Fashion and Apparel Design Program of Study
This is a general overview of a program of study. Each Program of Study is personalized based on the path you choose. Contact Academic Advising with questions about your program of study.
| FYE: FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE | |
| Required Major Courses: Fall | credits |
|
FYE100: Systems of Drawing
|
3.0 |
|
FYE150: Digital 2D
|
3.0 |
| Required Major Courses: Spring | |
|
FYE199: IAS: FAD: Beginning Sewing
|
3.0 |
| Required in fall or spring; completed in first year | |
|
FYE110: Visual Language
|
3.0 |
|
FYE130: Fabrication
|
3.0 |
|
FYE121: RPC:
|
3.0 |
|
FYE151: Digital 4D
|
3.0 |
| Critical Studies: FYE | |
|
WRTG120: Processes of Inquiry
|
3.0 |
|
ARTH151: Intro to the Practice of Art & Design History
|
3.0 |
|
HUMT121: Intro to Humanities
|
3.0 |
| Students complete 15 credits each semester first year to complete degree requirements in four years | |
| SOPHOMORE | |
| Required Major Courses: Fall | credits |
|
FAD260: Patternmaking & Construction I
|
3.0 |
|
FAD262: Process of Apparel Design & Illustration
|
3.0 |
|
FAD264: Survey of Global Textiles
|
3.0 |
| Required Major Courses: Spring | |
|
FAD261: Patternmaking & Construction II
|
3.0 |
|
FAD263: Digital Apparel Design
|
3.0 |
|
FAD265: Process of Apparel Industry
|
3.0 |
| Studio Electives | |
|
3cr Studio Elective
|
3.0 |
| Critical Studies: Sophomore | |
|
WRTG200: Critical and Creative Forms
|
3.0 |
|
NASC220: Patterns in Nature
|
3.0 |
|
ARTH217: History of Global Fashion
|
3.0 |
| Students complete 15 credits each semester second year to complete degree requirements in four years | |
| JUNIOR | |
| Required Major Courses: Fall | credits |
|
FAD360: Patternmaking & Construction III
|
3.0 |
|
FAD362: Apparel Design Studio I
|
3.0 |
|
FAD364: Digital Patternmaking & Construction
|
3.0 |
| Required Major Courses: Spring | |
|
FAD363: Apparel Design Studio II
|
3.0 |
|
FAD365: Junior Apparel Seminar
|
3.0 |
|
FAD307: FAD elective
|
3.0 |
| Critical Studies: Junior | |
|
WRTG300: The Creative Professional in Context
|
3.0 |
|
NASC320/350/321: NS Elective
|
3.0 |
|
HUMT340: Topic in Humanities
|
3.0 |
|
HUMT380: Service Learning
|
3.0 |
| Students complete 15 each semester third year to complete degree requirements | |
| SENIOR | |
| Required Major Courses: Fall | credits |
|
FAD460: Apparel Design Thesis I
|
3.0 |
|
FAD307: FAD elective
|
3.0 |
| Required Major Courses: Spring | |
|
FAD461: Apparel Design Thesis II
|
3.0 |
|
FAD307: FAD elective
|
3.0 |
| Studio Electives | |
|
3cr studio elective:
|
3.0 |
|
3cr studio elective
|
3.0 |
| Critical Studies: Senior | |
|
WRTG400: Senior Writing Seminar
|
3.0 |
|
ARTH318: AH Elect
|
3.0 |
|
ARTH318: AH Elect
|
3.0 |
|
HUMT340: Topic in Humanities
|
3.0 |
| Students complete 15 credits each semester fourth year to complete degree requirements | |
| 120 credits minimum required to complete degree |
News
Fashion students design adaptive clothing for Independence First
For the second year in a row, Fashion and Apparel Design students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) worked with Independence First to design adaptive clothing tailor-made for two people who use wheelchairs. The project is part of a junior-level Patternmaking & Construction course.
MIAD Values Recognition Award: Nichole Uecker
Nichole Uecker, Student Accessibility Coordinator, received the October 2025 MIAD Values Recognition Award at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Nichole’s nominations highlighted her embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Community, Inclusion and Kindness.
Personal and professional passion inspire Product Design student
When senior Carmen Briones’ mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during Briones’ sophomore year at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), finding a bra that was comfortable with a medical port became an additional challenge. Briones ’26 (Product Design) answered that challenge in her Design for Human Interface class by designing a product that reduces pain while increasing mobility.
Toy design at Squishmallows: MIAD student develops confidence
When she first got the internship offer from Squishmallows at Jazwares, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior Melody Frias ’26 (Communication Design and Illustration) thought she was in shock. Months after the internship concluded, Frias still reads that email when she needs a boost.
Collections Spotlight: Helen Hoppin
Not only is the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) home to two formal gallery spaces hosting numerous external exhibitions, the college also boasts its own large collection focusing on work produced by founders and early students.