduates to pursue various roles within the fashion and textile sectors. Common career paths include:

Fashion and Technical Designer
Product Developer
Production Manager
Quality Control Manager
Sourcing Manager
Fashion Stylist
Retail Buyer or Merchandiser
Automotive or Airplane Interior Designer

Programme Structure

Courses included:

The Fashion Industry

Design Principles

Professional Job Search Strategies

History of Fashion

Entrepreneurship in Family and Consumer Sciences

Product Development

Socio-Psychological Aspects of Dress

Consumer Behavior in the Fashion Environment

Global Aspects of the Fashion Industry

Textiles

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-05-05 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Rolling admission for National for Fall

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Fashion, Textiles and Luxury Goods Fashion Design View 171 other Bachelors in Fashion, Textiles and Luxury Goods in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Copy of passport identification page

Proof of English language proficiency

Complete high school or post-secondary education transcripts

$100 non-refundable application fee

Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance

ACT or SAT Scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Out-of-State

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16449 USD / year

≈ 16449 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer Tuition: 3,768 International Summer Tuition: 4,711

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Fashion Design and Development.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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