OVERVIEW OF FASHION DESIGN & MERCHANDISING

Fashion Design and Merchandising is an option in the Associate degree in Applied Design. This program includes the study of apparel design, historical costume as design inspiration, the business of fashion retailing, visual merchandising and computer design for manufactured apparel. Classroom and studio work are combined with an on-the job work experience in area businesses. The learning experience goes beyond the classroom to include fashion show production and field trips. This program can be articulated into a 2+2 program with the Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, with a major in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Retail Management.

 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS MAJORING IN FASHION

At the associate degree level, the Fashion program prepares students to pursue careers in the fashion design business, apparel buying at the retail and wholesale level, fashion department managers in department stores, fashion boutiques or retail firms, window display merchandizing, and independent apparel shop ownership. On top of strong job prospects, competitive salaries also await Fashion graduates. New graduates with an associate degree can earn a starting salary of $20,000 to $30,000 annually.