Fashion Merchandising is the planning, organizing and supervision of both apparel manufacturing, retailing, communication, display and product development. Fashion merchandisers own and operate garment manufacturers, contracting, fabric and trim businesses. Merchandisers buy and present fashion merchandise at special fashion events.
Merchandisers write for the fashion magazines and newspapers.
It is the merchandisers who set the trends in the Fashion business and are on the cutting edge of the apparel industry. The Fashion Merchandising program is designed to provide specialized training in predicting and recognizing trends in fashion, consumer demand, retail and wholesale. Courses in the major must be completed with a grade of C or better in each. The Fashion Merchandising Certificate Program consists of 45-46 units which may be completed in two years. Students may add 18 units of general education listed in Graduation Plan B to receive an Associate in Science Degree.