COURSE CURRICULUM

The Merchandising program is designed to build strong competencies in teamwork, written and oral communication, consumer theory, product knowledge, and technical skills such as Microsoft Excel, all of which are essential for success in modern retail and consumer industries. Graduates are prepared for the demands of the 21st-century workplace by developing both analytical and practical abilities that can be applied across multiple product categories and business environments. The program emphasizes professional development through events such as the Consumer Experience Symposium and the Executive in Residence Series, which bring corporate executives to campus for lectures, networking, and direct interaction with students, helping them gain valuable industry insights. Students also have the opportunity to earn three credit hours through a merchandising study tour, with destinations such as New York City and Dallas, where they visit showrooms, manufacturing facilities, retail stores, museums, and historically significant sites to gain real-world exposure to the retail and fashion industries. International study abroad opportunities in locations such as London and France further expand students’ global perspective and understanding of the fashion and merchandising sectors. The program is widely recognized as one of the most comprehensive in the nation and is supported by the Department of Merchandising and Digital Retailing, which has received the American Textile Manufacturers Institute Award for Excellence in recognition of its innovative programs and research contributions. Coursework includes key areas such as merchandising, product development, textiles, consumer behavior, buying, global sourcing, trend analysis, brand development, and promotion, equipping students with versatile, industry-relevant skills. Graduates pursue careers in roles such as merchandiser, retail buyer, product developer, brand manager, store analyst, visual merchandiser, wholesaler or showroom manager, and retail store manager, with employment opportunities at major companies including Fossil, At Home, Michaels, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Haggar, The Container Store, Target, JCPenney, and Zale Corporation, among others.