Retail and Fashion Merchandising Major (B.S.H.C.S.)

The Retail and Fashion Merchandising curriculum offers coursework in both creative (Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, Product Development, and Promotion) and analytical (buying and planning, Excel and statistical reasoning) areas of merchandising, with a focus on fashion products. Through this program, students learn how to navigate a career path in a fast-paced, dynamic industry. Supervision, leadership, and management activities, in the context of fashion and retail careers, are emphasized.

Curriculum

Courses

Students in the program take a variety of retail specific and related courses to create a well-rounded, business focused major. The plan of study includes professional development, knowledge of industry-specific business and sales applications, and hands-on retailing experiences. For detailed information about courses and requirements, view the Retail and Fashion Merchandising undergraduate course program listing below.

Internships

Our program requires students to complete a work experience and an internship for the major. The first, one credit hour, work experience (RFM 2910) equips students with the entry level competencies necessary to obtain and succeed in a comprehensive internship program. The internship course (RFM 4910) is variable credits and is placed in either the junior or senior year once course prerequisites are met. RFM 4910 is a rigorous semester-long, full-time internship for academic credit and allows students to apply competencies obtained from major courses to result in a meaningful and productive experience for both the employee and the employer. Students must be completing their work hours during the semester or summer in which they are enrolled in these classes.

Capstone Course

The capstone course (RFM 4800) serves as an intensive personal and professional assessment tool for prospective leaders in the retail and fashion industry.