Fashion Studies and Retail Merchandising (B.S.)

Program Coordinator/Contact

Anne-Marie Junker, Program Coordinator
School of Health and Consumer Sciences
Wagner Hall 425, Box 2275A
605-688-5161

Program Information

A career in Fashion Studies and Retail Merchandising is perfect for those with a flair for creativity and a passion for analytics. Students in Fashion Studies and Retail Merchandising acquire an in-depth knowledge of people and their behavior, an understanding of the world at large and technical knowledge and skills to select, plan and present the right merchandise to the right consumer at the right time. Graduates are prepared to work in online and brick and mortar markets. Careers as store or department manager, buyer or visual merchandiser,  ecommerce specialist, sourcing specialist, and style consultant are possible. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the Fashion Studies and Retail Merchandising major, students will:

• Apply industry terminology, theories, and concepts in appropriate ways to discuss and critique product quality, serviceability, regulatory compliance standards, merchandising strategies, market trends, retail environments, regulatory factors, and global factors related to the fashion and textile industry.
• Demonstrate understanding of the fashion process, including the forces that drive fashion changes and diffusion of innovation and ideas.
• Identify and interpret needs, wants, and aspirations of consumers, and outline how industry processes can be applied to forecast, plan, develop, produce, communicate, and sell profitable product lines of products that meet the marketplace’ needs.
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge about the role of dress as it reflects and shapes intra- and inter-cultural interactions, ideals, values, norms, traditions, appearance management, and human behavior.
• Apply knowledge of the role of dress as it is used to create, express, and fulfill identities, lifestyles, and fantasies.
• Understand the role of historic, socio-cultural, economic, technological, political, and psychological factors in aesthetic expression and development of styles.
• Understand how aesthetics and the design process can support quality of life.
• Demonstrate understanding how globalization, market conditions, diverse economic systems and political structures, regulatory factors, cultural norms and values, historic events, geographic locations, and social issues affect industry processes and sourcing strategies.
• Identify and evaluate issues of social responsibility, environmental sustainability, professional behavior, and ethics related to the impact of individual, organizational, societal, and corporate decision-making.
• Apply critical and creative thinking skills, including the ability to objectively evaluate and compare diverse perspectives.
• Formulate sound conclusions and decisions by using appropriate technology, knowledge, and business practices to identify, assess, analyze relevant factors that influence the industry and related strategies.
• Apply qualitative and quantitative skills to problem solving and formulate creative strategies to current issues and future opportunities in the industry.
• Use effective and professional written, oral, and visual communication skills to inform, explain, and support ideas, decisions, evaluations, and strategies.
• Demonstrate ability to take appropriate responsibility for their personal and professional growth, including reflection and critiquing of their progress, outlining their career goals, and demonstrate self-directedness.
• Illustrate effective team working and leadership skills within professional and culturally diverse environments.

Course Delivery Format

Students learn through lecture, laboratory, and hands-on learning experiences. An 8-10 week (300 hour) full-time summer practicum compatible with career goals is a program requirement.