In the fashion design specialization, students learn about all facets of the apparel and textile industries from raw materials to the consumer. This encompasses knowledge of textiles and fashion design from product development through promotion and distribution.<br><br>The curriculum focuses on fashion design, production and merchandising strategies to develop the skills necessary to work in the fashion industry. Courses provide instruction for students in all aspects of the industry including development and trends of national and foreign fashion, fibers, fabrics, and finishes basic to the selection, use and care of textiles, basic fashion production, current technology in computer-aided design, visual analysis of fashion, fashion sketching, pattern drafting, pattern grading, pattern-making techniques, draping, and history of fashion. In addition to knowledge of the fashion industry, students may obtain background and skills in art, history, journalism, theater, marketing, business management, production management, finance and accounting. A variety of opportunities are available to assess student learning in fashion design, production, and textiles, including comments on garments selected for the annual senior fashion show, senior portfolio review and evaluation from on-site field experience supervisors.