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College of Creative Arts and Media School of Art and Design

Fashion Design and Merchandising, BS

Fashion is one of the most dynamic, globally integrated, and culturally significant industries in the world. Peer behind the gloss and glamor to discover how design concepts come to life and are marketed to consumers.

The Fashion Design and Merchandising program produces future leaders in a dynamic and global industry that operates at the intersection of creativity, technology, commerce, and culture.

Through experiential learning, students address some of the most complex issues facing the industry today to create a more sustainable fashion future.

A portfolio review is not required for admission to the Fashion Design and Merchandising Program.

Your Degree Plan

Person tracing a pattern on fabric
Fashion is one of the most dynamic, globally integrated and culturally significant industries in the world. Peer behind the gloss and glamor to discover how design concepts come to life and are marketed to consumers.

As a Fashion Design and Merchandising student, you will explore a broad view of the fashion industry and all the career opportunities it has to offer. From textile production, product design, sourcing, and manufacturing, to retail merchandising and consumer behavior, you’ll learn to appreciate and understand the complexity and dynamism of the modern fashion supply chain.

You may pursue an Area of Emphasis (AoE) in either Fashion Merchandising or Fashion Design.

The Fashion Merchandising AoE includes a minor (selected by the student with guidance from their adviser) in either Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations, Strategic Social Media, Event Planning, Entrepreneurship, General Business, Marketing, or Professional Sales.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in 1 of these areas:

Fashion Design

From patternmaking to draping to sewing, Fashion Design students learn practical and technical skills necessary to take a design from concept to finished garment.
View in Catalog

Fashion Merchandising

Fashion Merchandising students apply their creative and critical thinking skills to bring fashion products to market through pricing, promotion, quality analysis, consumer behavior analysis, and global supply chain management.
View in Catalog
Take advantage of special options related to this major:

Honors

Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart?

  • Dedicated, state-of-the art studio spaces for both textile and apparel design.
  • Experiential learning opportunities throughout the curriculum including in product development, visual merchandising, fashion promotion, and the internship experience.
  • Scholarship competition opportunities through the Fashion Scholarship Fund and other nationally recognized organizations.
  • Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and affiliate of the Textile and Apparel Program Accreditation Commission.
  • Intern with leading companies in the industry by tapping into a rich FDM alumni network.
  • Faculty are deeply invested in helping students create a more sustainable, ethical, and just fashion future.

Learn by Doing

Get involved outside the classroom.

  • Network with industry professionals and program alumni as part of the New York Study Tour.
  • Gain cultural competencies and expand your worldview through the summer study abroad program Disegno Italia.
  • Engage in faculty research activities through the SURE and RAP programs
  • Explore the economic and community development opportunities fibersheds offer in the Amy Bircher Textile Lab and FDM’s signature Farm to Fashion program.
Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $76,950

Possible Job Titles: Market Analyst, Market Research Analyst, Market Research Consultant, Market Research Specialist

Explore Career

Demonstrators and Product Promoters

Demonstrate merchandise and answer questions for the purpose of creating public interest in buying the product. May sell demonstrated merchandise.

Median Salary: $37,960

Possible Job Titles: Demonstrator, In Store Demonstrator, Merchandiser, Product Demonstrator

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Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule. Duties include reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.

Median Salary: $57,770

Possible Job Titles: Expeditor, Materials Planner, Production Planner, Production Scheduler

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Advertising and Promotions Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.

Median Salary: $126,960

Possible Job Titles: Advertising Manager (Ad Manager), Communications Manager, Promotions Director, Promotions Manager

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Supply Chain Managers

Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $102,010

Possible Job Titles: Global Supply Chain Director, Material Requirements Planning Manager, Supply Chain Director, Supply Chain Manager

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Wholesale and Retail Buyers

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $75,650

Possible Job Titles: Buyer, Grocery Buyer, Procurement Specialist, Trader

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Sustainability Specialists

Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $81,270

Possible Job Titles: Sustainability Consultant, Sustainability Coordinator, Sustainability Specialist, Sustainable Design Coordinator

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Art Directors

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.

Median Salary: $111,040

Possible Job Titles: Art Director, Creative Director (CD Director), Creative Services Director, Design Director

Explore Career

Career options

Graduates work in the fashion industry in various roles including retail buyers, product developers, creative designers, and tech designers. They also go on to be entrepreneurs.

Specific employers include:

  • Coach
  • UGG
  • Carhartt
  • DICK’S Sporting Goods
  • Gabe’s

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Fashion Design and Merchandising major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

How much does Fashion Design and Merchandising at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Ways to Save

Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Fashion Design and Merchandising, BS is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Start at Another WVU Campus

You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.

Explore WVU System

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Request Info

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