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
MIAD Values Recognition Award: Lisa Floading
Lisa Floading, Coordinator of Tutoring Services, received the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) MIAD Values Recognition Award for November 2025. Lisa received nominations that highlighted her embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Innovation and Community.
MIAD lands #1 Graphic Design school in Wisconsin 2025
In its 2025 rankings, Animation Career Review named the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) the #1 Graphic Design School in Wisconsin and #11 in the Midwest. The college’s Animation and Illustration programs also received top rankings.
Social Choreography: A practice of dancing toward liberation
Kim Miller, professor of Fine Art + New Studio Practice, returned to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) following her sabbatical year with a Ph.D. and an innovative presentation and practice for students, faculty and staff.
Fine Art senior selected for Wisconsin Artists Biennial 2026
Marta Tereziya ’26, a Fine Art + New Studio Practice senior at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), is one of 50 Wisconsin artists selected for the 2026 Wisconsin Artists Biennial. The Wisconsin Artists Biennial is co-sponsored and organized by Wisconsin Visual Artists and the Museum of Wisconsin Art.
Sabbatical journey: Revelations and a new course for students
A sabbatical year immersed in Japanese culture, language and the study of Ukiyo-e – images of Japan’s “floating world” – led Professor Chelsea Holton to two main “aha” moments and development of a new course for students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD).