The major in Fashion Merchandising focuses on Business and Applied Arts courses. Graduates attain positions such as department manager, assistant manager, assistant buyer, and fashion events coordinator. Liberal Arts Core requirements sharpen communication and organization skills; ample provision for elective choices permits a variety of minors. Many students choose a minor in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, or a minor in Communications or Fashion Design.
The required internship in the senior year brings students valuable experience with DC-area department stores, retail shops, and clothing manufacturers and distributors.
Students in Fashion Merchandising participate in the Marymount Fashion Club, in activities sponsored by the Washington Fashion Group, Inc., and in fashion shows on and off campus.
There is an opportunity to study product development with prominent businesses, such as Nordstrom and L.L. Bean.
Freshman students are expected to complete introductory courses in textiles and the survey of fashion. An internship is required during the senior year. Seniors must complete a seminar in which merchandising problems are solved using the case method. The case analysis is evaluated by representatives from the industry.
Liberal Arts Core requirements: All Liberal Arts Core requirements must be fulfilled. It is recommended that students work with an advisor to ensure compliance.
Major requirements (54 credits): AA 151 Textiles, AA 250 Clothing Construction, AA 270 Clothing Analysis, AA 273 Visual Merchandising, AA 274 Fashion Industry and Its Promotion, AA 320 Fashion Research and Communication, AA 361 Survey of Fashion, AA 381 Buying Fashion Apparel, AA 400 Internship, AA 405 Fashion in the Global Marketplace, AA 407 Product Development, AA 414 Fashion Show Production, AA 422 Senior Seminar in Fashion Merchandising, MKT 301 Principles of Marketing, MKT 308 Retailing I, and MKT 402 Retailing II.
Electives: to total 120 credits.
Minor requirements: AA 361 Survey of Fashion; AA 381 Buying Fashion Apparel; 15 additional credits from the following courses: AA 151, 273, 320, 374, 405, 407, 410, 412, 414, MKT 301, 308.