Overview

The Apparel Product Development and Merchandising Technology programme at Central Michigan University provides an advanced exploration of the global fashion industry, from initial concept to consumer delivery. This Master of Science is designed to integrate creative design with commercial strategy and cutting-edge technical applications.

Students can tailor their academic journey by choosing from three distinct concentrations: Human-Centered Design, Fashion Technology, or Fashion Marketing. This flexibility ensures that the curriculum aligns with specific professional goals, whether in technical production or high-level brand management.

The curriculum is deeply rooted in hands-on research and industry collaboration.

Why Apparel Product Development and Merchandising Technology at Central Michigan University?

The institution houses some of the most sophisticated apparel laboratories in the United States. It is the only university in Michigan to offer 3D body scanning and thermal manikins, providing a unique environment for testing garment performance and ergonomics.

Central Michigan University was also the first public institution in the Midwest to establish a MakerBot 3D Printing Innovation Center. These facilities allow students to work on high-impact projects, such as testing thermal fabrics for major brands like Lululemon or developing virtual selling spaces.

The Center for Merchandising and Design Technology serves as a hub for corporate partnerships. Students gain a competitive edge by working on real-world problems for clients, bridging the gap between academic theory and professional practice in the textile and apparel sectors.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 1029 per credit
National fee: USD 829 per credit
Local fee: USD 829 per credit

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Human-Centered Design
Fashion Technology
Fashion Marketing

Careers with Apparel Product Development and Merchandising Technology

Graduates are prepared for executive-level positions across the global fashion supply chain. The programme equips individuals for roles such as product development engineers, fashion designers, purchasing agents, and retail managers within major international organisations.

Alumni from this programme have secured successful careers at renowned brands including Adidas, Carhartt, Eddie Bauer, and Kohl's. The rigorous research focus also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral studies and careers in higher education.

The combination of technical proficiency and business acumen ensures that graduates can navigate various sectors, from sportswear and outdoor gear to luxury fashion. The focus on emerging technologies makes them particularly valuable to companies investing in digital transformation and sustainable production.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Scholarship in Textiles and Clothing

Creative Scholarship

Thesis

Advanced Internship in Textiles and Apparel

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

33 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Mount Pleasant, United States

Disciplines

Fashion, Textiles and Luxury Goods Commerce General Engineering & Technology View 36 other Masters in Commerce in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution

Along with the application, you’ll need to submit a $50 application fee

Submit a copy of your passport

Submit proof of English proficiency or your intent to study English upon arrival – unless you are from an exempted country where English is the primary language of instruction.

You also may demonstrate English proficiency by completing the English studies program through CMU's English Language Institute.

Applicants must provide a third-party course-by-course credential evaluation and document verification

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

16978 USD / year

≈ 16978 USD / year
Out-of-State

13678 USD / year

≈ 13678 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13678 USD / year

≈ 13678 USD / year

Living costs

Mount Pleasant

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

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Apparel Product Development and Merchandising Technology.

Available Scholarships

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

On this page

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

Living costs

Mount Pleasant

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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