Overview

The mission of the Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management is to improve quality of life for individuals, families, and the broader community by creating and extending knowledge in apparel, housing, and resource management. We apply business, consumer, and design perspectives to teaching and learning, research, and outreach.

The AHRM Department includes five majors Consumer Studies, Fashion Merchandising and Design, Property Management, Residential Environments and Design, and Family and Consumer Sciences.

Degree Requirements

The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.

The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html for degree requirements.

Fashion Merchandising and Design Major

Career Advisor: Doris Kincade

Apparel fashion is an exciting and competitive field where designers, product developers, manufacturers and retailers create and merchandise products and services for target customers. The Fashion Merchandising and Design major prepares students for diverse career opportunities available to graduates of the program. Students may find employment with apparel or textile manufacturers or with a wide variety of retailers and fashion media, including magazines and social media websites. Products in apparel fashion range from fast fashion and haute couture to special-use apparel for athletes and extreme sports to accessories and shoes. Graduates from the FMD major may be employed in the areas of product development and/or merchandising. Positions in merchandising include: assistant buyer, buyer, fashion journalist, internet merchant, merchandise manager, showroom manager, store manager, and visual merchandiser. Positions in design and product development include: creative designer, technical designer, private label manager, sourcing analyst, and production manager.

The FMD curriculum is structured to build students' knowledge and skills in the design, development, production, marketing, sale, and use of apparel and other textile products. Individuals employed in today's fashion world need to understand both product design and development and merchandising management. In addition, students learn details about the business and economics of the textile and apparel industry and the cultural and historic aspects of apparel fashion. Supporting courses in accounting or statistics, management, and marketing enhance career preparation.

Many courses in the FMD major promote hands-on learning so that students gain industry type experiences in product development, computer-aided design, textile and apparel evaluation, merchandise planning, promotion, and consumer patronage behavior. Through coursework, internships, study tours, student organizations, and interaction with industry experts, students become prepared to enter the dynamic apparel fashion field.

Consumer Studies Major

Career Advisor: I. Leech

The Consumer Studies major prepares students to enter a variety of careers in the public and private sectors. Central to these careers is the ability to analyze issues and problems from the perspectives of consumers, business, and government. Students learn to reasonably advocate consumer interests and to help consumers improve their well-being. They develop fundamental skills that are used to resolve problems faced by consumers in the market place and the work place.

Graduates enter careers related to consumer affairs, marketing and sales, business management, and human resources. Required courses build a thorough understanding of households in the dual roles of producers and consumers that function within an international economic marketplace affected by government policy and regulation. Students study current events to track changing conditions and public policy. Additional courses develop skills for effectively processing and conveying information. A choice of controlled electives enables a student to tailor study to consumer products and promotion or consumer financial services, and counseling.

Consumer Studies students are provided a variety of learning experiences on- and off-campus. Through involvement with student professional associations, as well as relevant state and national organizations, students can develop leadership and organizational skills and network with active professionals. There are opportunities to relate classroom learning to the "real world" with projects and visits with industry, legislators, and regulators. An individualized study experience, typically an internship related to personal career interests, is required.

Residential Environments and Design Major

Career Advisor: K. Parrott

The Residential Environments and Design (RED) major focuses on the planning, design, and marketing of residential environments. Required courses emphasize design, human, social, and business factors, including current issues and practices, which influence the environment of housing. The diversity of the population with differing needs, the range of available products, the growth of regulation, the increased concern for health and safety, and the rapid changes in technology are among the factors that lead to a very complex marketplace in the residential industry.

There are many career opportunities for graduates of the RED major, which provide employment as well as business opportunities. Employment opportunities include certified kitchen and bath designers, manufacturing and sales of residential products, residential construction, home furnishings, appliances, and related industries. The future looks bright for those students who choose careers in the residential design industry. A number of trend and demographic indicators suggest that people will continue to spend money on their homes and need products and services from experts. There will be a strong, on-going need in the residential industry for well-educated professionals with specialized knowledge in design and the ability to think and solve complex problems.

The RED major's program in kitchen and bath design is accredited by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, and interested students can prepare to sit for the first level design certification examination. Students in the major are mentored by industry members of the Residential Environments and Design Industry Board. Classroom learning is expanded through field trips, guest speakers, community clients, internships, competitions, and other special projects.

