Fashion Merchandising, A.S.

Career Outlook

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, graphic designer, fashion writer or entrepreneur.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median salaries for careers in fashion merchandising include:

• Advertising sales agents: $52,340
• Fashion designers: $77,450

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the fashion program, students will:

• Exhibit creative problem-solving, global awareness and technical aptitude
• Apply business knowledge, an aesthetic viewpoint and comprehensive decision-making within the fashion industry
• Effectively communicate verbally and visually to merchandise, market and distribute product in a global marketplace
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Model principles of business ethics

• Learn from faculty with extensive experience in the business of fashion.
• Maximize your previous coursework by transferring credits into the program, or earn credit for workplace training through Immaculata’s Credit for Prior Learning program.
• Learn computer applications used in the fashion industry, such as Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Explore business and economic theories through real-world, up-to-date examples applied to the fashion industry.
• Use design and marketing principles to create visual merchandising displays that promote a brand or fashion trend to consumers.
• Expand your knowledge and career opportunities by continuing in Immaculata’s Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising or adding a minor in business management, data analytics, marketing or graphic design.

Curriculum

Major Course

• Apparel Construction & Design – 3 credits
• Computer Applications for Fashion – 3 credits
• Introduction to the Fashion Industry – 3 credits
• Introduction to Product Development – 3 credits
• Textiles – 3 credits
• Visual Merchandising I – 3 credits
• History of Costume – 3 credits
• Buying Principles & Practices – 3 credits
• Fashion Seminar – 3 credits
• Fashion Field Experience I – 3 credits
• Portfolio Development – 3 credits
• Fashion Marketing – 3 credits
• Marketing Principles & Practices – 3 credits
• Environmental Science – 3 credits
• Principles of Economics (recommended for social consciousness core requirement) – 3 credits
• Writing for the Web (recommended for humanities requirement) – 3 credits
• Global Economics & Environmental Ethics – 3 credits

Liberal Arts Core – 27 credits, 9 fulfilled by major

• Composition (English/Writing) 6 credits
• Natural & Physical World/Quantitative Reasoning (Lab Science/Math) 3 credits, fulfilled by major
• Community 9 credits, 3 fulfilled by major
• Pursuit of Faith (Religion, Theology) 6 credits
• Pursuit of Wisdom (Philosophy) 3 credits, fulfilled by major

Total Credits – 63

You can apply to Immaculata’s adult professional programs in four simple steps. If you have questions, please contact us via admiss@immaculata.edu or by phone at 484-323-3060.