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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2017-2018

Fashion

School of the Arts

Concentration(s):
Fashion Merchandising
Program description

The accelerated B.A. and M.S. program allows qualified students to earn both the B.A. in Fashion with a concentration in fashion merchandising and M.S. in Business with a concentration in marketing management in a minimum of five years by completing up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program. Students in the program may count up to three credit hours of graduate courses toward both the B.A. and M.S. degrees. Thus, the two degrees may be earned with a minimum of 147 credits rather than the 150 credits necessary if the two degrees are pursued separately.


The Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising requires a strong background in marketing, business and specialized professional courses with an emphasis on globalism. Students are directed toward assignments that will develop their skills in research, writing, presentation and critical thinking. Graduates find career opportunities in fashion forecasting, product development, advertising and promotion, retail management, buying, and international marketing. Undergraduates are strongly encouraged to pursue internships during the summer semesters for professional experience and industry contacts. Study abroad programs are also readily available and encouraged for fashion merchandising majors.

Career opportunities

Graduates find career opportunities in fashion forecasting, product development, advertising and promotion, retail management, buying, and international marketing.  The Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising is extremely proud of the accomplishments of their alumni and the successful careers that they enjoy.  Graduates from both tracks work both nationally and worldwide.


Our fashion design alumni currently work for such companies as Ralph Lauren, GAP, Ports 1961, TARGET, Macy’s, SEARS, Victoria’s Secret, Nordstrom, Jonathan Saunders, Under Armour, and Billy Reid.  Our fashion merchandising alumni can be found working at Louis Vuitton, Vogue.com, Hanesbrands, Fashion Snoops, Haddad Brands, Urban Outfitters, GUESS, Verdura, One Kings Lane, Nordstrom, MAC Cosmetics, Belk, American Eagle, French Connection, New York and Company, and SAKS 5th Avenue.

Change of major requirements

Student must submit an application to VCUarts as part of the change of major process. Please click here for more information on this application and upcoming deadlines.

Bachelor-level job titles
  • Buyer
  • Catalog Production Assistant
  • Fashion Photographer
  • Forecaster
  • Merchandiser
  • Production Coordinator/Assistant
  • Stylist
  • Visual Merchandiser
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Fashion Director
  • Marketing Manager
  • Product Developer
  • Sales Director
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • Quantitative Foundations requirement only
Science required
  • Natural Sciences requirement only
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.0

Contact information

Department name:
Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising
Building/room location:
Pollak Building, 4th Floor
Phone:
(804) 828-1699
Email:
msbanton@vcu.edu
https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/departments/fashion/
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Assess your readiness for master’s admission by setting up an appointment with your graduate advisor.
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
  • If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
  • Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
  • Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
  • Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
  • Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in your field of professional interest.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Design a community-engaged research project.
  • Earn at least 30 credit hours at VCU before applying to your master’s.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress towards your bachelor’s.
  • Work with your subject expert librarian and use research guides to deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and your master’s program.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to your master’sl or landing a micro-internship.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for your graduate program the summer before senior year. 

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your bachelor’s degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you earn your bachelor’s to ensure that all undergraduate graduation requirements will be met.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
  • Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after you earn your bachelor’s.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. 
  • Prepare for undergraduate graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job search strategy at least 8 months before you earn your bachelor’s.

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Choose 500- and 600-level electives that maximize your tech and research skills.
  • Follow @VCUGradSchool for updates on submitting the graduation application for your master’s degree.
  • Meet with your faculty advisor at least twice to confirm minimum GPA and coursework requirements for earning your master’s.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Advocate for your fellow grad students and build your leadership skills as a representative of the Graduate Student Association.
  • Consider becoming a teacher after you earn your master’s and apply for a Chancellor’s Teaching Fellowship.
  • Learn what it’s like to be a VCU professor in the Preparing Future Faculty Program.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Attend a Dispelling Myths discussion and build your cultural agility.
  • Continue expanding your professional network with fellow master’s students from around the world at New Student Orientation.
  • Pre-register for the Graduate Research Symposium and attend at least 3 sessions targeting global issues in your field.
  • Sign up for mindfulness training and develop a plan for becoming a culturally inclusive leader.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Brush up your public speaking skills and compete in the Three Minute Thesis Competition.
  • Earn $300 for presenting original research at a professional conference with a Graduate Student Travel Grant.
  • Join Alpha Epsilon Lambda to celebrate your academic achievements alongside fellow grad students.
  • Serve as a grad school mentor to RVA high school students.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Contact your faculty advisor to learn about your eligibility for a graduate assistantship.
  • Explore career paths in industry, nonprofit organizations, public service, and government in the Leaders and Entrepreneurs Academy.
  • Visit GradSense for specific guidance and opportunities on funding your master’s degree.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2017-2018

Fashion

School of the Arts

Concentration(s):
Fashion Merchandising
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
Experience Year 2
  • Assess your readiness for master’s admission by setting up an appointment with your graduate advisor.
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
  • If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
  • Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
  • Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
  • Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
  • Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in your field of professional interest.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Year 3
  • Design a community-engaged research project.
  • Earn at least 30 credit hours at VCU before applying to your master’s.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress towards your bachelor’s.
  • Work with your subject expert librarian and use research guides to deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline.
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and your master’s program.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to your master’sl or landing a micro-internship.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for your graduate program the summer before senior year. 
Year 4
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your bachelor’s degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you earn your bachelor’s to ensure that all undergraduate graduation requirements will be met.
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
  • Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after you earn your bachelor’s.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. 
  • Prepare for undergraduate graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job search strategy at least 8 months before you earn your bachelor’s.
Excel Year 5
  • Choose 500- and 600-level electives that maximize your tech and research skills.
  • Follow @VCUGradSchool for updates on submitting the graduation application for your master’s degree.
  • Meet with your faculty advisor at least twice to confirm minimum GPA and coursework requirements for earning your master’s.
  • Advocate for your fellow grad students and build your leadership skills as a representative of the Graduate Student Association.
  • Consider becoming a teacher after you earn your master’s and apply for a Chancellor’s Teaching Fellowship.
  • Learn what it’s like to be a VCU professor in the Preparing Future Faculty Program.
  • Attend a Dispelling Myths discussion and build your cultural agility.
  • Continue expanding your professional network with fellow master’s students from around the world at New Student Orientation.
  • Pre-register for the Graduate Research Symposium and attend at least 3 sessions targeting global issues in your field.
  • Sign up for mindfulness training and develop a plan for becoming a culturally inclusive leader.
  • Brush up your public speaking skills and compete in the Three Minute Thesis Competition.
  • Earn $300 for presenting original research at a professional conference with a Graduate Student Travel Grant.
  • Join Alpha Epsilon Lambda to celebrate your academic achievements alongside fellow grad students.
  • Serve as a grad school mentor to RVA high school students.
  • Contact your faculty advisor to learn about your eligibility for a graduate assistantship.
  • Explore career paths in industry, nonprofit organizations, public service, and government in the Leaders and Entrepreneurs Academy.
  • Visit GradSense for specific guidance and opportunities on funding your master’s degree.