Property Management Major

Career Advisor: R. C. Goss

Property management offers a fast-growing career encompassing positions in luxury and affordable apartment developments, senior living communities, mixed-use, and office and retail properties. Hundreds of management positions are available each year, and graduates of Virginia Tech's program are in great demand because they are equipped with skills that address the complexities of managing multimillion-dollar investments. Employment is available in various aspects of the industry including management, operations, marketing, human resources, training, development, and acquisitions.

The property management major offers a wide-ranging program of study that includes specific courses in property management, as well as supporting courses in housing, business, and real estate. All students complete at least one internship that is typically a paid internship with housing provided. The internships give students an opportunity to gain real-world experience, make valuable career contacts, and explore different aspects of property management. Property management's very active advisory board visits campus twice yearly, and many also attend the property management career fair held on campus each March. Board members act as mentors and provide financial support for field trips, professional development, and scholarships. Property management seniors take the National Apartment Association's Certified Apartment Manager exam. Graduating with this credential places new employees a year or more ahead of other entry-level peers.

Family and Consumer Sciences Major

Career Advisor: J. Beamish

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) is a comprehensive study of the relationship between individuals, families, and communities, and the environment in which they live. The FCS major prepares graduates to help people make informed decisions about their well-being, their relationships, and their resources in order to achieve an optimal quality of life. FCS combines courses in consumer studies, family finance, housing, residential equipment, clothing, human development, nutrition, and health. This multidisciplinary program also encourages students to focus in depth on these topics, through the selection of a broad list of controlled electives, as well as an industry internship.

The FCS curriculum incorporates the content courses needed to achieve licensing to teach Family and Consumer Sciences at the secondary level in Virginia. To become licensed to teach through Virginia Tech, graduates of the FCS program should pursue a Master of Sciences in Education degree with a major in Career and Technical Education. Students who study Family and Consumer Sciences could also choose to work in other community educational settings, such as the Cooperative Extension Service, human resource departments, or nonprofits. They could also work with industries to provide programs in family and individual well-being or in media that provide information about families and consumer goods to the public.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (AHRM)

1104: INTRODUCTION TO AHRM AND STUDENT RESOURCES
Introduction to the Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management (AHRM), majors, and faculty expertise. Introduces students to co-curricular learning opportunities including the concept of undergraduate research. Exploration of numerous programs and services to enhance awareness of opportunities and support systems available for student development. (3H,3C)

1204: CLOTHING AND PEOPLE
A personal and societal approach to the study of clothing and its importance in people's lives. Social, psychological, and economic forces that affect clothing behavior of individuals and groups. Fundamentals of clothing and textiles importance to consumers. (3H,3C)

1214: FASHION PRESENTATION TECHNIQUES
Basic principles and methods for executing fashion and specification illustrations and technical flats. Practice and skill development using a variety of manual and computer tools. Emphasis on the correct use of industry terminology. (2H,2L,3C)

1624: RESIDENTIAL DRAFTING LAB
Principles of visual presentation of housing designs. Introduction to hand and computer drafting. (2L,1C)

2034: HISTORY OF COSTUME
A study of costume worn by people in historical and contemporary periods. Coverage of the evolution and development of Western costume. Use of fashion, clothing, and design terminology. Influence of historic costume on contemporary fashion and design. (3H,3C)

2204: INTRODUCTION TO TEXTILES
Structure, properties and basic production of textiles and textile components: natural and manufactured fibers; yarns; woven, knit, nonwoven fabrics; mechanical and chemical finishes; colorants and coloration methods. Influence on performance of apparel and interior textile products. Sophomore standing and one semester (lecture) of university core requirement in Scientific Reasoning and Discovery is required. Co: 2214. (3H,3C)

2214: APPAREL TEXTILES LABORATORY
Identification and characterization of textiles and textile components including: fabrics, finishes and coloration. Influence of these structural parameters on performance of apparel textiles. Co: 2204. (3L,1C)

2234: HOUSING TEXTILES
Identification of structural elements of housing textiles: natural and manufactured fibers; yarns; woven and other fabrics;finishes; and colorants and their applications. Influence of textile structure on serviceability properties of housing textiles. Exploration of sustainable textiles and related labeling as well as housing textile products and safety and health. Selection of textiles for application such as upholstered furniture, window treatment, and carpeting and rugs. Pre: sophomore standing. (3H,3C)

