The fashion merchandising and design majors prepare students for careers in the dynamic, fast-paced fashion industry. Students gain knowledge about industrial processes and products and focus their studies on merchandising or design and development to achieve specific career goals. Courses are designed to be stimulating and challenging, with opportunities to develop creative, communication, leadership, and professional skills. Experiential and study abroad opportunities supplement a strong curriculum to assure that graduates can succeed in a culturally diverse and global industry.
Why fashion merchandising and design at WMU?
- Nationally recognized excellence: The Fashion Merchandising and Design program (FMD) is the second-largest program in Michigan, integrating both merchandising and design disciplines. Accredited by the prestigious Textile and Apparel Programs Accreditation Commission (TAPAC) and National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), our program meets the academic and industry standards. This recognition assures students, parents, and employers that our graduates are equipped with the essential skills and knowledge for successful careers in the apparel and textile industry. Learn more about the importance of accreditations and their benefits at Accreditation and Mission.
- Experienced faculty: Our faculty brings over 80 years of combined industry experience in marketing, retail buying, visual merchandising, and consumer products.
- Strong industry networking: We maintain strong connections to the fashion industry through a professional advisory board represented by top industry members and a strong alumni base.
- Hands-on learning: Our program emphasizes academic quality and experiential learning, offering transformative experiences, such as fieldwork, internships, and industry tours.
- Global opportunities: Earn up to 24 credit hours through study abroad or with our partnerships with the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Regents University and London University of the Arts in London, or Florence University of the Arts in Italy.
- Showcase your work: Participate in our annual fashion show, sponsored by Merchandising Opportunities and Design Association (MODA), to display your talents.
- Successful graduates: FMD graduates work for national retailers and famous brands. About 97% of program graduates were employed or continued their education within three months of graduation. For more detailed information on enrollment, retention, and graduation statistics, visit our Reports and Dashboards. Curious about where your major can take you? Learn more about career opportunities here.
Hear it from us
"I couldn't credit any of my learning success without my WMU instructors."
- Izzy, fashion design
"I love the hands-on work and I have learned so much just through the different courses."
- Lulu, fashion design
Program options
Fashion Design and Development Major
Fashion Merchandising Major
Fashion Merchandising Minor
Additional Information
Get involved with MODA
WMU's only fashion student organization puts on two fashion show productions a year.
Follow MODA on Instagram
Study Abroad
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