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 via the PLC Application portal
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.
Disclaimer: Non-Accredited Degree Program
PLC Detroit offers educational programs and degree certificates for the purpose of personal enrichment, professional development, and specialized knowledge. Please note that this program is not currently accredited by any national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or equivalent international bodies.
As such:
- Degrees or certificates issued by PLC Detroit may not be recognized by employers, educational institutions, licensing authorities, or government agencies.
- Completion of this program does not guarantee eligibility for employment, professional licensure, or further academic study.
- This program is intended for individuals who understand and accept the limitations of a non-accredited education.
By enrolling in this program, you acknowledge and agree to these terms. We encourage all prospective students to perform their own due diligence before enrolling.
For any questions or clarifications, please contact admissions@plcdetroit.org
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.
View Course Descriptions
Courses Include but are not limited to:
Apparel Design Core
- CSD 101 – Color Theory
- APD 100 – Introduction to Apparel Design
- APD 101 – Introduction to Sewing
- APD 201 – Sewing II: Advanced Craft
- APD 202 – Product Communication
- ADP 203 – Entrepreneurship
PLC Fundamentals
- DES 100 – Ideas to Design
- DES 101 – Design Visualization I: Illustration
- DES 102 – Design Visualization II: Digital
- DES 200 – Branding Principles
- DES 203 – Design Visualization III: Story and Presentation
- DES 204 – Design Visualization IV: A.I. Design and Ethics
- CAP 100 – Introduction to Capstone
- CAP 101 – Capstone II: Year I Review
- CAP 202 – Capstone III: Final Project
General Education Courses (via WCCCD)
- ENG 119 – English I
- ENG 120 – English II
- HUM 101 – Introduction to the Visual Arts
- SPH 101 – Fundamentals of Speech
- BIO 151 – Human Ecology
- SOC 100 – Introduction to Sociology
- HUM 126 – Foundation of African American Art
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.
VIEW Course Descriptions
Courses Include but are not limited to:
Color Design Core
- CSD 100 – History of Color
- CSD 101 – Color Theory
- CSD 101 – Color Theory Lab
- CSD 102 – Color Design Strategy I
- CSD 102 – Color Design Strategy I Lab
- CSD 203 – Color Design Strategy II & Merchandising
- CSD 203 – Color Design Strategy II & Merchandising I Lab
- CSD 204 – Color Merchandising II Capsule
- CSD 204 – Color Merchandising II Lab
PLC Fundamentals
- DES 100 – Ideas to Design
- DES 102 – Design Visualization II: Digital
- DES 200 – Branding Principles
- DES 203 – Design Visualization III: Story and Presentation
- CAP 100 – Intro to Capstone
- CAP 101 – Capstone II
- CAP 202 – Capstone III: Final Project
General Education Courses (via WCCCD)
- ENG 119 – English I
- ENG 120 – English II
- HUM 101 – Introduction to the Visual Arts
- SPH 101 – Fundamentals of Speech
- BIO 151 – Human Ecology
- SOC 100 – Introduction to Sociology
- HUM 126 – Foundation of African American Art
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.
View Course Descriptions
Footwear Design Core
- CSD 101 – Color Theory
- FWD 101 – Intro to Footwear Design
- FWD 102 – Footwear Design II
- FWD 203 – Product Communication
PLC Fundamentals
- DES 100 – Ideas to Design
- DES 101 – Design Visualization I: Illustration
- DES 102 – Design Visualization II: Digital
- DES 200 – Branding Principles
- DES 203 – Design Visualization III: Story and Presentation
- DES 204 – Design Visualization IV: A.I. & Design Ethics
- CAP 100 – Introduction to Capstone
- CAP 101 – Capstone II
- CAP 202 – Capstone III: Final Project
General Education Courses (via WCCCD)
- ENG 119 – English I
- ENG 120 – English II
- HUM 101 – Introduction to the Visual Arts
- SPH 101 – Fundamentals of Speech
- BIO 151 – Human Ecology
- SOC 100 – Introduction to Sociology
- HUM 126 – Foundation of African American Art
Admissions and Enrollment
Student Admissions Process:
- Apply via the PLC Application portal
- Submit application to PLC with required documents
- Apply with our partner school, Wayne County Community College District for general education courses.
- Acceptance & Orientation
View Admission Requirements
Application
Application Fee: $35.00
The $35 application fee is waived using a waiver code which can be found within the application.
Extended Application Deadline:
Due to recently secured funding, we are now offering the PLC Detroit Design Scholarship to all students who are admitted and enroll in our two-year degree program! As a result, we are extending the application deadline to allow students to take advantage of this competitive opportunity
Fall 2025 Admission: Friday, July 11 at 11:59 PM EST.
Other Deadlines:
Decisions Released: End of July
Orientation Date: August 22
Housing Move-In: August 23 & 24 (for select cases)
Fall Courses Start: August 25, 2025 Fall Courses End: October 31
Tuition & Financial Aid
- Affordable tuition rates with scholarships available
- Ask about our PLC Detroit Design Scholarships—awarded to students with a passion for Innovation!
- We are now offering the PLC Detroit Design Scholarship to all students who are admitted and enroll in our two-year degree program! As a result, we are extending the application deadline to allow students to take advantage of this competitive opportunity.
Cost component | Annual Amount (Michigan Resident Example) |
Gen-ed tuition pass-through (WCCCD) | $ 1,820 |
Design‐studio tuition (15 cr @ $650) | $ 9,750 |
Technology & software fee | 6,510 |
Color & materials consumables fee | 2,400 |
Student services + facilities fees | 600 |
Total | $ 21,080 |
Housing
- $7,520 per year
- Utilities and fiber optic internet included
- Actual costs may vary
- PLC Detroit Scholarships may be available
Key Information
- Application Deadline: June 30 at 11:59pm ET
- Decisions Released: End of July
- Orientation Date: August 22
- Housing Move-In: August 23 & 24 (for select cases)
- Fall Courses Start: August 25
- Fall Courses End: October 31
- Location: PLC Detroit, Downtown Campus
Contact Us:
Email: admissions@plcdetroit.org
We will respond within 72 HRS
Schedule a Campus Tour
Contact our admissions team to set up a campus tour!