2264: APPAREL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Study of the pre-production stage of product development in the apparel industry, including planning a line based on market, consumer, and product research, forecasting trends in color, style and materials, developing and selecting designs and styles, and wholesale marketing of a line to retail buyers. Also includes the use of diverse inspiration sources for creating a design, application of computer-aided design to design and style development, and identification of career opportunities and qualifications for professional positions in the industry. Pre-requisite: Sophomore Standing required. Pre: 1214. (2H,2L,3C)

2304: FAMILY FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Overview of family financial management. Analysis of financial situations of individuals and families; assessment of needs for cash and credit management, insurance, tax savings, and investments; introduction to components of a comprehensive family financial plan. (3H,3C)

2404: CONSUMER RIGHTS
Changing role of consumers in American society from the perspective of the consumer interest. Consumers' legal and moral rights, responsibilities and means for successfully obtaining redress of grievances. Processes of government regulation and policy making that affect consumers. Current consumer problems and issues in such areas as ripoffs and frauds, food, health care, product safety, banking, credit, housing, insurance and investments. (3H,3C)

2604: HOUSE PLANNING
Principles of space planning and housing design in relation to individual and family activities, needs, and preferences. Introduction to house construction. Reading visual presentations of housing designs. (2H,2C)

2614: INTRODUCTION TO RESIDENTIAL TECHNOLOGIES
Principles underlying the selection, use and care of equipment and lighting in the home and the infrastructure that supports home technologies. (2H,2C)

2634: RESIDENTIAL TECHNOLOGIES LABORATORY
Basic principles of home technologies and their applications in the home. Co: 2614. (2L,1C)

2644: HOUSING AND THE CONSUMER
Overview of housing as it relates to consumer needs, values, lifestyles, norms and constraints. Includes structural and tenure alternatives, financial and legal considerations, house design, neighborhood choices, the home buying process, and future directions in housing. Government aspects focus on the history of federal involvement in housing, major housing programs, role of state and local government, and current housing issues and policies. (3H,3C)

2654: HOUSING ENVIRONMENTS
Basic design elements and principles in housing products and spaces. Qualities of spatial elements and housing products. The design process as used to explore the selection and application of these elements and products for specific user needs in housing environments. Pre: 1624. (2H,2L,3C)

2664: INTRODUCTION TO RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
The history of property management, roles and responsibilities of managers, developing effective marketing and maintenance strategies, fair housing, and landlord-tenant law. (3H,3C)

2674: MULTIFAMILY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS
Multifamily rental real estate including detailed examination of operational and financial aspects of multifamily property management. (3H,3C)

2964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3104: FASHION RETAILING CONCEPTS
Detailed investigation and analysis of the fundamentals of fashion merchandising concepts emphasizing problem solving at the retail level. Prerequisite: one semester of Curriculum for Liberal Education Area 5 - Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning required. Junior Standing. Pre: 1204. (3H,3C)

3204: INTRODUCTION TO TEXTILE EVALUATION
Analysis of the performance properties of fabrics. Importance of evaluation to product development, quality control, and specification of care requirements. Pre: 2204, 2214. (2H,3L,3C)

3224: APPAREL PRODUCTION
Application of concepts and principles of basic and intermediate-level apparel patternmaking and construction from the apparel industry perspective to the creation of prototypes, product specifications, and finished products. Students will gain conceptual understanding of simple to complex apparel construction techniques, learn the stitch and seam types and their applications, and develop skill in using a variety of manual and computer tools and equipment for apparel patternmaking and construction. Pre-requisite: Sophomore standing. Pre: 1204. (3H,3L,3C)

3234: FIT, PATTERNMAKING, AND DRAPING
Study of apparel product development from the apparel industry point of view using intermediate and advanced techniques and skills. Focus on conceptual understanding and application of garment fit, pattern and product alteration, pattern grading, and marker making principles and of flat-pattern and manikin-drape techniques used in apparel engineering and product development, along with development, along with development of skill in using a variety of related manual and computer tools. Pre-requisite: Junior Standing required. Pre: 3224. (3H,3C)

3244: SMALL BUSINESS APPAREL RETAIL DEVELOPMENT
Comprehensive study of small business concepts as applied to the textile and apparel retail industry. Analysis of the entrepreneurial mindset and strategies for business entry with emphasis on small business development, including concept and opportunity identification, merchandising and management, operations and control, advertising and promotion, and financial planning for a textile and/or apparel retail business. Pre: 2264, 3104. (3H,3C)

