Associate in Business Administration: Fashion Merchandising
Majors Overview April 28, 2013In this article, we will discuss about the associate degree programs in business administration with a focus on fashion merchandising. Students will receive information on career options and program requirements to make an informed decision about their education.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Business Administration – Fashion Merchandising
The elements of design, retailing, manufacturing and product development are combined in fashion merchandising. Graduates who have earned an associate’s degree in the discipline are prepared for entry level jobs in retailing, sales and fashion marketing. While Associate in Business Administration Degree Programs in Fashion Merchandising are offered by some schools, an AAS in Fashion Merchandising is a more commonly offered associate’s degree program in the field. Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Concepts in fashion design and theory are combined with business concepts in these programs, which introduce students to the fashion industry and give them a good understanding of the industry’s history. Accounting practices, marketing and advertising are also taught. Students can garner hands-on experience by participating in a retail and fashion internship at venues such as ad agencies, buying offices and retail stores.
Program Coursework
Typically, these degree programs consist of sixty-one to sixty-six credits and take approximately two years to complete, if students are enrolled full-time. General education requirements might include critical thinking, humanities, social science, and math. Core course topics may include the following:
•Apparel merchandising
•Customer service quality improvement
•Fashion merchandising
•Retailing
•Textiles
•Fashion buying
•Drawing
•Advertising
•Marketing
•Business organization and management
Career Options
Graduates who successfully complete this degree program will be prepared for career positions in fashion designers’ showrooms, retail stores, resident buying offices, and fashion manufacturing. Job duties may include selling merchandise, performing inventory control, managing retail stores, and purchasing goods. Job titles may include:
•Sales assistant
•Assistant buyer
•Fashion entrepreneur
•Store manager
•Junior textile merchandiser
Information on Continuing Education
Those who have graduated from the associate’s degree program could choose to improve their skills through continuing education by earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fashion merchandising, then they can seek executive level positions. Specialized training may be offered in a master’s degree program in areas such as textiles and historical costumes. Specialized training in areas such as merchandise buying, retailing and textiles are offered through certificate programs.
