MPDV 1500 — 3 UNITS PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT FUNDAMENTALS

An introductory course that highlights the processes involved in the preproduction phase of apparel product development: planning, forecasting, fabrication, developing silhouettes and specifications, pricing and sourcing. Students examine the best practices of the most successful brands in the fashion business to understand how companies must position themselves to be successful in this field. Career paths and job opportunities are defined and explored.

MPDV 1700 – 3 UNITS DIGITAL FLAT SKETCHING

In this introduction to Adobe Illustrator, students learn to apply various Illustrator tools to the creation of technical flat sketches on a grid and stylized flat sketches on a croqui. Emphasis is placed on the development of accurate, proportioned garments that include stitching, trims, and all style lines and on the creation of organized and editable digital files. Prerequisite: MPDV 1800

MPDV 1750 — 3 UNITS TRENDS & FASHION FORECASTING

In this course, students combine systematic research with personal insight to produce individual trend reports that support and shape their own design objectives. As components of their research, they assess the influence of visual arts, music, and popular culture on runway, retail, and street fashion, with particular attention to the decisive impact of social media communities and fashion blogs on the art and science of current trend forecasting. Prerequisite: MMKT 1550

MPDV 1800 — 3 UNITS FUNDAMENTALS OF SKETCHING

A flat sketching course for line development, line sheets, and specification sheets. Students learn basic drawing skills for garment illustration and the correct terminology used for identifying design details on garments.

MPDV 2100 — 3 UNITS FASHION MERCHANDISING & ASSORTMENT PLANNING

An in-depth study of the financial planning process for the apparel industry. Students are introduced to pricing principles, the purchasing process, methods of analysis, and calculating profitability. A six month financial plan and unit plan are created by each student for the final project. Prerequisite: GNST 1450

MPDV 2200 — 3 UNITS DIGITAL DESIGN

Students apply skills previously learned in Computer Aided Fashion Design I to digital file development using Adobe Photoshop software. Course projects focus on the digital manipulation of photo imagery and the development of fabric prints and graphics with emphasis on the elements and principles of design. Prerequisites: MPDV 1800, DESN 2530

MPDV 2300 — 3 UNITS TREND & DESIGN APPLICATION

An introduction to the creative process involved in developing fashion apparel for both retail and manufacturing companies. Students learn how to conduct trend research and translate their ideas into products for a specific market and category of merchandise. Prerequisite: MPDV 1800

MPDV 2400 — 3 UNITS PREPRODUCTION FOR APPAREL

A study of the process of garment prototype development and approval prior to production. Students learn how to create a technical packet of specifications and fit requirements for a variety of clothing styles utilizing the Gerber Technology webbased PDM system. Initial costs of all materials incurred in the production process are identified and estimated. Prerequisites: DESN 2530, MFTG 1400, MPDV 1800

MPDV 2450 — 3 UNITS ASSORTMENT PLANNING & PURCHASING

An in-depth look at the financial planning process used by apparel buyers and planners. Students develop a seasonal merchandise plan and create a unit plan both at cost and retail. Students learn methods of business analysis and the purchasing process. Prerequisite: MRCH 1700

MPDV 2700 — 3 UNITS CLASSIFICATION & LINE DEVELOPMENT

A continuation of the MPDV 2300 Trend and Design Application course. Students create their own line of exclusive products for an existing business. Emphasis is placed upon analyzing past selling results and incorporating those findings into a portion of the new line. Students learn how to make effective presentations of their seasonal lines while defending their de- sign decisions. Prerequisites: DESN 2530, MPDV 2300

MPDV 2750 — 3 UNITS PRODUCTION & SOURCING STRATEGIES

Students apply previously learned skills in garment specifications and costing to complete the production cycle. Emphasis is placed on how to source all components of a garment, locate a maker for the garment, negotiate price for a garment, and develop a merchandising and production calendar. Students visit and evaluate a production facility. Prerequisite: MPDV 2400