3254: GLOBAL APPAREL PRODUCTION AND TRADE
Study of evolution, basic elements, patterns, and implications in developed and developing countries of contemporary global apparel production and trade. Course topics also include key roles of U.S. firms and government agencies in global apparel production and trade, the types and roles of firms that participate in such production and trade, as well as international trade policies and other factors that influence global apparel production and trade. Pre-requisite: Junior Standing required. (3H,3C)

3404: CONSUMER EDUCATION STRATEGIES
Analysis of the role of effective consumer education strategies in consumer decision-making. Planning, developing, testing, and evaluating consumer education programs using a variety of strategies, including social marketing, for selected community partners and operating the Consumer Education Laboratory. Pre: 2304, 2404. (2H,2L,3C)

3464 (APS 3464) (GEOG 3464) (HD 3464) (HUM 3464) (SOC 3464) (UAP 3464): APPALACHIAN COMMUNITIES
The concept of community in Appalachia using an interdisciplinary approach and experiential learning. Interrelationships among geographically, culturally, and socially constituted communities, public policy, and human development. Pre: Junior standing. (3H,3C)

3504: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES
Introduction to resource management concepts and theories with application to personal and family life goals. Discussion of values, goals, decision making, planning, and communication in relation to the management process. Application of the management process to the use of resources, time, finances, stress, and the environment. Pre: 2304. (3H,3C)

3624: HOUSE PLANNING II
Principles of space planning, including activity analysis and user needs, as applied to residential settings. Graphic design solutions for specific areas of the home, including social, private, kitchen, and outdoor areas. Pre: 2604, 2634, 2654. (6L,3C)

3634: DEVELOPING AND MANAGING AFFORDABLE AND SPECIALIZED HOUSING
Development and operation management of affordable multifamily, military, and student housing, as well as community associations and mixed-use housing developments. Consideration of consumer lifestyles, financial circumstances, and sustainability issues for each housing option. Pre: 2674. (3H,3C)

3644: AMERICAN HOUSING
Overview of the role of housing in family life and society throughout the history of the United States. Exploration of the impact of technology, resources, and societal values on the design and style of housing and products used in the home. (3H,3C)

3674: ADVANCED RESIDENTIAL TECHNOLOGIES
Residential technologies, such as lighting, communications, and security systems, their impact on home activities, and how they can be successfully integrated into the house structure and design. Pre: 2614. (3H,3C)

3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.

4024: PORTFOLIO
The development and production of a professional apparel portfolio in both paper and ePortfolio format. Pre-requisite: Senior Standing required; 3234 or permission of the instructor. Pre: 3234. (3H,3C)

4124: CLOTHING BEHAVIOR PATTERNS
Study of clothing behavior of individuals in relationship to their needs, values, attitudes, interests, and self-concepts. Overview of principles and theories related to individuals' emotional, mental, and physical activities when obtaining, using, maintaining, and disposing of apparel products so as to satisfy their needs and desires. Application of principles and theories related to clothing behavior to the analysis of consumer and the development of effective merchandising strategies. Pre: 3104, (PSYC 2004 or PSYC 1004 or SOC 1004). (3H,3C)

4214: ECONOMICS OF THE TEXTILE AND APPAREL INDUSTRY
Study of the various segments of the textile and apparel industry. Analysis of the market structure and functioning of each segment and of factors currently affecting the industry. Pre: 2204, (ECON 2006 or ECON 2006H) or (AAEC 1005, AAEC 1006). (3H,3C)

4224: FASHION ANALYSIS AND COMMUNICATION
Analysis of factors influencing fashion change and acceptance. Application of effective promotional activities to trade, national, and retail levels of fashion merchandising. Senior standing required. Pre: 2264, MKTG 3104. (3H,3C)

4234: APPAREL QUALITY EVALUATION
Study of quality of ready-to-wear apparel and factors that influence variations in the aesthetic and functional performance of the end product, including consumer perceptions and expectations, manufacturing processes and trends, and the physical components of the end product. Pre: 3224, 3204. (3H,3C)

4244: NEW YORK FASHION STUDY TOUR
Integrative study of methods of operating at all levels within the fashion industry. Special emphasis on design, merchandising, and promotional activities. Seminars on campus and at pre-arranged appointments during a five-day stay in New York. AHRM major; Junior standing. Twelve hours of AHRM courses required. (3H,3C)

