The Program

The Fashion Design and Merchandising program incorporates the aesthetics of apparel design with the business logic required for any career in the fashion industry. The courses in both design and merchandising are structured to allow the student to develop the necessary skills and design applications and are balanced with solid core studies needed in the business arena. Students will be encouraged to “cross train” within the program allowing them the flexibility to enter the fashion industry in all areas of design, production development, merchandising as well as public relations and retail management.

By nature, careers in the areas of fashion design, retailing and publicity are creative. However, interested students need to realize that knowledge of business practices, and the ability to think and make sound judgments is necessary as well. Preparation, multi-tasking and knowledge and appreciation for the fashion world are a must. At the Junior level, students have the option to follow a design or merchandising pathway.

The Requirements

• Fine and Applied Arts
  
• Design I
  
• Design II
  
• Drawing I
  
• Introduction to Photography
  
• Web Design
  
• Fashion Design
  
• Accessories
  
• Advanced Sewing Techniques
  
• CAD I, II
  
• Color
  
• Couture Techniques
  
• Draping
  
• Elements of Fashion Design
  
• Fashion Analysis and Trends
  
• Fashion Illustration
  
• Flat Pattern Making
  
• Grading Techniques
  
• History of Fashion Design
  
• Internship
  
• Introduction to the Fashion Industry
  
• Introduction to Fashion Sketching
  
• Marker Rendering
  
• Senior Capstone Show
  
• Senior Portfolio
  
• Sewing Techniques
  
• Tailoring Techniques
  
• Textiles
  
• Fashion Merchandising
  
• Business Law
  
• Fashion Merchandising
  
• Fashion Retail Buying
  
• Financial Accounting
  
• International Retailing
  
• Managerial Accounting
  
• Mathematics for Retail Buying
  
• Visual Merchandising
  
• Liberal Arts
  
• Cultural Diversity
  
• English Composition
  
• Introduction to Literature
  
• Ethics
  
• First Year Experience or Oral Communication
  
• Liberal Arts Electives (2)
  
• Natural Science Elective

Liberal Arts
The liberal arts core, a combination of humanities, natural sciences and social sciences, essential to a solid career foundation, is required in all degree programs.

Employment Opportunities
Graduates may seek employment for the following:

• Junior Design and Development Assistants
• Jewelry Designer
• Assistant Buyer and Buyer
  
• Associate Planner
  
• Visual Team Associate
• Merchandise Coordinator
  
• Senior Merchandise Manager
  
• Assistant Designer and Designer

Special Program Notes

For Further Information