Academic Catalog

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

Core Requirements
ADN 2410Textiles3
AFA 3400Clothing and Culture3
AFA 3460Introduction to Merchandising3
ADN 5430History of Costume3
AFA 5997Seminar3
Science Requirement: 15 credits in Natural Sciences. May be chosen from the following areas: AST, BIO, CHM, ESG, NFS, PH, PHY, or PSY15
Total Credits30

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.

Core Requirements
AFA 3470Global Issues in Fashion Merchandising3
AFA 5460Merchandising II3
AFA 5470Visual Merchandising: Display3
AFA 5490Economics of Merchandising3
AFA 5992Supervised Field Experience3
One Fashion Design or Merchandising Elective (select one of the following):3
Construction Methods I
Fashion Entrepreneurship
Special Topics in Fashion
Cognate Requirements
AFA 3480Fashion Marketing Management3
AFA 4660Fashion Retail Management3
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 Credits33

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:

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 Credits15

The student must maintain a 3.3 g.p.a overall and in the major.

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