The Department of Design and Merchandising's mission is to cultivate innovative and socially responsible solutions to local and global human-centered opportunities and challenges in apparel, interior design, and merchandising by enhancing students’ preparedness through experiential, collaborative, community, and industry-based learning. This department prepares students with a thorough understanding of design, business practices, and the needs of the client so that they may excel in professional careers that are not found in any other four-year university program in Colorado.