Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Fashion Merchandising
Majors Overview May 11, 2013Students enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Merchandising programs can expect to become adept at marketing, buying, and design of apparels. Those who graduate from these degree programs can seek entry level jobs in the fashion industry or choose to continue their education through enrollment in a four-year bachelor degree program.
Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Merchandising
Two-year fashion merchandising degree programs are devised to make enrolled students business savvy and to develop their fashion sense. In a majority of programs, students get introduced to the processes of product design and manufacture. They also become adept at analyzing market behavior, execution of promotional campaigns and development of a clothing brand. They may even learn about creating a floor or window display for a retailer. Discussion topics may also include strategies for purchasing and importing merchandise.
Coursework is a combination of classroom lectures and hands on instruction through internship programs. Some schools may require students to clock in more than two hundred hours of work experience every semester. Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Program Coursework
Along with basic educational courses in areas such as social sciences and humanities, students are required to take core courses that blend design basics, including sewing techniques and pattern making, with administrative and marketing principles. Program course topics may include the following:
•Fashion buying
•Advertising
•Accounting
•Visual merchandising
•Textiles
•Fashion history
•Customer analysis
•Retail management
Career Options
Fashion merchandising associate degree program graduates will be able to work for fashion manufactures or retailers. They may also find jobs with design and publishing firms. Individuals may obtain the following job titles:
•Window dresser
•Fashion consultant
•Purchasing agent
•Fashion coordinator
•Retail store manager
Information on Continuing Education
Students who have graduated from an associate degree program in fashion merchandising might be interested in furthering their education by pursuing a bachelor degree program in a related field. Program options are available in fashion design, retail marketing, and fashion merchandising. Most of these programs prepare graduates for managerial positions in manufacturing or retailing industries. Individuals can also go on to pursue careers in design.