Fashion students can choose between two concentrations: merchandising and design.

The merchandising concentration prepares students for professional careers in fashion retailing, including store management, buying, visual merchandising, fashion coordinating, fashion editing and consumer services. A minor in business management or marketing is strongly recommended.

The design concentration of this program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain jobs in the area of fashion design.

Fashion Merchandising and Design Program Goals 

Fashion Merchandising  Goals:  Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:

• Apply terms, concepts, and quantitative data important in fashion merchandising and retailing.
• Demonstrate a sufficiently high level of problem solving as it relates to fashion retailing and wholesaling.
• Demonstrate effective communication, research, and critical thinking skills.
• Apply appropriate technology used in fashion retailing and wholesaling.
• Use ethical principles to make appropriate decisions in fashion retailing and wholesaling.

Upon completion of the Merchandising program, students will be able to:

• Apply art and design concepts and skills in Fashion Design
• Demonstrate a sufficiently high level of creativity and problem solving as related to apparel design and manufacturing.
• Integrate knowledge gained from other disciplines and apply that knowledge to fashion design.
• Demonstrate effective communication, research, and critical thinking skills.
• Apply appropriate technology in fashion design and manufacturing.
• Participate in the assessment of her own work and the work of others.
• Articulate visual observation skills necessary for inspiration, interpretation, and creation of apparel design.