MPDV 2780 — 3 UNITS TECHNICAL DESIGN

In this course, students produce a sample of one of their original designs. Emphasis is on creating a prototype by developing garment specifications, applying advanced draping and pattern drafting techniques, and assessing the fit. Prerequisites: MFTG 1400, MFTG 1700, MPDV 2400

MPDV 2800 — 3 UNITS ADVANCED PREPRODUCTION

A continuation of the Preproduction for Apparel course, students expand their understanding of garment specifications and construction. Emphasis is placed upon analyzing the choices made for materials and garment construction, and how these choices affect the price of a garment. Students use the Gerber Technology web-based PDM system to create technical packs and cost sheets. Prerequisite: MPDV 2400

MPDV 2850 — 3 UNITS BRAND PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT

Students research and illustrate original designs for two brands and two distinct market segments of their choice to expand the content of their portfolio. Consideration is given to the use of technology as a means to expose and promote the students' skill level to the global job market. Personal branding of the students' portfolio is encouraged along with effective presentation techniques and formatting. Prerequisites: MPDV 2200, MPDV 2700, MPDV 2880

MPDV 2880 — 3 UNITS DIGITAL PRESENTATION

An advanced computer skills course that builds upon Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills acquired in DESN 2530 and MPDV 2200. Students integrate computer-aided design tools and applications to develop industry-standard visual and digital presentations that showcase all elements of fashion design and production. Emphasis is placed on both the technical and aesthetic mastery of computer applications that are specific to the ever changing needs of the fashion industry. Prerequisite: MPDV 2200

MPDV 2950 — 3 UNITS INTERNSHIP

Through on-the-job training, students gain valuable insight as they apply theory and skills learned in the classroom to actual work situations and explore career options. An internship blends theory and practice, combining academic training with employment in fields related to their course of study.

MPDV 3100 — 3 UNITS GARMENT CONSTRUCTION & ANALYSIS

In this course, students gain valuable experience in identifying and evaluating the apparel construction techniques, fabric selection strategies, and mass production processes and pricing used in developing garment prototypes. In visits to local production sites, they match construction, stitch, and style details to appropriate manufacturing facilities and machinery capabilities. By comparing innovative practices and garments from like brands, they acquire the ability to establish construction standards for a wide variety of product categories and price points.

MPDV 3200 – 6 UNITS PATTERN & FIT ANALYSIS

This course focuses on the development of first patterns for both woven and knit fabrics from technical specification sketches. Students analyze the effect of draping, body measurements, pattern shapes, and production construction techniques on garment fit, quality, and performance.

MPDV 3250 — 3 UNITS QUALITY ASSURANCE IN TECHNICAL DESIGN

An examination of the processes required to control apparel quality, with emphasis on current quality standards in the global fashion supply chain across various retail price ranges. Students conduct quality testing during the various stages of product development, carefully considering compliance issues in fabric and trim choices, textile color application, factory sewing processes, and garment fit. The course also surveys current government regulations and individual company standards for testing at all stages of product development. Prerequisite: MPDV 3100

MPDV 3300 — 3 UNITS FABRIC MANAGEMENT

 A comprehensive analysis of textile materials in which students deepen their understanding of fiber and fabric choices suitable for specific garment types and end-use applications. Students in this culminating course synthesize all they have learned about contemporary textiles, garment performance and construction, industry-standard technology, and price-point structures appropriate to specific markets. The course also examines legal issues currently impacting the textiles industry.

MPDV 3450 — 3 UNITS COMPUTERIZED PATTERNMAKING APPLICATIONS

In this course, students reinforce skills developed in previous manual pattern drafting classes and apply their knowledge to create patterns using Gerber Accumark software. They explore additional techniques for drafting prototype patterns from specifications, inspiration garments, and sketches. Students also plot completed patterns and create sample markers to determine fabric yields for costing estimates. Prerequisites: MPDV 3100, MPDV 3150

MPDV 3600A – 3 UNITS ADVANCED TECHNICAL ILLUSTRATION I

Students advance their illustration skills focusing on the speed and accuracy required for the development of industry standard technical flat sketches of garments and trims. Emphasis is on the creation, storage, and reuse of digital assets and on formatting and organizing digital files. Prerequisite: MPDV 3200

