fashion merchandising

taxguy
Tue, 28 Nov 2006 09:41:05 +0000

Check out University of Cincinnati School of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning. They have a Fashion Product Development major that seems like fashion merchandising on steroids. Here is what UC says about their program:



Product development is a track in the fashion design program which focuses on the development of fashionable, consumer-wanted goods for apparel manufacturers and retailers. Fashion design-product development is the planning, development and presentation of fashion-directed product lines for identified target markets with regard to styling, assortment, timing and pricing. Both design and merchandising interact in industry, and the educational process will mirror this interaction. The first two years of the track has a curriculum identical to the fashion design-design track, and the last three years have overlapping core courses. Because this track is interdisciplinary, it covers: aesthetics of apparel and image; consumer-buying; target marketing; textiles and clothing in the global economy; historical perspective; theoretical perspectives; application of theory to contemporary problems; and managerial responsibilities.

Fashion design-product development track is a five year program which includes six quarters (1-1/2 years) of cooperative work experience and leads to a professional bachelor of science in design degree.

Students spend their first year in foundation studies concentrating on rudiments related to optical and tactile sensations that intensify perception, and focusing on formal and fundamental concepts of two- and three-dimensional organization. Emphasis is placed on process and its ingredients: inquiry, analysis, comparison, evaluation and language. These studies are an introduction to tools, methods and materials including the development of basic technical ability. The chronological order of courses provides continual linear experience through a carefully planned analytical sequence of interlocking components.

Objectives for students in the fashion design-product development track are to understand the design process, the product development process, and the interaction of design and merchandising. They are involved in researching consumer behavior; in understanding current merchandising concepts and functions; and in developing merchandising skills for manufacturing and fashion retailing. Students must develop knowledge of material specifications and cost analysis; have skills in research, writing, presentation, and computer capabilities; and they must possess critical thinking skills.

All undergraduate students are required to purchase a personal laptop computer. Each discipline has its own specific requirements for hardware and software. You can review the current requirements at the following http://daap.uc.edu/compreq. Please note that these requirements may be slightly altered as equipment evolves. The requirements listed on the Web site will always be the most recent and accurate. Therefore, students new to DAAP are encouraged to delay their computer purchase until the summer prior to entering to make the most informed computer purchase. Many of our programs have additional technology requirements for students in the later years of study.

Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities in the fashion design-product development field include fashion design and merchandising, fashion forecasting, promotion, advertising, buying and marketing.

Apparel technology, production and distribution are global, and the fashion knowledge and business training of this program are fundamental for the successful retailer and merchandiser in today’s highly competitive world.

Program Requirements
Foundation Studies

Freshman English I, II, III 9
History 6
History of Art I, II, III 9
Mathematics 3
Digital Design Fundamentals 3
Foundation Studio: Color/Form/Space 9
Foundation Studio: Drawing 9
TOTAL 48

Second Year

Textiles I, II 6
Industry, Theory, and Practice 6
Sources of Modern Design 3
History of Fashion I, II 6
Co-op for Fashion Design 1
Introduction to Economics 3
Fashion Design I 3
Design Construction 6
Design Communication I 9
Design Technology I 9
Psychology Elective 3
TOTAL 55

Third Year

Introduction to Marketing 5
Buying and Merchandising 3
Communications Elective 3
Retail Decision Making 3
Writing for Business 3
Intro. to CAD 3
Intro. to Fashion Design Studio 3
CAD Communication 3
Intro. to Product Development 3
Fashion Photo I 3
TOTAL 32

Fourth Year

Introduction to Sociology 6
Organization Theory 3
Literature Elective 3
Consumer Behavior 3
Product Development Studio I 6
Portfolio 3
Directed Electives 12
TOTAL 36

Fifth Year

International Trade Issues for Domestic Industries 3
Advertising Management 3
Free Electives 9
Seminar in Merchandising 3
Product Development II 6
TOTAL