Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising
Majors Overview March 19, 2014Students will be taught a combination of fashion industry knowledge and business principles if they choose to take a bachelor’s degree program in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising. Graduates will become well educated in the fashion business world, which qualifies them for many employment opportunities.
B.S. Programs in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising
Students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising are educated in the business aspects of the fashion industry such as wholesaling, retailing, marketing, buying, and sales. These programs are offered through various technical schools and institutes, and private and public universities and colleges. These schools typically offer these programs as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), and Bachelor of Science (B.S.).
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Certain classes may have to be completed by students before they are allowed to begin core coursework. In some programs, students can submit portfolios to enhance their chances of gaining admission.
Coursework
The program requires the participation of students in numerous classes where they are imparted instruction about basic fashion industry and business knowledge, software applications, consumer behavior, and trends. The completion of an internship by students is required in some programs whereby they are imparted hands-on training under the guidance of fashion marketing and merchandising professionals. Coursework may commonly include:
•Fashion trends and forecasting
•Buying
•Textiles
•Consumer behavior
•Merchandising strategies
•Retail management
•Visual merchandising
•Fashion design introduction
•Fashion history
Career Choices
Those who successfully complete a bachelor’s degree program in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising can seek entry-level occupation at various workplace settings such as corporations, clothing wholesalers and retailers. Career choices may commonly include:
•Visual merchandiser
•Fashion director
•Sales manager
•Clothing buyer
•Store planner
Wage outlook
In 2012, retail buyers earned an average annual wage of $57,420, while sales managers took home $119,980, and retail store supervisors earned $40,910 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)). In November 2013, the average annual wage of visual merchandisers ranged between $20,649 and $50,144.
Continuing Education Choices
Students can seek continued education in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising by earning a master’s degree, wherein they are often allowed to specialize in a particular aspect of the field, such as product development or quality control.
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