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Fashion Merchandising and Design Majors

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. 
  • 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. 

Program options

Design

Fashion Design and Development Major

Design and development professionals design products, develop patterns, and coordinate sourcing activities in apparel and soft goods companies.
Merchandising

Fashion Merchandising Major

The fashion merchandising major prepares students for exciting careers in retail store operations, buying, and fashion marketing.
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Fashion Merchandising Minor

The fashion merchandising minor offers study of core practices and issues in the fashion industry. The minor may complement a business or communications major.

Additional Information

  • Fashion design and development: Fashion and technical designers, Product developers, Production managers, Quality control managers, Sourcing managers, Stylists, etc.
  • Fashion merchandising: Retail buyers, Inventory planners, Store managers, Brand managers, Sales associates, Visual merchandisers, etc.
  • Curious about where your major can take you? Learn more about career opportunities here. 

WMU alums have transformed their passion for fashion into challenging and creative careers. You will find our grads working for national retailers and famous brands worldwide. They are designers, buyers, merchandisers, managers and marketers for companies like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Macy’s, Kohl's, Target, David's Bridal, Express, Ann Inc, and Merrell. You will  find them in some unexpected places as automotive and airplane interior designers and retail software marketers. We are very proud of our alums! 

Visit our testimonial page

Visit this page for field experience, internship and study abroad information.

The College of Education and Human Development Office of Admissions and Advising assists students in planning their studies. Majors should meet with an advisor each semester to ensure that they stay on track toward graduation.

CONSULT WITH ADVISOR

Get involved with MODA

Study Abroad

Study Abroad

Students are encouraged to pursue additional educational opportunities through one of the FMD specific study abroad programs.
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WMU Signature

All WMU students have the option to stand out with an integrative learning project in one of several pathways including arts and culture, entrepreneurship, sustainability and more!
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Visit Campus

There's simply no substitute for seeing WMU for yourself and experiencing a little slice of what makes WMU so unique and beloved. In-person and virtual tours are available.