The new Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies (CARS) Department, formerly the Textile Products Design and Marketing Department, is offering new curriculums for both undergraduate and graduate study starting fall of 2005.

“We are addressing the needs of today’s changing business climate and the desires of consumers in a dynamic marketplace,” said Dr. Nancy Nelson, interim department chair. “This new strategic direction will provide our graduates with broader job opportunities.”

Graduates will be prepared to work in merchandising, product design, retail management, buying, product development, fashion trend forecasting and analysis, marketing, quality control, and other areas, according to faculty members.

Beginning fall 2005, new students may earn a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in retail and consumer studies or in apparel product design. The department’s graduate degrees – a master’s and a doctorate – will be in consumer, apparel, and retail studies.