Undergraduate Bulletin > Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies

Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies

The Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies Department offers three major concentrations: Apparel Product Design, Global Apparel and Related Industries, and Retailing and Consumer Studies. These concentrations prepare students for positions with companies that focus on the process of concept to consumer for apparel and consumer-related products. Graduates may take positions in apparel product design, apparel product development, fashion trend forecasting and analysis, quality control, sourcing, merchandising, buying, and retail management.

During the first two years of study, students will complete the majority of their general education requirements and begin introductory consumer, apparel, and retailing courses. In order to develop a strong knowledge base and build upon previously learned concepts, many of these courses are sequential and must be completed in the established order.

The apparel design concentration requires students to think creatively and technically. Students must draw freehand and on the computer, make patterns, and construct garments. A sewing proficiency exam must be passed to progress in the sophomore-level APD courses. An alternative to taking the proficiency exam, which focuses on sewing and apparel construction skills, is APD 200 (Fundamentals of Apparel Product Development). You must earn a grade of C or better in this course. If a student chooses to take a basic sewing course at another institution, it must be approved by the APD faculty, earn at least two (2) semester hours credit, earn a grade of C (2.0) or better, and transfer to UNCG as a free elective. Students must provide to the University Registrar an official transcript that documents the grade received in the course.

A grade of C (2.0) or better must be earned in all courses in the major.

International exposure is built into the curriculum. Study of foreign languages is encouraged and international study experiences are possible. All majors take supporting courses in the Bryan School of Business and Economics. Students in the Retailing and Consumer Studies concentration fulfill the requirements for a business minor within their required courses; the minor, however, must be declared.

Internship experiences are required of all CARS students through a structured two-course sequence that includes a professional development class that prepares them both to find internships and to achieve successful internship experiences. The CARS Internship Program Coordinator structures and supervises internships to ensure quality experiences. Because of the proximity to North Carolina's strong apparel and retailing industries, the majority of students have internships within the state; however, the long-standing relationships between CARS and the apparel, fashion, and retailing industries link students to opportunities for out-of-state internships in such exciting places as New York City, Atlanta, and the West Coast.