MPDV 3600B – 3 UNITS ADVANCED TECHNICAL ILLUSTRATION II

In this continuation of MPDV 3600A, students master their skills in technical flat illustration and file management. They learn to integrate the use of photography in communicating fit corrections and style revisions. Students are further challenged to apply their skills across a variety of industry requirements. Prerequisite: MPDV 3600A

MPDV 4100 — 6 UNITS PRODUCTION PATTERN DRAFTING

In this advanced course in developing patterns using Gerber Technology, students focus on the creation of production-ready patterns from technical specification sketches as well as finished garments. They learn to ensure fit by modifying production patterns while maintaining performance and design integrity. The course examines principles of grading (including manual techniques of chart grading) and industry spreading and cutting techniques, as well as the use of computerized markers, which the students themselves create. Prerequisite: MPDV 3450

MPDV 4200 — 3 UNITS TRIM DEVELOPMENT & APPLICATION

Students research and analyze how trims are used for function, decoration, and support in the development of garments for a variety of product categories and target markets. Field trips to local suppliers enable students to observe and evaluate trim selection and construction methods appropriate for trim application and surface embellishments. Students also learn to document specifications for trims and are challenged to provide innovative solutions for the use of trim when developing garment prototypes. Prerequisite: MPDV 3300

MPDV 4250 – 3 UNITS SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN DESIGN

In this course, students investigate sustainability from a global perspective, examining the impact of the fashion industry on people and the planet. Research will include an analysis of transparent and responsible production practices, current industry standards and governmental compliance, innovative best practices in design, and maintenance of healthy economies within the framework of sustainability. Prerequisite: MPDV 3450

MPDV 4400 – 3 UNITS SUPPLY CHAIN & LIFECYCLE PLANNING

This course examines how to manage the global supply chain by utilizing the lifecycle planning process necessary to ensure on-time delivery of products to the consumer. As a product manager for a newly developed product category for a major retailer, students use PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software or Excel spreadsheets to plan, schedule, and coordinate all phases of supply chain research and decision-making, line planning and creation, technical design, sourcing, production, and distribution. Students demonstrate proficiency in communication skills through a variety of written and oral projects. Prerequisite: MPDV 4250

MPDV 4500 — 3 UNITS INTERNSHIP

Through on-the-job training, students gain valuable insight as they apply theory and skills learned in the classroom to actual work situations and explore career options in technical design. Prerequisite: MPDV 4100

MPDV 4600 — 3 UNITS DESIGN THINKING: RESEARCH & IDEATION

In this first of two consecutive project-based courses designed to prepare students for the rigor and creative vitality sought by the industry, students use design thinking to research a technical design issue that calls for process or product innovation or improvement. Their project may address opportunities found in underserved markets, emerging technologies, or in global supply chain management. Through a process of human centered discovery, students define and interpret a problem, ideate their concept for resolving it, and identify potential risks to implementation before presenting their solution for review and evaluation to peers and industry representatives. Prerequisite: MPDV 4250

MPDV 4700 — 3 UNITS PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT & ANALYSIS

In this capstone course, students design a garment of their choice to be executed to their specifications by a local sample maker. In the process, they exhibit their understanding of fabric selection and proper garment fit; they validate their ability to give detailed, precise and complete instructions (developed in previous pattern drafting and technical design classes) to produce a completed prototype; and they demonstrate their time management skills by adhering to schedules and meeting deadlines. Prerequisites: MPDV 3450, MPDV 4100

MPDV 4850 — 3 UNITS DESIGN THINKING: IMPLEMENTATION

In this second component of the MPDV Design Thinking sequence, students develop a complete business strategy for the product or process innovation begun in MPDV 4600 and now linked to a specific brand and target market. The business strategy details specifications, prototypes, experimentation methods, enumerates a budget and costs, describes sourcing strategies including a production timeline, and identifies potential business partners to support and help launch the new product or process. Students then culminate their accomplishment by presenting their new concepts to an industry panel for critique and evaluation. Prerequisite: MPDV 4600