Fashion Design and Merchandising, BS | West Virginia University

Fashion Design and Merchandising, BS | West Virginia University
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Programs
Fashion Design and Merchandising, BS
College of Creative Arts and Media
School of Art and Design
Fashion Design and Merchandising, BS
Fashion is one of the most dynamic, globally integrated, and culturally significant industries in the world. Peer behind the gloss and glamor to discover how design concepts come to life and are marketed to consumers.
The Fashion Design and Merchandising program produces future leaders in a dynamic and global industry that operates at the intersection of creativity, technology, commerce, and culture.
Through experiential learning, students address some of the most complex issues facing the industry today to create a more sustainable fashion future.
A portfolio review is not required for admission to the Fashion Design and Merchandising Program.
Your Degree Plan
Fashion is one of the most dynamic, globally integrated and culturally significant industries in the world. Peer behind the gloss and glamor to discover how design concepts come to life and are marketed to consumers.
Coursework
Popular Courses
Areas of Emphasis
Enhance Your Degree
Plan of Study
As a Fashion Design and Merchandising student, you will explore a broad view of the fashion industry and all the career opportunities it has to offer. From textile production, product design, sourcing, and manufacturing, to retail merchandising and consumer behavior, you’ll learn to appreciate and understand the complexity and dynamism of the modern fashion supply chain.
You may pursue an Area of Emphasis (AoE) in either Fashion Merchandising or Fashion Design.
The Fashion Merchandising AoE includes a minor (selected by the student with guidance from their adviser) in either Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations, Strategic Social Media, Event Planning, Entrepreneurship, General Business, Marketing, or Professional Sales.
Tailor this major to your interests by taking 1 of these courses:
Introduction to Fashion Business
FDM 110
This course introduces the fashion business by exploring its production and distribution systems with a focus on basic merchandising, design, marketing, and retail concepts.
Introduction to Textiles
FDM 211
The course focuses on textiles intended for use in apparel and soft goods applications. Students examine all stages of the textile supply chain - from fiber to finishes - with opportunity for hands-on exploration. Sustainability and technological innovation in the textile industry are also addressed.
Fashion, the Body, and Culture
FDM 220
Students examine the intersection of fashion, the body, and culture to appreciate the role of dress in everyday life. Students explore dress practices through the lens of economics, politics, religion, and gender, among other social factors. The course emphasizes critical thinking and cross-cultural exploration through group discussion and personal reflection.
 
 
Product Development Studio
FDM 435S
This course will offer an understanding of the step by step decision making of pre-production processes involved in creating new products from design concept to the final consumer.
Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in 1 of these areas:
Fashion Design
From patternmaking to draping to sewing, Fashion Design students learn practical and technical skills necessary to take a design from concept to finished garment.
View in Catalog
: Fashion Design
Fashion Merchandising
Fashion Merchandising students apply their creative and critical thinking skills to bring fashion products to market through pricing, promotion, quality analysis, consumer behavior analysis, and global supply chain management.
View in Catalog
: Fashion Merchandising
Take advantage of special options related to this major:
Honors
Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered:
Honors Foundations
and
Honors in Action
Explore Honors
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
Dedicated, state-of-the art studio spaces for both textile and apparel design.
Experiential learning opportunities throughout the curriculum including in product development, visual merchandising, fashion promotion, and the internship experience.
Scholarship competition opportunities through the Fashion Scholarship Fund and other nationally recognized organizations.
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and affiliate of the Textile and Apparel Program Accreditation Commission.
Intern with leading companies in the industry by tapping into a rich FDM alumni network.
Faculty are deeply invested in helping students create a more sustainable, ethical, and just fashion future.
Learn
by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
Research and Academic Opportunities
Student Organizations
Professional Organizations
Living-Learning Communities
Network with industry professionals and program alumni as part of the New York Study Tour.
Gain cultural competencies and expand your worldview through the summer study abroad program
Disegno Italia
Engage in faculty research activities through the SURE and RAP programs
Explore the economic and community development opportunities
fibersheds
offer in the Amy Bircher Textile Lab and FDM’s signature Farm to Fashion program.
Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:
Fashion Business Association
View all of the
student organizations
you can join.
Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:
Costume Society of America
International Textile and Apparel Association
Live, study, and learn in a
residence hall community
that shares your interests:
Create
Adventure
Air Force ROTC
Army ROTC
Global
Honors
The Quad
True Colors
Careers and Outcomes
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Career Profiles
How We Prepare You
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary:
$76,950
Possible Job Titles:
Market Analyst, Market Research Analyst, Market Research Consultant, Market Research Specialist
Explore Career
:Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Demonstrators and Product Promoters
Demonstrate merchandise and answer questions for the purpose of creating public interest in buying the product. May sell demonstrated merchandise.
Median Salary:
$37,960
Possible Job Titles:
Demonstrator, In Store Demonstrator, Merchandiser, Product Demonstrator
Explore Career
:Demonstrators and Product Promoters
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule. Duties include reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.
Median Salary:
$57,770
Possible Job Titles:
Expeditor, Materials Planner, Production Planner, Production Scheduler
Explore Career
:Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Median Salary:
$126,960
Possible Job Titles:
Advertising Manager (Ad Manager), Communications Manager, Promotions Director, Promotions Manager
Explore Career
:Advertising and Promotions Managers
Supply Chain Managers
Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary:
$102,010
Possible Job Titles:
Global Supply Chain Director, Material Requirements Planning Manager, Supply Chain Director, Supply Chain Manager
Explore Career
:Supply Chain Managers
Wholesale and Retail Buyers
Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary:
$75,650
Possible Job Titles:
Buyer, Grocery Buyer, Procurement Specialist, Trader
Explore Career
:Wholesale and Retail Buyers
Sustainability Specialists
Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary:
$81,270
Possible Job Titles:
Sustainability Consultant, Sustainability Coordinator, Sustainability Specialist, Sustainable Design Coordinator
Explore Career
:Sustainability Specialists
Art Directors
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.
Median Salary:
$111,040
Possible Job Titles:
Art Director, Creative Director (CD Director), Creative Services Director, Design Director
Explore Career
:Art Directors
Career options
Graduates work in the fashion industry in various roles including retail buyers, product developers, creative designers, and tech designers. They also go on to be entrepreneurs.
Specific employers include:
Coach
UGG
Carhartt
DICK’S Sporting Goods
Gabe’s
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Fashion Design and Merchandising major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's
first-time freshman admission requirements
. Interested in transferring? Review the
transfer admission requirements
Tuition and Aid
How much does Fashion Design and Merchandising at WVU cost? And how can you save?
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.
View Tuition and Fees
Scholarships
Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.
Find Scholarships
Ways to Save
Beyond
scholarships
, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.
Financial Aid
The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Fashion Design and Merchandising, BS is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
How to Complete the FAFSA
Start at Another WVU Campus
You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.
Explore WVU System
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.
Review the
full list of transfer articulation agreements
to see if your institution is listed.
Learn How to Transfer Course Credits
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