Fashion Merchandising and Design Majors

Why fashion merchandising and design at Western Michigan University?

• FMD program is the second-largest program in Michigan with integrated merchandising and design programs and is accredited by the prestigious Textile and Apparel Programs Accreditation Commission (TAPAC) and National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The designation of accreditations is a recognition of the quality of Western Michigan’s FMD program. Parents, students, and employers of the graduates can be assured that the FMD program has undergone rigorous peer review and that the program provides their graduates with skills and knowledge for professional careers in the apparel and textile industry. To learn more about the importance of accreditation and the benefits it offers students, please check out additional details at FMD accreditation and mission.
• Faculty with over eight decades of combined industry experience in marketing, retail buying, visual merchandising, and consumer products. 
• A solid connection to the fashion industry through a professional advisory board represented by top industry members and a strong alumni base.
• Many transformative learning experiences are offered, including field experiences, internships, and industry tours.
• Up to 24 credit hours may be earned 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.
• Annual fashion show sponsored by Merchandising Opportunities and Design Association (MODA). Read about the 2022 MODA fashion show.
• FMD grads are working for national retailers and famous brands all over the worldwide.
• 97% of 2020-2021 program graduates were employed or continued their education within three months of graduation.