The Associate of Applied Science degree program in Fashion Merchandising is designed to help prepare students for entry-level positions in the fashion merchandising and retail industries. Business, marketing, management and sales principles used within the fashion industry are presented throughout the curriculum as a means of developing concepts and refining merchandising skills.

Through coursework in Fashion Design principles, Pattern Drafting, Clothing Construction, and Fashion Marketing and Consumer Behavior, students can learn the keys to fashion merchandising. As a graduate of our Fashion Merchandising program, you should be able to discuss management issues within the fashion retail industry, identify trends in the marketplace, sketch ideas for clothing designs and give examples of effective merchandise displays. With a hands-on internship and professional portfolio, you can feel confident entering the fashion merchandising career field.

Students in this career-focused curriculum can also learn to:

• Identify principles of fashion marketing
• Discuss the history of fashion and relate it to the cultural, political, economic and religious climate for each historical era
• Describe different types of fabric and properties
• Identify consumer needs and preferences
• Discuss the importance of effective buying strategies by fashion retailers
• Identify key art principles and elements of design
• Recognize the importance of line, color, texture, function, trends and lifestyle
• Produce flat patterns for various types of clothing
• Examine the design of garments and fabrics with attention to cut, grain seams, pockets, collars, necklines, etc.
• Coordinate designs for a variety of consumers, sizes, styles, prices and markets