4264: MERCHANDISING STRATEGIES
A senior capstone course providing students with experience in synthesizing and using course content learned throughout their apparel program. Includes projects in forecasting, product development and promotions as used in the apparel industry in preparing and positioning products in the market. Pre: 3104, 4234, 4224. (3H,3C)

4274: INTERNATIONAL SOURCING OF APPAREL
Study of international sourcing of apparel products through a step-by-step simulation of the sourcing process to help students understand the procedures and documents needed to source apparel abroad. Also includes discussion of career opportunities related to sourcing apparel products abroad. Pre: 4234. (3H,3C)

4314: DEBTOR-CREDITOR RELATIONSHIPS
Examination of legal and operational aspects of debtor-creditor relationship from the perspective of businesses and debtors. Overview of the types of credit, access to credit, factors contributing to debt problems, and alternatives available for resolution. Focus on collection processes of federal and state bankruptcy laws and regulations. (3H,3C)

4324: FINANCIAL COUNSELING
Examination of debt and budgeting problems affecting families. Utilizes a problem-solving approach. Includes financial counseling strategies for coping with financial crises and becoming proactive in family financial management. (3H,3C)

4404: CONSUMER PROTECTION
Analysis of the effectiveness of consumer protection efforts. Examination of government laws, regulations, and agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as the effectiveness of both business and private consumer protection efforts. (3H,3C)

4414: PROFESSIONALISM IN CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Roles, functions and responsibilities of consumer affairs professionals employed in business, government, and non-profit public/consumer interest organizations. Professional advocacy within employing organizations, managing consumer complaint handling systems and major consumer and career issues are analyzed. (3H,3C)

4604: HOUSING: ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
A study of the development and management of sustainable housing, emphasizing energy and environmental resource efficiency. (3H,3C)

4604H: HOUSING: ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Honors section (3H,3C)

4624: ADVANCED KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN
Planning, design, and evaluation of residential kitchens and bathrooms, in relation to the total house plan. Emphasis on planning principles and technical requirements with attention to functional use of the spaces to meet the needs of people. Pre: 3624, 3674. (6L,3C)

4644: ADVANCED PROPERTY AND ASSET MANAGEMENT
Examination of the competencies necessary to maximize the value of real estate assets through effective operations and financial management practices. Includes detailed examination of income maximization, financial reporting, and ownership objectives of real estate investors. Pre: 2674, 4964. (3H,3C)

4654: ADVANCED TOPICS IN HOUSE PLANNING
Advanced topics in house planning, particularly kitchen and bath design, with emphasis on independent work of portfolio quality. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Pre: 4624. (6L,3C)

4664: UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Evaluation and design of commercial and residential environments with consideration for accessibility, adaptation, safety, and support of the user(s). (2H,2C)

4674: MANAGING AND MARKETING HOUSING FOR LATER LIFE
Managing and marketing housing for later life, including active adult communities and assisted living facilities. Pre: Junior Standing (2H,2C)

4684: MANAGING AND LEASING COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES
Examination of commercial property management considerations associated with office building, medical offices, industrial property, and shopping center space relative to leasing and negotiation, maintenance, marketing practices, and legal and fiduciary responsibilities of the property manager. Pre: Junior Standing (3H,3C)

4694: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Issues affecting property management, including ethics, professional management decisions, legislative issues, and current management practices. The course culminates in the analysis of an apartment community and development of a management plan. Pre: 4964 and senior standing in the Residential Property Management option or 5964 and graduate standing. Pre: 4964 or 5964 or 4644. (3H,3C)

4764: UNIVERSAL DESIGN LAB
Design of residential spaces that meet the needs of a range of users, including older adults and people with disabilities. Principles of universal design are applied to the spatial requirements and product selection for the home. Pre: 3624. Co: 4664. (2L,1C)

4914: RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT STUDY TOUR
Study tour that examines trends in the multifamily housing industry focusing on marketing, management, design, and customer service. Variable credit 2 credits maximum. Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course. Co: 4694.

4924: HOUSING STUDY TOUR
A study tour designed to examine the housing industry and trends in design, technology, products and processes. Junior standing required. Variable credit. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

4964H: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984H: SPECIAL STUDY
Honors Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.