Bachelor of Science - Fashion Management - Merchandising

The Bachelor of Science in Fashion Management program at the School of Media and Design prepares students for careers in the design and business sides of the fashion industry. The program’s emphasis on technology, practical technique, business insight, artistry and scholarship produces well-rounded graduates with extensive insights into fashion. Concentrations in Merchandising and Apparel Production and Design offers them an opportunity to specialize in one of these two critical areas, giving them all the tools they need to pursue success in dozens of career paths.

Fashion is a multi-billion-dollar industry that spans the globe. In the U.S. alone, it nears the half-trillion mark at $406 billion. Such an enormous field consists of hundreds of working parts from resource allocation to product development to marketing and sales. In fact, the industry employs nearly 2 million people around the world and reports a low unemployment rate. The Fashion Management program arms students with a deep understanding of the industry’s workings, so that they may enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Study of trends, forecasting, history and impact helps them anticipate and navigate changes in the fast-moving field.

The Merchandising concentration is designed for students to develop skill sets that emphasize brand management and sales analysis. Both brand management techniques and sales management include visual merchandising, promotions, product buying, and operations management for either business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C). Because the retail sector is the ultimate distribution site for fashion product, they will learn how the retailing sector is organized by fashion market levels. Each market level requires different sales techniques to reach the final consumer. They also develop a global perspective of emerging economies through the understanding of trade agreements, global employment practices, and sustainability of resources.

A minor in Business Administration is included in the degree plan for the Merchandising concentration. Merchandising students take capstone coursework with Apparel Production and Design students to integrate responsibilities from both the retail and manufacturing sectors for the sale of product from concept to the final consumer.