intro to fashion merchandising
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Introduction to Fashion Merchandising degree program at The University of MemphisTRANSCRIPT
Fashion Merchandising at The University of Memphis
Welcome
The Fashion Merchandising degree program is housed in the Family and Consumer Studies unit within University College. The program is accredited by the Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Students earn a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree with a concentration in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Marketing Management.
4 components of the Degree
1. General education (35 – 41 hours)*2. Major and minor courses (54 hours)3. University College courses (15
hours)4. General electives (10 -16 hours)= Total of 120 credit hours
* University College students are exempt from the American Heritage category of general education (6 hours) as long as they completed U.S. History courses in high school.
General Education courses
English Composition (6 hours)
Oral Communication (3 hours)
Math (3 hours)
Literature (3 hours)
Humanities (6 hours)
Social science (6 hours)
Natural science (8 hours)
Major Courses
The major courses are divided into three categories:
1. Family and Consumer Studies Core
2. Fashion Merchandising courses
3. Marketing Management minor courses
Family & Consumer Studies Core
Home Furnishings and Related Arts
Child and Adolescent Development
Trends and Issues in the Profession
Family Resource Management
Textiles
Senior Seminar in Merchandising
Fashion Merchandising courses
Introduction to Fashion MerchandisingVisual MerchandisingMerchandising SystemsBehavioral Aspects of ClothingReadings in Clothing and Textiles orReadings in Fashion Merchandising
Pictures of window displays created by students in Visual Merchandising class
Marketing Minor
Accounting I
Microeconomics
Principles of Marketing
Consumer Behavior
Advertising & Sales Promotion
Supply Chain Management
6 hours of pre-approved Marketing electives
University College courses
Thematic Studies (6 hours)These courses are included in other required groups.
UNIV 4110, Internship (6 hours)An internship must be completed in the student’s professional semester in a fashion merchandising or marketing business.
UNIV 4995, Senior Project (3 hours)The student’s culminating senior project is completed in the professional semester.
General Electives
Elective courses can be any course (1000 to 4000 level) taught at the University.Some popular elective courses include:
Introduction to the University (a freshman level course)Photography or Ceramics from the Art DepartmentPhysical education courses like yoga or walkingHome furnishings courses
Professional SemesterThe professional semester is the student’s last semester. The courses are Senior Seminar, Internship, and Senior Project. All other courses must be completed prior to the professional semester.
Team building and communication projects are emphasized in these final courses.
Students attend courses for the first six weeks of the semester and complete their internship and senior project in the remainder of the semester.
Internships
Students are required to secure an internship in a fashion merchandising or marketing business during the professional semester. Internships can be completed locally or in other parts of the country.Previous internship sites include:
Varsity Spirit Corporation in MemphisSimon mall management in MemphisFossil in DallasDonna Karan in Los AngelesVera Wang in New York
Career Opportunities
Retail buyer
Retail management
Store/boutique ownership
Visual merchandising
Merchandise planner
Fashion marketing
Textile sales and marketing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I finish this degree in 4 years?A. Yes! The degree requires 120 credit hours. If
you average 15 hours per semester, you can graduate in 4 years.
Q. Does this degree program include fashion design courses?
A. No, the courses focus on the merchandising and marketing of fashion, not fashion design. Certainly, you will discuss and learn about fashion designers in some courses.
Q. What can I do with this degree after graduating?A. Oh the places that you can go, as Dr. Seuss
says. Graduates go in many directions with this versatile degree. See specifics on the Career Opportunities page.
Are you ready to get started?
For more information, visit the University College webpage at www.uc.memphis.edu
Set up an appointment with an academic advisor in University College by calling (901) 678-2716
Prepare yourself for an exciting, challenging adventure
References
Accreditation seal from The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences website at http://www.aafcs.org/ Audio file download from walmart.com; “Get Low” from Instrumental Icons, volume 2 albumClip art from Microsoft OfficeCareer opportunities information from the Academic Advising manual for Family and Consumer StudiesUniversity of Memphis, University College logo downloaded from www.memphis.edu Visual Merchandising window display pictures from personal archive