Program Overview
Texas Tech University's Fashion Merchandising program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the fashion industry, combining business fundamentals with specialized courses in visual merchandising, buying, and design analysis. Through internships, industry collaborations, and a focus on practical application, graduates are prepared for successful careers in product development, retail management, and other fashion-related fields. The program's experienced faculty and unique approaches foster critical thinking, communication skills, and leadership abilities, ensuring graduates are well-positioned for success in the global fashion industry.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Fashion Merchandising:
This program equips graduates with the skills to excel in the global fashion industry, encompassing various sectors like apparel design, wholesale, and retail. The curriculum combines a strong business core in marketing, consumer behavior, sales, accounting, and finance with specialized fashion merchandising courses, including visual merchandising, retail trends, buying, and design analysis. The program fosters communication and interpersonal skills through a comprehensive curriculum, enabling graduates to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders. Graduates of this program hold positions in product development, buying, sourcing, store management, and visual merchandising.
Outline:
Program Structure:
The curriculum is structured to provide a holistic understanding of the fashion industry, combining business fundamentals with specialized fashion merchandising courses. The program is divided into four years, with specific courses offered in each semester.
Year 1:
- Fall: Introduction to Fashion and Modern Culture, Introduction to Hospitality and Retail Management, Introduction to Human Sciences, Essentials of College Rhetoric, Language, Philosophy, and Culture, Mathematics.
- Spring: Advanced College Rhetoric, Life and Physical Sciences, Mathematics, American Government, Creative Arts.
Year 2:
- Fall: History of the US to 1877, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Oral Communication, Fashion Trends, Introduction to Accounting for Hospitality and Retailing.
- Spring: History of the US since 1877, Texas Politics and Topics, Human Sciences Core Elective, Financial and Managerial Accounting for Hospitality and Retail Management, Retail Management Analytics.
Year 3:
- Fall: Guided Elective, Visual Merchandising and Retail Promotion, Financial Analysis for Hospitality and Retailing, Retail Buying and Control, Life and Physical Sciences.
- Spring: Professional Practices in Hospitality and Retail Management, Introduction to Sales for the Services Industry, Services Marketing for Hospitality and Retailing, Consumer Behavior in the Services Industry, Fashion and Design Analysis.
- Summer: Internship in Retail Management (300 hours).
Year 4:
- Fall: Retail Global Sourcing, Legal Aspects of the Services Industry, E- and Mobile Commerce, 3 hours from RETL 4320, RETL 4300, or HRM 4355.
- Spring: Guided Elective, Leadership in the Services Industries, Fashion Styling in Retail, 3 hours from RETL 4345, RETL 4342, or RETL 3345.
Individual Modules:
- Fashion and Modern Culture: This course explores the historical and social significance of fashion, its evolution, and its impact on society.
- Introduction to Fashion Merchandising: This course introduces the fundamental concepts of fashion merchandising, including retail operations, product development, consumer behavior, and marketing.
- Visual Merchandising and Retail Promotion: This course focuses on creating engaging and effective visual displays in retail settings to promote sales and enhance the customer experience.
- Fashion and Design Analysis: This course explores the elements and principles of fashion design, critically evaluating garments and collections.
- Retail Buying and Control: This course examines the processes and strategies involved in buying products for retail stores, including forecasting demand, negotiating with vendors, and managing inventory.
- Professional Practices in Hospitality and Retail Management: This course prepares students for the professional world, focusing on key skills like ethical decision-making, communication, and teamwork.
- Internship in Retail Management: This hands-on experience allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world retail setting.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Students' understanding and mastery of the program's content are evaluated through various assessment methods, including:
- Exams and quizzes
- Presentations and projects
- Case studies and simulations
- Participation in class discussions
- Portfolio development
- Internship experience However, some general criteria include:
- Accuracy and depth of knowledge
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication skills (written and oral)
- Creativity and innovation
- Professionalism and ethical behavior
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes diverse teaching methods to engage students and foster their learning. These methods include:
- Lectures and discussions
- Hands-on activities and simulations
- Case studies and group projects
- Guest speakers and industry visits
- Field trips and internships
- Technology-enhanced learning
Faculty:
The program boasts experienced and dedicated faculty with extensive knowledge and experience in the fashion industry. They are actively involved in research and professional organizations, bringing real-world insights into the classroom.
Unique Approaches:
The program incorporates unique approaches to enhance student learning and prepare them for successful careers in fashion merchandising. These approaches include:
- A strong emphasis on practical application through internships and industry projects
- Collaboration with leading fashion brands and retailers
- A focus on developing students' communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates of the Fashion Merchandising program are prepared for a wide range of careers in the fashion industry, including:
- Product development
- Buying and sourcing
- Retail management
- Visual merchandising
- Fashion styling
- Marketing and communications
- Fashion journalism and blogging
- Entrepreneurship
Opportunities:
Graduates are well-positioned to secure positions in various organizations, including:
- Major retailers and department stores
- Designer brands and fashion houses
- E-commerce companies
- Fashion agencies and consultancies
- Media and publishing companies
Outcomes:
The program boasts a strong record of preparing graduates for successful careers in the fashion industry. Alumni of the program hold leadership positions in renowned brands and organizations across the globe.
Other:
Human Sciences Core Elective:
Students can choose one elective from the following options:
- Understanding Alcohol, Drugs, and Addictive Behaviors
- Partnering: The Development of Intimate Relationships
- Life, Love, and Money
- Introduction to Personal Finance
Guided Electives:
Students can select additional courses from the Retail Hospitality and Interior Design (RHIM) and Retailing (RETL) departments, or other approved courses.
