In our Apparel Product Development and Merchandising Technology program, you will experience working on the cutting edge of fashion with high-tech learning that makes all the difference. Through a creative and collaborative approach to the study of apparel and textiles, our primary goal is to introduce you to real-world apparel and design – from concept development to retail distribution using advanced knowledge and creativity in design, production, evaluation and technology.<br>Hands-on research is the core of our apparel product development and merchandising technology program. You won't just study developments after they happen — you'll work with manufacturers and retailers to bring them to life.<br><br>That may mean working with Cotton Incorporated on a virtual selling space; or helping Lululemon test thermal fabrics with one of our sensor-equipped manikins; or putting Polartec fabric through its paces while filming runners with infrared cameras.<br><br>This collaborative approach is an integral part of our program. It means that when you graduate, you'll have the experiences that will make you competitive in the labor market.<br>You'll gain much of that experience in on-campus labs featuring technology you'll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. We're the only university in Michigan to have a 3D body scanner. And we're the first public university in the Midwest to have a MakerBot 3D Printing Innovation Center.<br>Yet as important as technology is, people are even more important. Our experienced faculty will prepare you for executive-level positions in apparel and textile development, merchandising or go on to pursue an advanced degree.