Visual Merchandising promotes the communication of a brand and/or fashion trend to the consumer. Students will learn the basic concepts, methods and application of visual design for various retail venues with a concentration in department store visual and merchandising practices. Students will be exposed to common tools of the trade, design principles, consumer psychology and marketing principles to aid in the creation of various displays on and off campus. The course covers methods of promoting and displaying merchandise, retail analysis and use of props and lighting to influence consumer spending.

Visual communication has a key role in the success of a company. In this course, students advance skills in visual merchandising and styling to communicate brand identity which translates a company’s value into appealing imagery for their target market. The course covers how to establish a career in styling and lays out the base knowledge a stylist must have in order to work in the industry. This course also includes an exploration of fashion terms, icons, history, and sources of inspiration, as well as portfolio building, branding and networking. (Prerequisite: FMD 320)

A senior level course in which students develop advanced skills in the Adobe Creative Suite and apply these skills to various graphic related projects with the objective of designing product for a global marketplace using current trend information. (Prerequisite: FMD 208, ART 302)

Study of historic costume from ancient times to the present day with emphasis on the geographical, political, religious, and social factors, which affected the clothing worn.

In-depth study of the purchasing functions and responsibilities of the buyer (traditional retailer) or merchant (private-label retailer) of various product categories. Analysis of buying plans based on merchandise assortment and dollar planning. (Prerequisites: FMD 106, MATH 205)

Senior level course designed to provide students with job search skills and strategies, and will hone their presentation and interview skills. This course builds and expands on all coursework with the goal of integrating content and applying it to real-life scenarios. The students will use their business and creative skills to craft an innovative response to the needs of a company. (Senior status required)

The purpose of this course, via reflection and analysis, is to integrate the experience (90-120 hours of off-campus work experience) and insights gained with the academic theory, principles, concepts and ethical aspects of the industry. In addition to academic goals, this course is intended to enhance their professional and public speaking skills, strengthen their personal and professional values and ethics, clarify their personal and career goals, and develop their self-confidence.

The purpose of this course, via reflection and analysis, is to integrate the experience (90-120 hours of off-campus work experience) and insights gained with the academic theory, principles, concepts and ethical aspects of the industry. In addition to academic goals, this course is intended to enhance their professional and public speaking skills, strengthen their personal and professional values and ethics, clarify their personal and career goals, and develop their self-confidence. Experience I and II must be with different companies. (Pre-requisite: FMD 337)

Senior level course which covers the preparation and enhancement of a professional portfolio including professional image, demonstration of skills, and display of relevant projects. Students will refine their presentation and interview skills.

Product managers, sometimes known as brand managers, are responsible for managing the marketing activities for their product or brand and typically have responsibility for sales volume and revenues. The courses will focus on developing critical skills such as developing brand strategy, advertising, promotional programs, and the planning activities associated with those tasks. (Prerequisites: FMD 127, 328)