If you are passionate about fashion and business, a degree in fashion merchandising can open doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities. With a strong foundation in both fashion and business principles, graduates of fashion merchandising programs are well-equipped to succeed in roles such as fashion buyers, retail managers, product developers, and fashion stylists.
According to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), there are over 100 colleges and universities in the United States that offer fashion merchandising programs. The following schools are consistently ranked among the top programs in the country:
- Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT): Located in New York City, FIT is one of the most prestigious fashion schools in the world. The school offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion merchandising, including a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising Management and a Master of Professional Studies in Fashion Merchandising.
- Parsons School of Design: Also located in New York City, Parsons is another highly regarded fashion school. The school offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design with a focus on Fashion Merchandising.
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD): SCAD has campuses in Savannah, Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, and Lacoste, France. The school offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Merchandising and Management, as well as a Master of Arts in Fashion Merchandising and Management.
- University of Cincinnati: The University of Cincinnati offers a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design with a concentration in Fashion Merchandising. The program is ranked among the top 10 fashion merchandising programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG): UNCG offers a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and a Master of Science in Fashion Management. The school’s fashion merchandising program is ranked among the top 20 programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
When choosing a fashion merchandising school, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Reputation: How well-respected is the school within the fashion industry?
- Faculty: What is the experience and industry connections of the faculty?
- Curriculum: Does the curriculum cover all the essential aspects of fashion merchandising, including fashion marketing, buying, and product development?
- Facilities: Does the school have up-to-date facilities, such as a fashion lab and retail store?
- Location: Is the school located in a fashion hub, such as New York City or Los Angeles?
The job outlook for fashion merchandising graduates is expected to be strong in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of retail buyers and purchasing agents is projected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is expected to be driven by the continued growth of the retail industry.
Here are a few tips for choosing the right fashion merchandising school:
- Visit the schools in person: This is the best way to get a feel for the school culture and facilities.
- Talk to students and faculty: Ask about their experiences with the program.
- Attend a fashion show or other event hosted by the school: This is a great way to see the work of current students and get a sense of the school’s aesthetic.
- Consider your career goals: What type of fashion merchandising career do you want to pursue? Make sure the school you choose offers a program that will prepare you for your desired career path.
What is the difference between fashion merchandising and fashion design?
Fashion merchandising is the business side of fashion, while fashion design is the creative side. Fashion merchandisers are responsible for buying, selling, and marketing fashion products. Fashion designers are responsible for creating new fashion designs.
What are the job prospects for fashion merchandising graduates?
The job outlook for fashion merchandising graduates is expected to be strong in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of retail buyers and purchasing agents is projected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is expected to be driven by the continued growth of the retail industry.
How much do fashion merchandisers earn?
The median annual salary for retail buyers and purchasing agents is $72,600, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% of earners make more than $126,730 per year.
What is the best way to prepare for a career in fashion merchandising?
There are a few things you can do to prepare for a career in fashion merchandising:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising or a related field.
- Gain experience in the fashion industry through internships or part-time jobs.
- Network with fashion professionals and attend industry events.
- Stay up-to-date on fashion trends and business practices.
A degree in fashion merchandising can open doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities in the fashion industry. By choosing the right school and pursuing the right path, you can set yourself up for success in this dynamic and rewarding field.