Fashion Merchandising

About the Program

Program Goal: Career

GE Pattern(s): Butte Local

Program Code: 01348.00AS

Courses in Fashion Merchandising give students the opportunity to discover the inner workings of the fashion industry with many hands-on experiences. Fashion Merchandising emphasizes the business of buying, distributing and selling of merchandise from the manufacturing level through to the retailer and, ultimately, the consumer. A highly-specialized program in Fashion Merchandising enables students to acquire marketable skills in a minimum time. A Fashion Merchandising Certificate of Achievement is also available.

As long as fashion continues to change, lucrative careers will always be available for those who are prepared to expand their personal and professional horizons. The world of fashion merchandising is a challenging, fast-paced and highly competitive field with numerous opportunities for monetary and career advancement. Positions in the ever-expanding world of fashion are available in, but not limited to, these areas: Careers include Retail: Buyer, assistant buyer, department manager, fashion/bridal consultant, store manager, merchandise manager, salesperson, shop owner, sales representative, showroom associate, personal shopper, and management trainee. Fashion stylist, fashion coordinator, public relations, fashion commentator, special events director, and model. Fashion reporter, copy writer, fashion illustrator, fashion writer, fashion editor, publicity manager, and fashion researcher.

Program Learning Outcome(s): Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to:

1. Analyze and describe the fashion industry including innovations, careers, current trends, the impact of globalization and technology, and the expanding roles of designers.
2. Analyze, describe, and apply concepts in the business of buying, distributing and selling of fashion merchandise from the manufacturing level through to the retailer and, ultimately, the consumer.
3. Demonstrate command of visual presentation or production, and create a resume or relevant portfolio to be used to market him/herself in the fashion industry.