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Department of Design and Merchandising
College of Health and Human Sciences

Department of Design and Merchandising where Creativity and STEM converge

Through our academic programs, specialized learning facilities, and engaged scholarship, we foster creative and socially responsible solutions to human-centered challenges in apparel and merchandising and interior architecture and design.

Design and Merchandising Programs and Degrees

Our academic programs offer a holistic learning experience that fosters knowledge and skill development while embracing diverse cultural/global perspectives, innovative technologies, and experiential learning. You will have numerous opportunities to participate in community service-learning projects, design and research competitions/shows, industry events, department-led study tours, internships, and student organizations.

Our Apparel and Merchandising program is accredited by the Textile and Apparel Program Accreditation Commission of the International Textile and Apparel Association and our Interior Architecture and Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

Explore Programs and Degrees
A young man walks down a catwalk with audience on each side clapping and City Strut banners in the background.

Learning in Action

Community Engagement and Service Learning

You will gain valuable resource management, communication, and leadership skills through involvement in community activities, service-learning projects, and student organizations.

Galleries, Libraries, and Laboratories

Through access to specialized physical and virtual spaces equipped with current industry technologies, you will engage in experiential learning to foster knowledge and skill development.

Industry Partnerships and Internships

By being involved in department-sponsored industry events and the formal internship program, you will gain understanding of contemporary business practices and philosophies.

Study Tours and Education Abroad

Through participation in department-led study tours or CSU’s Education Abroad semester-long programs, you will expand your knowledge of the discipline as well as your appreciation for diverse cultures and global perspectives.

Connecting to the Community

Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising

The Avenir Museum is Colorado State University’s historic costume and textiles collection. The museum includes four galleries located in two campus buildings.

Avenir Orange exhibit

Celebrate DM Events

For the final two weeks of the semester, we Celebrate Design and Merchandising with a series of events showcasing student work including various exhibits, the Design and Merchandising Fashion Show and the Interior Architecture and Design Senior Show. Mark your calendars and get tickets!

a model walks down the runway at the annual csu fashion show

Career Opportunities

There are many opportunities for employment with a degree in Apparel and Merchandising or Interior Architecture and Design.

A student participate in an industry mock interview

DM Alumni

Keep in touch with us through the resources on this page.

alumni, former faculty, and department head Karen Hyllegard pose outside for a photo after a panel discussion
  • 83% of Apparel and Merchandising students complete internships
  • 100% of Interior Architecture and Design students complete internships
  • 92% of Health and Human Sciences students would choose CSU again

Making an Impact Design and Merchandising News

Read More News

Design and Merchandising Upcoming Events

OUR HOME College of Health and Human Sciences

Design and Merchandising is one of eight academic units housed within the College of Health and Human Sciences.

About CHHS

We improve health and well-being in all aspects of the human experience. Our goal is to change lives for the better.

CHHS Academics

Whether you’re building technical skills for a chosen profession or following a passion for helping people, each of our majors and degrees are designed around making connections while you learn — with faculty, employers, professionals, and people in the community.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in CHHS

We emphasize a caring and supportive community where everyone’s contributions are valued and all voices are heard.

Research and Creative Scholarship in CHHS

As a human-centered college, we believe that research should not only contribute to scientific knowledge, but also be translated into programs, policies, and applications that put that knowledge to work.

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