B.S. in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design
Cultivate design and business skills to realize your unique vision through fashion, from concept to consumer.
At Georgia Southern, our students explore the process of taking raw materials to finished products in the Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design degree program. You will learn how to produce apparel, with a focus on understanding market trends and consumers’ needs. All of these skills are developed through coursework that focuses on research and development, styling and design, production and marketing. We excel as one of Georgia’s top schools for Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design, all at an exceptional value.
Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design
Format: In person on the Statesboro Campus
Credit Hours: 124
Program Highlights:
- Top 10 Fashion Merchandising Schools in the South
- Ranked #1 Public Best Schools for Textile & Apparel Studies in Georgia in 2024
- Ranked #12 Best Value for Bachelor’s Degree Colleges for General Apparel and Textiles in 2022
Our degree program provides a broad range of specialized training in:
- Fashion marketing
- Fashion promotion and social media
- Visual merchandising
- Trend forecasting
- Buying
- Fashion history
- Apparel design and construction
- Fashion illustration
- Textile science
- Computer-aided design
- Product development
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Fashion Merchandising Degree Emphasis
Georgia Southern’s Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design offers an emphasis in fashion merchandising for students interested in learning more about the business side of the fashion industry. You’ll gain knowledge and experience in the principles of merchandising, textile production, trend forecasting, marketing, and retailing.
Careers in Fashion Merchandising
You may be thinking “What can I do with a fashion merchandising degree?”. With a fashion merchandising degree emphasis, you’ll be prepared for work in a variety of fashion related occupations. Including but not limited to:
- Fashion public relations
- Merchandise consultant
- Visual merchandiser
- Marketing specialist
- Fashion consultant
- Creative director
- Media planner
- Fashion director
- Brand strategist
- Stylist
- Store manager
- Retail buyer
- Social Media Manager
- Area brand coordinator
Apparel Design Degree Emphasis
Combining rigorous fashion design coursework with hands-on practice in apparel design and analysis, fashion illustration, visual merchandising, flat pattern design, and draping, the emphasis on apparel design prepares you with the creative and technical skills necessary to conceive and construct your own collection.
Careers in Apparel Design
You may be thinking “What can I do with an apparel design degree?” With an Apparel Design degree emphasis, you’ll be prepared for work in a variety of design-related occupations. Including but not limited to:
- Apparel designer
- Technical designer
- Costume designer
- Fashion illustrator
- Textile and graphic designer
- Creative Director
- Apparel production coordinator
- Stylist
Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design Alumni Careers
Alumni Positions
- Buyer
- Stylist
- Assistant Designer
- Technical Designer
- Marketing Coordinator
- Event Design Coordinator
- Sourcing Assistant
- Product developer
- Social Media Manager
- Products Associate
- Buying Assistant
- Visual Merchandising Coordinator
- Influencer Marketing Coordinator
- E-Commerce Lead
- Public relations Assistant
- Sr. E-Commerce Merchandiser
- Visual Manager
- Marketing Specialist
Alumni Employers
- Carter’s
- Free People
- Amazon
- Stitch Fix
- Kate Spade
- Christian Louboutin
- Belk
- DNKY/Donna Karan
- Kontoor Brands(Lee)
- American Threads
- Express
- Pacific Sun
- Red Dress
- Port City Sewing Factory
- Fab’rick
- Nautica
- Disney
- Atlanta International Market Centers
Internship Opportunities
As part of the Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design degree coursework, all students are required to complete a semester-long internship related to their study emphasis. The program also offers study tours to both the Atlanta and New York fashion markets, exposing students to historic costume collections, wholesale showrooms, auxiliary fashion enterprises, and noted retail stores.
Georgia Southern University’s Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design Program has been named one of the top fashion merchandising schools in the United States by Fashion-Schools.org. In a review that looked at more than 200 institutions – and their academics, admissions, programs, faculty, and other criteria – Georgia Southern ranked among the top 25 percent in the nation and made the top schools list at 49. Georgia Southern has also ranked eighth on the list of “Top 15 Fashion Schools in the South.”
Internships
The internship (FMAD 4790) is 12 credit hours and cannot be taken with other coursework or academic requirements. The student is responsible for registering for FMAD 4790 but will be denied eligibility if he/she has not successfully fulfilled all academic requirements prior to registering for the course. The internship must be a full-time position, paying or non-paying, at 35 to 40 hours per week. Merchandising emphasis students can work in any capacity in fashion or related industries. Design emphasis students must intern in a design-related position. All internships must have prior approval from the internship professor.
Students must attend an information session the semester prior to the semester he/she will complete their internship. During the information session, students will receive pertinent information regarding their internship.
Students- check out our Internship Spotlight here.
