Fashion Merchandising

The global fashion market was valued at a massive $1.5 trillion in 2021 and is expected to reach $495 billion by 2023 in the United States. With the Fashion Merchandising major, you may choose either Fashion Brand Management (FBM) or Product Design & Development (PDD) as your emphasis. Our program prepares you to be the next leader in the fashion industry through hands-on and real-life focused education, as well as studying abroad in New York City, London, Italy, Ghana, and Peru.

What You'll Do

Intern with fashion companies
Meet corporate executives
Talk with fashion designers
Study abroad
Participate in a student-run business

Rankings

Ranked #8 in the USA at All Fashion Schools (2022).

Fashion Brand Management

The Fashion Brand Management (FBM) emphasis provides expertise in both the creative and analytical aspects of the fashion business. With specialized courses in FBM curriculum, students will learn the knowledge and skills necessary in fashion business management.

The curriculum give emphasis on:

Entrepreneurship
Fashion Product and Brand Management
Trend Analysis and Forecasting
Product Development
Fashion Promotion and Visual Merchandising
Retail Buying and Planning
Global Sourcing
Global Retailing

Fashion Design

The Product Development and Design emphasis takes creative students and gives them the tools to succeed in apparel and textile careers. Courses give emphasis on

Creativity
Product development
Apparel and surface design processes
Computer-aided design
Manufacturing
Apparel line development
Digital presentations and portfolio
Technical spec sheets
Patternmaking
Draping
Sewing

Education Abroad

The 6 week London Study Program offers both coursework and internships. Maymester programs include 3 weeks in Ghana, and every other year a semester in Cortona, Italy.

Professional Support

The program is endorsed by the American Apparel and Footwear Association/YMA and the department is a member of the National Retail Federation. Both professional organizations provide scholarship competition opportunities for students majoring in Fashion Merchandising and Product Development and Design.

The Georgia Soft Goods Education Foundation, a group of industry professionals governed by a membership board, provide valuable input to curriculum, equipment and instructional support as well as funding for student internships and study abroad.

Networking

Join a student group so you can network with industrial professionals, develop skills in fashion show production, design, and fashion magazine production.