Fashion Merchandising, B.S.
Learn the business of fashion at Immaculata University.
At Immaculata, you can earn a career-focused degree in fashion merchandising, tailored to fit you. Our multidisciplinary curriculum integrates the creative process with business principles. During each year of your studies, you’ll gain exposure to the fashion industry and participate in it so you’re ready to start your career.
At A Glance
Program: Bachelor of Science
Audience: Undergraduate students
Format: Face-to-face classes
Next Start Date: August 26, 2024
Cost: Full-time tuition
Time to Completion Four years
"Most of the professors in the Fashion Merchandising program either currently work within the fashion field or have worked within it in the past. I found this very helpful, as it allowed me to network with them and gain further insight on what to expect within this career and how to become successful. Taking courses like Retail Math, Buying Principles & Practices, and Industry Challenge helped me become more knowledgeable about some of the main skills that are required within my current job as assistant buyer for floral, holiday decor and outdoor. Some of my daily and/or weekly tasks include monitoring inventory, comp shopping/analyzing competitors assortments, managing purchase orders, building vendor relationships, creating trend boards, analyzing sales reports, etc. My favorite part of this job is being able to assist in selecting merchandise based off of current trends and then analyzing selling in order to see how well those styles are performing in real time. I have always been very analytical as well as creative, and being able to utilize both of these skills within this role has made this job that much more enjoyable!"
Alexis Lessley '21
Assistant Buyer at Burlington Stores
Dual Business or Marketing Degree Option: You can earn a dual major in fashion merchandising combined with either business or marketing management and still graduate in four years. This dual degree helps you sharpen your quantitative and creative skills, preparing you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in areas such as fashion retail operations, merchandise management, product development and analysis and more. The dual major also gives you broad flexibility to pursue careers in other industries with your ACBSP-accredited business degree. You will increase your job prospects in retail corporate management, retail sales management, manufacturer sales, product development, buying, e-commerce and other related fields.
Study Tours: Accompanied by IU faculty, you’ll visit major fashion and design centers in New York City and the Philadelphia area. On these annual tours, you’ll meet with industry professionals, go behind-the-scenes at companies, and become immersed in art, architecture, fashion and pop culture.
Student Groups: Gain experience by joining the Immaculata Fashion Club and the Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society (IU chapter: Kappa Chi Chapter), which empowers leaders in family and consumer sciences, fashion merchandising and nutrition.
Internships: During your junior year, you will complete two field experiences, which will be aligned with your chosen career path to help you gain hands-on experience. Our students have recently interned at QVC, Marie Claire Magazine, Urban Outfitters corporate office, Anthropologie, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Beauty Within TV, Bouché Productions, The Globe Showroom in New York City, Showroom Seven, GAP, Bootights and more.
Customizable Program: The courses in the program are carefully sequenced and updated as the industry changes. This interdisciplinary program provides a dynamic, customizable curriculum with numerous minors that help you specialize in an area specific to your career path. A common minor for fashion merchandising majors is in data analytics which is transforming the world of fashion. Today, fashion companies are seeking professionals capable of understanding data to track style trends and customer response. Minoring in data analytics will help you navigate and explore the world of fashion using data.
Our students create online portfolios to highlight their projects and experiences, allowing them to showcase their work for prospective employers. View the portfolios of our students below.
With a degree in fashion merchandising you’ll understand the business side of fashion and can pursue a career as a buyer, visual merchandiser, product developer, fashion writer or become an entrepreneur and open your own boutique!
Our recent graduates have gotten jobs as assistant buyers, assistant designers, visual merchandisers, brand ambassadors, style consultants, and sales and marketing associates at companies such as New York and Company, American Eagle Outfitters, Urban Outfitters, Walmart eCommerce, Boscov’s, Burlington Stores and Alice + Olivia.
Immaculata University offers an appealing location for job opportunities and networking. IU is remarkably close to sizable, nationally recognized sustainable fashion companies, such as United by Blue, Made in America Yarns and Wearwell. High-tech fashion startups such as TrendBent and Jenzy are also nearby, along with well-known companies such as Urban Outfitters, Printfresh, Boathouse and QVC; and unique and nationally known resale boutiques such as Posh, Louella and Malena’s Vintage.
You’ll have access to an impressive network of graduates working in the fashion industry in national and multinational businesses in the region, allowing you to connect with professionals who can help launch your career.
Just The Facts
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Student to Faculty RatioWith a 10:1 student/faculty ratio, personalized academic attention is a hallmark of Immaculata’s programs.
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Academic ProgramsImmaculata's 60+ undergraduate programs and 12+ graduate programs provide career-focused education for in-demand jobs.
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Clubs and OrganizationsChoose from more than 30 organizations to build relationships, broaden perspectives and gain leadership experience.