Recent Internship Sites
- Tom James Company
- Long Slow Exhale, Paramount Pictures, Costume PA
- Mamie Ruth and M. Liz Jewelry Studios & Boutique
- Retrofete
- Yoni Intimacy
- Alton Lane
- Forever 21 – Carolina Place Mall
- Lascana
- AmericaMart/ Atlanta Apparel
- Naked South Boutique
- KJ Clothier
- Handpicked
- The White Magnolia, Savannah, Georgia
- Madame Couture Boutique
- Gells
- The Posh Loft LLC
- David Bridal
- Beloved The Label
- Sparkle & Sass
- UnCommon Fashion
- House of Perna
- Kyndal Day Personal Stylist
- Ex Voto Vintage
- Taredown 360
- Megan’s Boutique
- Connoisseur Paris
- Girlie Girl Prom
- Music Video
- Dish Boutique
- Unique Fashion
- Hannah Gotz Studio
- Venus Fashion
- Lilly Pulitzer
- Mame Ruth
- Lizard Thicket
- Bel Fiore Bridal
- Fabrik
- Factory PR
- Bel Fiore Bridal
- Satchel
- Tech Corner
- Fashom
Fashion Design Minor
You can also minor in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design to broaden your knowledge of content that might relate to your current major. Please see a faculty member for more guidance on what courses to take.
Student Resources
More about FMAD
Learning Outcomes
Graduates from the programs will be able to:
- Produce projects that apply a comprehensive knowledge of the fashion industry and product development process.
- Apply theories, research, concepts, and trends regarding economic, political, technological and/or social dimensions to a diverse global marketplace.
- Apply knowledge of principles of design and aesthetics in relation to the quality of life, social responsibility, and sustainability.
- Execute projects utilizing written, visual, oral, and/or technical skills using technology specific to the apparel industry.
- Apply quantitative and qualitative skills to creative problem-solving.
Mission
The Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design(FMAD) Program at Georgia Southern University aim is to prepare undergraduate students to succeed in their future careers in the global apparel industry. The fashion merchandising and design program provides a structured and experiential learning process to help students understand the concepts and methods of today’s fashion industry while focusing on leadership development, teamwork, and specialized skills to succeed. This mission aligns with Georgia Southern University and the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences missions by educating students through a student-centered learning process that prepares our students to be influential leaders ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Scholarships
Betty Lane Family and Consumer Science Scholarship
In 1949, Betty Lane graduated from Georgia College and State University. Lane then obtained two more degrees from the University of Georgia and Florida State University, finally earning her doctorate. Lane joined the Georgia Southern family in 1958 as an assistant professor and devoted herself to the university. She retired in 1986 as the chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences in 1986. Nearly thirty-five years after her retirement, Dr. Lane still stays active on campus and is an avid supporter of student activities and scholarships. This scholarship in her honor is available to students majoring in Child and Family Development, Interior Design, or Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design.
Student Organizations
Fashion Menagerie
The Fashion Menagerie builds an environment of creativity among Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design students. It provides an outlet to channel inspiration, increase awareness of fashion related events, promote and showcase local designers’ talents. Students may publish creative works while executing, producing, contributing, and educating themselves and their community about the ever-changing and dynamic world of fashion.
- Membership: Open to all interested students
- Meetings: Weekly
- Advisor Contact: Jess Harrison – jh46038@georgiasouthern.edu
- President: Jess Harrison
- Vice President: Jay Liggins
Fashion Menagerie Presents their Fashion Design Month
October 5, 12, 19 and 26th 6-8:30 Room IAB 2028
Learn how to make your own fashion design from start to finish! Guided lessons and some supplies will be provided for free! All skill levels welcome! Join our group-me!- see flier below
Learn: Sewing, unique stitches, pattern drafting, sketching, beading, crochet, photography, and more!
Instagram: gsufashionmenagerie
Mail: jh46038@georgiasouthern.edu
General Resources
The links below will connect you with support staff and other resources that may prove valuable during your time as a student at Georgia Southern.
- CBSS Advisement Center
- Campus Computer Labs
- Counseling Center
- Campus Recreation and Intramurals
- Dean of Students Office
- Library Resources for Students
- Office of Career and Professional Development
- Office of Inclusive Excellence
- Student Accessibility Resource Center
- Student Code of Conduct
- Student Employment
- The Writing Center
Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design News
- Welcome Richmond Hills Young Women Excel ClubThe YWE club from Richmond Hills High School is coming… Read more: Welcome Richmond Hills Young Women Excel Club
- 2024 ITAA Teaching Excellence Award announcedDr. Virginia Rolling wins the ITAA Teaching Excellence Award! International… Read more: 2024 ITAA Teaching Excellence Award announced
- Spring Fashion Show is bringing happy spring vibesSpring Fashion Show is here! April 19th 6-8pm IAB 105.
- 2024 School of Human Ecology Annual Undergraduate Research SymposiumCome out to this great student event. Thursday, April 18th,… Read more: 2024 School of Human Ecology Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium
For more news, see our School News Page
Learn More
Want to visit? Contact Dr. Beth McGee, Assistant Chair, for a tour of our facility. Phone: 912-478-4779, E-mail: bethmcgee@georgiasouthern.edu
Have questions? Contact Beth Myers, School Chair, IAB Building 265 – Office 3057, Phone: 912-478-6996, E-mail: bmyers@georgiasouthern.edu
For more information about the curriculum, check out the recent catalog.
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Last updated: 4/25/2024