PLC DETROIT OPERATES AS A NON-TRADITIONAL COLLEGE THAT EMBRACES A LEARN-BY-DOING APPROACH. THE INSTITUTION HELPS INDIVIDUALS NAVIGATE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ON THEIR OWN TERMS.
ILLUMINATING POSSIBILITIES, POWERING FUTURES
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
TWO YEARS HERE MOVE AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT—LIGHTING YOUR PATH AND PREPARING YOU TO BE BRIGHTER.
STEPPING INTO THE UNKNOWN CAN BE TOUGH. LET YOUR LIGHT GUIDE YOU THROUGH A SEAMLESS ADMISSIONS PROCESS.
Steps to Possibility. A Journey at PLC.
1. Apply for Admission
Submit your application for admission by the stated deadline. Be sure to review all requirements, including necessary documents and application fees.
2. Complete Any Required Assessments
If applicable, complete any required assessments or placement tests before moving forward with enrollment. These may be conducted online or at designated locations.
3. Request More Information
If you have questions about the program, curriculum, or next steps, request additional information to ensure you have everything needed to move forward with enrollment.
4. Register for Classes and Secure Payment
Register for your selected courses and ensure tuition and fees are paid by the deadline. PLC offers various payment options, including financial aid, scholarships, and installment plans.
PREPARE WITH KNOWLEDGE AND FIND YOUR PLACE. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START YOUR JOURNEY.
About the Program
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Apparel Design at PLC Detroit prepares students for careers in Apparel Design and Product Creation in global industries. The Associates of Applied Science (AAS) in Apparel Design equips students with the knowledge, skills and application needed to excel in the global product industry. Through a comprehensive accelerated program, students will be introduced to the history of apparel, hand illustrations, digital designing, critical conceptual thinking, product strategy, prototyping, craftsmanship, product development, product branding, color theory, merchandising, storytelling, presentations, and brand building.
Graduates of the AAS in Apparel Design program will be prepared to take on roles such as Associate Designer, entry-level CAD Designer, Assistant Technical Designer, Associate Product Line Manager, Merchandise Assistant, and Graphic Designer. With a foundation of critical and creative thinking, technical skills, and professional acumen, graduates will be job-ready for careers in product design, product development, and brand building.
This program may also include opportunities for internships or co-op experiences, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and build their professional network. By the program’s end, graduates will have a strong portfolio showcasing their design skills and be prepared for a successful career in the exciting world of apparel design.
Courses Include but are not limited to:
Apparel Design
Core
CSD 101 – Color Theory (3 credits)
APD 100 – Introduction to Apparel Design (3 credits)
APD 101 – Introduction to Sewing (3 credits)
APD 201 – Sewing II: Advanced Craft (3 credits)
APD 401 – Merchandising & Sales (3 credits).
APD 402 – Entrepreneurship: Foundations of Brand Building (3 credits)
PLC Fundamentals
ITD 101 – Ideas to Design (3 credits)
CAP 101 – Introduction to Capstone (1 credit)
CAP 102 – Capstone II: Year I Review (1 credit)
CAP 301 – Capstone III: Final Project (2 credits)
DES 101 – Design Visualization I: Illustration (3 credits)
DES 102 – Design Visualization II: Digital (3 credits)
DES 301 – Design Visualization III: Story and Presentation (3 credits)
DES 401 – Design Visualization IV: AI Design and Ethics (3 credits)
General Education Courses TBD
About the Program
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Color Strategy Design prepares students for careers in Color Design in global industries. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Color Strategy Design equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the dynamic and global field of Color Design. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students will delve into the history of color influences, color theory, trend insights, material finishes, color merchandising, and the psychology of color. They will learn to develop and implement color strategies that meet the needs of diverse industries, including fashion, automotive, interior design, user interface design, wellness, and product development.
Graduates of the AAS in Color Design Strategy program will be prepared to take on roles such as Entry-Level Color Designer, Color Specialist, Color Consultant, and Color Graphic Designer. They will be able to work in various settings, including design studios, manufacturing companies, retail organizations, start-ups, and consulting firms.
The program may also include opportunities for internships or co-op experiences, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and build their professional network. By the end of the program, graduates will have a strong portfolio showcasing their color design skills and be well-prepared for a successful career in the exciting world of color.
