Design and Merchandising (B.S.)
Curricula in this area provide a liberal education as well as the opportunity for a professional concentration in the fields of apparel design and fashion merchandising.
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements for this program are satisfied by the general requirements for undergraduate admission to the University.
Degree Requirements
Candidates must complete a minimum of 120 credits including satisfaction of the University General Education requirements and all departmental and area requirements as indicated below. A minimum grade of C- must be earned in each required course in the major in order for the course credit to count toward completion of the degree. All course work must be completed in accordance with the regulations of the University and the College governing undergraduate scholarship and degrees.
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Design and Merchandising must complete a minimum of fifteen credits in Natural Science courses. Science courses can be taken in the following subjects areas: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Nutrition and Food Science, or Psychology. This course selection should be done in consultation with a departmental advisor.
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| ADN 2410 | Textiles | 3 |
| AFA 3400 | Clothing and Culture | 3 |
| AFA 3460 | Introduction to Merchandising | 3 |
| ADN 5430 | History of Costume | 3 |
| AFA 5997 | Seminar | 3 |
| Science Requirement: 15 credits in Natural Sciences. May be chosen from the following areas: AST, BIO, CHM, ESG, NFS, PH, PHY, or PSY | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Fashion Merchandising Concentration
This concentration develops understanding and practical skills related to the planning, buying and selling of fashion merchandise. Students gain insights into the various aspects of the apparel industries including marketing, sales, styling, publicity, advertising, visual presentation, fashion coordination, and merchandising. Possible careers include positions in management, buying, and fashion promotion and sales.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| AFA 3470 | Global Issues in Fashion Merchandising | 3 |
| AFA 5460 | Merchandising II | 3 |
| AFA 5470 | Visual Merchandising: Display | 3 |
| AFA 5490 | Retail Math | 3 |
| AFA 5992 | Supervised Field Experience | 3 |
| One Fashion Design or Merchandising Elective (select one of the following): | 3 | |
| Construction Methods I | ||
| Fashion Entrepreneurship | ||
| Special Topics in Fashion | ||
| Cognate Requirements | ||
| AFA 3480 | Fashion Marketing Management | 3 |
| AFA 4660 | Fashion Retail Management | 3 |
| 9 credit hours of Business electives from the following areas: Accounting (ACC); Business Administration (BA); Finance (FIN); Global Supply Chain (GSC); Marketing (MKT); Management (MGT) | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
Design and Merchandising Honors Curriculum (B.A. and B.S. Programs)
(15 Credits required)
The Department of Art and Art History Honors program offers capable students the opportunity to pursue independent study and to work closely with department full-time faculty members. Completion of the honors major results in an honors degree designation on the diploma.
Departmental Honors Requirements
In order to enter the Departmental Honors program a student must have achieved academic excellence in a college or university with a g.p.a. of 3.3. A student must meet all regular major requirements including the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Honors Option Required Courses | ||
| Three Honors Option AFA or AFI courses at the 2000-level to 5000- level (internships cannot satisfy this requirement) | 9 | |
| One Honors Seminar offered (HON 4200 through HON 4280) | 3 | |
| One Honors Project (ACS 5996 – Honors Project) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
The student must maintain a 3.3 g.p.a overall and in the major.