The APDM curriculum provides students with knowledge and skills for career positions in apparel and fashion-related fields. Students learn fashion industry operating methods; develop buying and merchandising plans; study textile fibers and fabrics; create fashion apparel lines; examine Hawaiian, Asian, and western costume artifacts; examine the effects of social, political, and economic conditions on local, national and global industry operations and consumer needs; and study current concerns for social responsibility, ethical issues, and environmental impacts as these relate to fashion businesses and consumers.

Courses cover topics such as:

• Fashion trend analysis;
• Fashion sketching;
• Textile properties;
• Apparel design and construction;
• Retail buying & merchandise management;
• Fashion promotion & fashion show production;
• Costume history;
• Social and cultural aspects of dress;
• International trade issues.