Courses Include but are not limited to:
Color Design
Core
CSD – History of Color (3 Credits)
CSD 101 – Color Theory (3 Credits)
CSD 102 – Color Theory Lab (2 Credit)
CSD 201 – Color Design Strategy I (3 Credits)
CSD 202 – Color Design Strategy Lab (2 Credits)
CSD 301- Color Design Strategy II & Merchandising I (3 Credits)
CSD 302 – Color Design Strategy II/Merchandising I Lab (3 Credits)
CSD 401- Color Merchandising II Capsule (3 Credits)
CSD 402 – Color Merchandising II Lab (2 Credits)
PLC Fundamentals
ITD – 101 – Ideas to Design/Concept to Consumer (3 Credits)
CAP 101 – Intro to Capstone (1 Credit)
CAP 102 – Capstone II (1 Credit)
CAP 203 – Capstone III Final Project (3 Credits)
DES 102 – Design Visualization: Digital (3 Credits)
DES 301 – Design Visualization: Story and Presentation (3 Credits)
BDP 301 – Branding Principles (3 Credits)
General Education Courses TBD
About the Program
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Footwear Design at PLC Detroit prepares students for careers in the global footwear industry.
This AAS in Footwear Design is structured to equip students with the knowledge and desired skill sets required to excel in the footwear design profession.
This comprehensive curriculum has been concentrated to tailor the education of the student and through the “learn by doing” approach; they will learn fundamentals that include principles of design, visual communication, design narrative; while building an emphasis in product/ process creation, production communication/ technical specification, and branding principles. The mission is to expedite the academic experience and create job-ready graduates for the footwear design industry.
Graduates of the AAS degree in footwear design at PLC Detroit will be equipped for roles related to conceptual ideation, footwear design, and digital implementation that meets the professional level standards required across the global footwear industry.
Footwear Design
Core
CSD 101 – Color Theory (3 credits)
FWD 101 – Intro to Footwear Design (3 credits)
FWD 102 – Footwear Design 2 (3 credits)
FWD 401 – A.I. & Ethics (3 credits)
PLC Fundamentals
IDT 101 -Ideas -to- Design / Thinking (3 credits)
CAP 102 – Capstone Update/ check-in (3 credits)
CAP 202 – Capstone update (1 credits)
CAP 203 – CAPSTONE FINAL /Industry Internship & Co-op Experience (3 credits)
DES 101 – Design Visualization 1 / 2D (3 credits)
DES 102 – Design Visualization 2 / digital (3 credits)
DES 204 – Production Comm./ Technical Specs. (3 credits)
VCOM 301 – Visual Comm. / Storytelling & Presentations (3 credits)
BDP 201 – Branding Principles (3 credits)
General Education Courses TBD
Student Admissions Process:
- Request PLC Admission form
- Submit application to PLC with required documents (portfolio/work example/essay/video/etc.)
- Interview with PLC
- Apply to WCCCD
- Acceptance & Orientation
Enrollment
Orientation & Registration Support
WCCCD will host a special orientation and an all-in-one registration day specifically for PLC students participating in the dual enrollment program.
- Orientation will be offered both in-person and virtually for accessibility.
- The goal is to ensure PLC students are properly registered for the general education courses required for their chosen degree path.
- WCCCD staff will provide advising and placement support to align students with appropriate coursework.
Acceptance Notification
Once WCCCD processes the student’s application, they will receive an acceptance letter via email with their WCCCD student ID. Official materials will also be sent directly to PLC.
Advising and Next Steps
Once admitted, students will work with WCCCD’s Educational Affairs and Student Services team for advising and next steps in course selection and registration.
Application Fee: $35.00
Application Deadlines:
Fall 2025 Admission: August 1, 2025
Spring 2026 Admission: November 15, 2025
- Tuition & Financial Aid
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- Affordable tuition rates ($0-$30K per year) with scholarships and financial aid available
- Ask about our PLC Detroit Design Scholarship—awarded to students with a passion for Innovation!
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- Housing
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- $8,400-$10,000 per year
- Utilities and fiber optic internet included
- Actual costs may vary
- PLC Detroit Scholarships may be available
- https://www.plcdetroit.com/housing/
- $8,400-$10,000 per year
Next Start Date: Fall 2025
Location: PLC Detroit, Downtown Campus
Contact Us:
Email: admissions@plcdetroit.org / Greg.Garcia@plcdetroit.org
Phone: 313-565-2400 (Receive a call back in 24HRS)
Schedule a Campus Tour
Contact our admissions team to set up a campus tour!
