Major Maps

Uniform Certificate of General Studies

Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Arts (please consult with the VCU Transfer Center for additional course recommendations)

The concentration 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. Internships provide not only experience but industry contacts, and are strongly recommended. They may be conducted primarily during the summer semester.  Study abroad programs are readily available for fashion merchandising majors.

The fashion design curriculum offers technical and design courses that provide skills required in the fashion industry. Individual designs are presented in two-dimensional form, developed and perfected through techniques used in the fashion industry, and then executed in final and three-dimensional form in fabrics appropriate to the design. Junior design students are encouraged to complete internships in the fashion industry in New York City. Internships provide not only experience but industry contacts, and are strongly recommended. They may be conducted primarily during the summer semester.

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.