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The fashion industry is known for rapid change and is characterized by new technology, globalization and changing consumer desires. The fashion industry employs millions of people and reflects the health of a nation’s economy because of the millions of dollars spent by consumers for fashion goods. The fashion industry is composed of businesses that design, produce and sell a unique array of consumer goods known for seasonal changes in fabrics, colors and silhouettes. Fashion products are not exclusive to women’s apparel. Rather, fashion production and sales are organized into several different product categories: men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and accessories, cosmetics and fragrances, and home furnishings. A fashion career is for any individual who thrives on change.

The four-year curriculum in fashion design and merchandising offers the beginning level of education for those who intend to pursue a career in fashion. There are three specializations in the Fashion Design and Merchandising major: Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, and Fashion Stylist. Within each specialization, a structured sequencing of courses is included which provides for a gradual interactive development of required knowledge and skills. This preparation is combined with the University Core Curriculum courses to provide a comprehensive scholarly foundation for advancement.

A fast-paced atmosphere is created by the amount of information to be covered, the frequency of assignments, and the pressure of due dates. Successful students must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously and manage their time wisely. While facilities are provided for use, cost for supplies, individual equipment and field trips necessary to the successful completion of the program are borne by the student. Due to variation in choice of individual materials used, it is impossible to predict the exact costs for each student. The Fashion Design and Merchandising program maintains the right to retain student work for exhibition or for records and accreditation purposes. Students are advised to assemble a photographic file of their work for their portfolios. All students in the fashion design and merchandising major are required to have a laptop computer at the beginning of the second semester freshman year.

Potential Occupations

Participation in work experience, internships, externships and volunteer activities is recommended to enhance the academic curriculum. In addition, educational travel opportunities are provided allowing students to visit major fashion market cities with on-site business appointments. Graduates who pursue advanced studies can attain more responsible positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels.

Graduates of the fashion design specialization are prepared to design clothing, accessories and other soft goods. Some designers are self-employed and design for individual clients. Other designers cater to specialty stores or department stores. Most fashion designers, however, work for apparel manufacturers creating and adapting fashions for the mass market. Some examples of careers in this area include, but are not limited to, manufacturer’s representative, sales representative, production manager, inventory controller, stylist, apparel designer, textile designer, pattern maker, customer service representative, fashion illustrator, costing engineer, technical services, government or private researcher, and computer-aided design (CAD) manager.

• Fashion Design Specialization
• Fashion Merchandising Specialization
• Fashion Stylist Specialization