The Apparel Design and Production Management (APDP) Option is structured around a core of courses providing knowledge about raw materials and manufactured products, design and product development, production technology, and marketing concepts. Designers and product developers must be creative, but must also understand that fashion begins and ends with the consumer. This option is unique because of its strong emphasis on developing an understanding of consumer preferences and identifying market niches, in addition to focusing on product development, design and production management principles. Students learn to manage apparel products from the design concept through retail sales, creating tech packages as part of a team-based Apparel Line Development capstone course. Apparel Design and Production Management students intern with a domestic or international firms; with couture designers or in industry settings. Unique internships in theatrical costuming, or in museums with historical costume or textile collections are also possible