What is Merchandising?

Merchandising is a specialized management function within the fashion, textiles and home interiors industries. Merchandisers are responsible for selection of materials, collaborating with the production team and meeting market requirements. The job demands knowledge of fashion trends, textures, materials and colors on one hand and understanding of market demand and the production processes on the other. Individuals who are assertive, flexible, and resourceful, who like to work with people, and who can assume responsibility, make quick decisions, and think clearly have the traits necessary for successful careers in fashion merchandising.

The Program
The Merchandising: Fashion and Interiors major prepares students for a broad range of careers related to the fashion and interiors industries. Graduates find employment in manufacturing, marketing and retailing of apparel, furnishings, accessories and personal care products.

Students complete an interdisciplinary program of courses in merchandising, human ecology and business as well as supporting academic courses in economics, communication, computers and sciences. Students choose a concentrated study in either Fashion or Interiors. Students earn a minor in Marketing unless they participate in the Visiting Student program at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Fashion Institute of Technology Students have the option of attending The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City (one of the State Universities of New York) for one year as a visiting student and complete a program of study of their choice in: Accessories Design, Advertising and Marketing Communications, Advertising Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising Management, Interior Design, Jewelry Design, Manufacturing Management: Apparel Products and Related Industries, Textile Development and Marketing or Textile/Surface Design.

Students must complete 60 semester hours and follow a specified program of study at YSU before entering the FIT program. Upon completion of the Baccalaureate degree in Applied Sciences (B.S.A.S.) requirements at YSU, students will be awarded an Associate degree in Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Students who plan to participate in the FIT visiting student program should notify the advisor as soon as possible so that the appropriate courses are completed to qualify for admission as a visiting student.

Program Requirements

Merchandising: Fashion and Interiors *

Internship requirements

Merchandising students must complete at least 3 semester hours of Internship credit.

Internships

Minors

A Minor is not required but does supplement the Merchandising major, if the student has time to complete the 18-19 semester hours that are required for a minor. Merchandising majors often select minors in Marketing, Management, Finance, Journalism, Communications, Art, or Photography. A minor should be selected from an area of personal or career interest.

FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Interested and qualifying students may choose to study for one or more semesters at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Students who qualify may chose from one of 7 Associate degree programs of study by studying as a "Visiting Student" at FIT. Courses from FIT are then transferred back to YSU. Upon completion of the Bachelor's degree at YSU, proof is submitted by the graduate to FIT and the Associate degree is awarded by FIT.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers as:

• Buyers
• Department managers
• Merchandise managers
• Store managers
• Store owners
• Sales representatives
• Sales managers
• Merchandisers
• Merchandise allocators
• Merchandise planners
• Merchandise analysts
• Marketing directors
• Fashion directors
• Wardrobe consultants
• Personal Shoppers

Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 141 for additional related careers.

Potential Employment Settings

• Retail Department and Specialty Stores
• Apparel manufacturers
• Advertising agencies
• Apparel design studios and workrooms
• Textile and Findings manufacturers
• Fashion forecasting firms
• Retail business and apparel
• Industry publications

Coordinator
Dr. Priscilla Gitimu, Ph.D.
Room: 3094 Cushwa Hall
Phone: 330-941--1822
Email: pngitimu AT ysu DOT edu