Fashion Merchandising and Design

Ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report

Slider Status

Find Your Program
Step 1 of 2
*Required Field Step 1 of 2Step 1 of 3
Step 2
« Go Back Step 2 of 2 Step 2 of 3
« Go Back Step 3 of 3

I acknowledge that, by clicking the 'Submit' button, I consent to representatives of Central Michigan University and its partners contacting me about educational opportunities via email, text, or phone, at the phone number above, including my mobile phone, using an automatic dialer, or pre-recorded message. Message and data rates may apply. I understand that my consent is not a requirement for enrollment, and I may withdraw my consent at any time. Privacy Policy.

Fashion Merchandising and Design

Overview

Make your mark in the $1.2 trillion global fashion industry. Learn what it takes to develop your design passion and sense of style into career opportunities throughout the fashion industry. 

CMU is home to Michigan’s only Online Fashion Merchandising and Design program, featuring professors with industry experience—and connections—to help you turn your dreams of working in fashion into reality. Currently, 92% of our graduates work in the industry. Both the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Applied Arts degrees offer you the choice of two online concentrations: Product Development and Visual Merchandising. In either track, you will gain experience with technologies like CAD, 3-D printing, and product lifecycle management software. Hands-on projects will prepare you to build a career-ready portfolio and give you a head-start on your fashion career. 

Explore Programs

= Ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report
Fashion Merchandising and Design: Fashion Buying Concentration (Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Arts)US News Icon

Location:

Online

Your Goal:

To develop a fashion-forward skillset as a fashion buyer and expertly guide fashion buying and selling strategies leveraging your insights about trends, brands, consumers, merchandise operation, and supply chain management.

About the Program:

With the Fashion Buying Concentration for your bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Design, you will learn to develop buying and selling strategies that are in line with specific trends, brands, target markets, distributions, and performance goals. Through the coursework, you’ll establish blending expertise in fashion merchandise management, fashion advertising and promotion, fashion brand management, and fashion supply chain management.

Your Preprofessional Seminar in Fashion Merchandising and Design course will help you prepare for your job search, including developing your professional brand, along with creating your portfolio and establishing your professional presence online through your LinkedIn page and e-portfolio. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity for mock interviews in your area of interest.

In all three concentrations—Fashion Buying, Development or Visual Merchandising—students pursuing the Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) in Fashion Merchandising and Design are required to complete a minor. Students concentrating in Fashion Buying have the option to complete a Visual Merchandising minor. Additional minor options include:

  • Applied Business Communication
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • And more

Program Outcomes:

You will earn your bachelor’s degree (BS or BAA) and graduate with the skills you need for fashion industry roles such as:

  • Fashion Buyer
  • Fashion Brand Manager
  • Merchandise Analyst
  • Sourcing Coordinator

CMU offers immersive online and experiential learning opportunities designed to help you achieve big goals. Request information today to learn about this program and how to take the next step.

Fashion Merchandising and Design: Product Development Concentration (Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Arts)US News Icon

Location:

Online

Recognition: 

Among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report

Your Goal:

Use your unique sense of design and style to develop the products that will turn heads and take you far in the world of fashion. 

About the Program:

The Product Development concentration for your bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Design will help you develop fashion lines that stand out in the marketplace. You will learn what it takes to design, create, and manufacture fashion product using computer-aided design programs, including 3D modeling and printing. Coursework will develop your understanding of the lifecycle of a product, including ideation, fabric selection, and technical drawing. 

Your Preprofessional Seminar in Fashion Merchandising and Design course will help you prepare for your job search along with establishing your professional personal brand through your LinkedIn page and e-portfolio. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity for mock interviews in your area of interest.

In all three concentrations—Fashion Buying, Development or Visual Merchandising—students pursuing the Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) in Fashion Merchandising and Design are required to complete a minor. Students concentrating in Product Development have the option to complete a Visual Merchandising minor. Additional minor options include: 

  • Applied Business Communication 
  • Entrepreneurship 
  • Leadership 
  • Psychology 
  • Public Administration 
  • And more 

Program Outcomes:

You will earn your bachelor’s degree (BS or BAA) and graduate with the skills you need for fashion industry roles such as: 

  • CAD designer 
  • Product Developer 
  • Design Assistant 
  • And more

CMU offers engaging online and experiential learning opportunities designed to help you achieve big goals. Request information today to learn more about this program and how to take the next step.

Fashion Merchandising and Design: Visual Merchandising Concentration (Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Arts)US News Icon

Location:

Online

Recognition: 

Among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report

Your Goal:

Make the world of fashion come to life by developing the presentations and displays needed to set the tone for style that sells. 

About the Program:

The Visual Merchandising concentration for your bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Design will give you the tools you need to influence consumer behavior. You will learn what it takes to design the space around the fashion—display areas, product presentations, store interiors, and more—to set the mood, engage customers, and sell style. From CAD software to professional portfolio development, coursework will give you the tools you need to chart your own course in the fashion world. 

Your Preprofessional Seminar in Fashion Merchandising and Design course will help you prepare for your job search along with establishing your professional personal brand through your LinkedIn page and e-portfolio. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity for mock interviews in your area of interest.

In all three concentrations—Fashion Buying, Development or Visual Merchandising—students pursuing the Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) in Fashion Merchandising and Design are required to complete a minor. Students concentrating in Visual Merchandising have the option to complete a minor. Additional minor options include: 

  • Applied Business Communication 
  • Entrepreneurship 
  • Leadership 
  • Psychology 
  • Public Administration 
  • And more 

Program Outcomes:

You will earn your bachelor’s degree (BS or BAA) and graduate with the skills you need for fashion industry roles such as: 

  • Visual merchandiser 
  • Visual communications specialist 
  • Stylist 
  • Showroom manager 
  • Brand manager 

CMU offers engaging online and face-to-face learning opportunities built to help you achieve big goals. Request information today to learn more about this program and how to take the next step.

Do More With CMU

Complete a course, a semester, or your entire program online—on your terms.

Choose from 30+ academic programs—bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, specialist, or certificate.

From federal financial aid to potential scholarships, help exploring every available funding option.

We support heroes, helping them achieve educational, professional, and personal goals—in and out of the military

Six starts a year, eight-week classes, and student-first support services to help you achieve your goals.

Get the college credit you deserve for prior learning, professional training, and life experiences.

Go Top
Find Your Program