2026-2027
Fashion
School of the Arts
Concentration(s):
Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising
Program description
The concentrations in fashion merchandising and fashion design are focused on providing the coursework necessary to prepare for a successful career in the fashion industry.
The path through the merchandising track begins with an introduction to fashion, textiles, and fashion history. Forecasting, buying, line development, branding, and importing and exporting fashion, and entrepreneurship are simulation classes and call on students to work in environments similar to the fashion industry. The entire curriculum provides students with a strong and disparate foundation of fashion knowledge. Ancillary requirements in business and marketing enhance fashion education. Students are directed toward assignments to develop their skills in research, writing, presentation, and critical thinking.
The fashion design curriculum offers technical and design courses that provide skills required in the fashion industry, including salient patterning and draping principles, advanced tailoring and construction techniques as well as digital and 3D design. Individual concepts are presented in two-dimensional form, developed and perfected through methods used in the fashion industry, and then executed in final and three-dimensional form in textiles appropriate to the design. The curriculum encourages explicative research, autonomous thinking, and innovative problem solving.
Merchandising and design majors are strongly encouraged to complete Internships, which provide experience and industry contacts. Study abroad programs provide opportunities to see fashion from a global perspective while expanding students’ horizons.
Career opportunities
Graduates find career opportunities in fashion forecasting, product development, technical design, advertising and promotion, retail management, buying, sustainability, and international marketing. Graduates work nationally and internationally. Fashion alumni currently work for World Market, Eileen Fisher, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Conde’ Nast, Veronica Beard, Nordstrom, Under Armour, Fashion Snoops, Sandro Homme, GAP, Urban Outfitters, GUESS, Belk, American Eagle, Spanx, and Adidas.
Change of major requirements
Completion of the Art Foundation Program is a prerequisite for entry into all fine art and design departments. Fashion Design is a design department.
Students are required to submit their application and required portfolio here.
Fashion Merchandising is a direct admit (Art Foundation is not required) and requires a 3.0 minimum GPA.
Typical application deadlines are November 1 (for spring applicants) and April 1 (for fall applicants).
Bachelor-level job titles
- Designer
- Fashion Illustrator
- Garment Technologist
- Pattern Maker, Grader, Lay Planner
- Textile Technician
- Textiles (Print) Designer
Graduate and professional level job titles
- Buyer
- Designer
- Marketing Manager
- Trend Forecaster
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
- Yes
Additional tuition/fees
- Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
Transfer Maps
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
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map
Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives.
- Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center.
- Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
- Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
- Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner.
- Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
- Carefully consider your major choice by attending departmental events, reviewing program learning outcomes in the Bulletin.
- Enroll in Art Foundation Project Courses to test a major that you may be interested in.
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
- Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.)
- Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests.
- Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
- Consider applying to the Honors College.
- Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living-learning community.
- Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets and Rams Abroad 101 to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
- Apply for the Fall Undergraduate Juried Student Exhibition at the Anderson.
- Subscribe to the Lamp Post to get a weekly newsletter of visiting artists, grants, scholarships, internship opportunities and more!
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones.
- Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
- Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
- Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services.
- Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage.
- Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app.
- Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
- Attend a documentation workshop to prepare for the creation of your digital portfolio.
- Participate in Spukhaüs and the Annual AFO Juried Student Show.
- Understand VCUarts research and grant opportunities.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Explore What Can I Do With This Major? to learn about career paths, employers, and strategies for building experience related to your field of study.
- Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
- Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
- Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
- Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni.
- Create a digital portfolio or website for the Major Declaration. Attend a portfolio building workshop hosted by Art Foundation and the Workshop. Registration is on Handshake.
- Research VCUarts alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities.
- Thoughtfully write about your major and career goals for the Major Declaration.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
- Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
- Complete the University Core courses by the end of your sophomore year.
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
- Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
- 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.
- Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Register for the VCU Globe Program and begin tracking your global leadership growth!
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
- Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
- Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake.
- Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
- Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
- Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
- Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
- Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
- Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
- Conduct independent undergraduate research. Consider a merchandising class like FASH 380 Fashion Branding or FASH 343 Fashion Forecasting as a way to fulfill 6 upper level elective credits.
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
- Design a community-engaged research project.
- Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
- Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
- Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
- 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.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
- Update your ePortfolio.
- Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
- Complete an internship in the fashion industry.
- Schedule meetings with faculty mentors to learn about their career path and industry connections that might help you find a job after graduation.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
- Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center.
- Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
- Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
- Talk to advisors, faculty, and VCU Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
- Connect with alumni as a way of building contacts in the fashion industry. The department has a variety of alumni social media groups.
Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
- Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree.
- Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
- Take an additional specialization course such as MOB, a finishing or techniques class to add to your skill set as means of specialization.
- Students must complete their senior capstone requirement in their senior year, FASH 404 Portfolio.
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
- Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
- Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
- Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Consider Peace Corps Prep, or scholarship opportunities through the National Scholarship Office.
- Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
- Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps.
- Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
- Volunteer or work as an intern with the company(brands) to which you intend to apply.
- Students must complete their capstone requirement in their senior year (FASH 404 Portfolio).
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
- Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
- Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
- Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey.
- Start applying for jobs and externships.
2026-2027
Fashion
School of the Arts
| MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY | EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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| Experience | Year 2 |
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| Excel | Year 4 |
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