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Fashion Merchandising Minor

Do you love fashion and hope to pursue a career in this creative and dynamic field? The University of Central Missouri’s Fashion Merchandising minor makes a perfect companion to many bachelor’s degree programs, including Business, Marketing, Public Relations, Theatre, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Communications and Studio Art.

Our program offers undergraduate students something unique in the study of fashion — a sustainability focus woven into the very fabric of the curriculum. Immerse yourself in the most up-to-date trends and technology available in fashion merchandising, employing systems used by the biggest names in fashion. 

You’ll also learn from experienced program faculty active in publishing, research and the fashion industry. You’ll learn from instructors who can help identify your individual strengths and advise on how to turn your passion into fashion apparel jobs after graduation.

UCM’s Fashion Merchandising minor is your runway to success

We pride ourselves on combining real-world applications of fashion merchandising with opportunities for undergraduate students to express their creativity. When you graduate UCM with a Fashion Merchandising minor, you’ll be equipped with not just design skills but also the business skills needed to work your way up in the fashion industry.

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AAFCS-accredited undergraduate program

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Focus on latest technology and trends

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Sustainability-minded courses

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Well-established Fashion program

 

What you will study

Receive your own sewing station plus personalized attention in classes with only 15 to 25 students. Fashion minors at the University of Central Missouri start with core classes that establish a foundation of knowledge in fashion. You’ll also choose several elective courses in textiles that align with your specific interests and goals or pair well with your chosen major. Popular options include: 

  • Sustainability for Consumer Products
  • Apparel Quality Analysis and Product Development
  • Visual Merchandising and Promotion
  • Fashion Buying

Our AAFCS-accredited Fashion Merchandising program provides you the best possible training in textiles, trend forecasting, merchandising, fashion buying and more.

 

Excellence in Fashion Merchandising

  • The University of Central Missouri’s Fashion program is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).
  • Ranked: Best Value College for Fashion Merchandising (College Factual, 2022)

 

Unique learning opportunities in fashion merchandising

Situated just 45 minutes from Kansas City, the University of Central Missouri offers the perfect location for anyone interested in fashion. Our proximity to this emerging fashion center provides access to a variety of hands-on, real-world learning and career opportunities such as:

  • Kansas City Fashion Week: Volunteer during this annual event and meet some of the finest fashion designers in the local industry. Current went on to show her fashions and model at Kansas City Fashion Week.
  • UCM Earth Week: Take part in the Recycle>Restyle>Revamp Fashion Show. As a Fashion Merchandising minor at the University of Central Missouri, you’ll gain experience modeling in, designing and producing a show.
  • Internships: Learn the ropes of the fashion industry in entry-level jobs and upper-level internships with leading local companies.
  • Student activities: Gain leadership experience by joining the Fashion Business Association student organization, which hosts community service projects and networking events throughout the year.
  • Special events: Guest speakers give you insights into what it’s really like working in the fashion industry. 

In addition to these exciting experiences, your Fashion Merchandising minor is focused on career preparation. You get access to tools such as WGSN, a digital platform used by fashion merchandising companies, including Adidas and Coach, to gain insights on consumer, design and fashion trends. You’ll also create a digital portfolio and website showcasing your designs.

 

What can you do with a minor in Fashion Merchandising from UCM?

A Fashion Merchandising minor is a natural fit for product development, buying, visual merchandising, marketing, social media, fashion show production and store management.

Past graduates of the University of Central Missouri’s Fashion program have gone on to start their own businesses, including Ivory and Lace, MKT Clothing Co., The Babe Standard and Pink Boss Network. Other alumni have led successful careers in fashion with companies such as Walmart corporate, Nordstrom, Victoria’s Secret, Target, H&M and Kendra Scott. 

Planning your future is always in fashion

Do you want to know more about where your Fashion Merchandising minor can take you? Learn about apparel merchandising job opportunities and get insider information on everything from typical salaries to advancement potential using our interactive tool below.

 

 
 


 

Financial assistance options for your Fashion Merchandising degree

Did you know that 94% of UCM undergrads receive some form of financial aid for this top-tier education to minimize student debt? Scholarships are available specifically for undergraduate students in UCM’s Fashion program, including:

  • Jenkins Scholarship 
  • MAGIC Trade Show Scholarship 
  • Dual Credit Scholarship

You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.

 

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Take your degree further.

 

Go beyond a minor to expand your experience in the fashion merchandising field with a bachelor’s degree from UCM.

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Explore programs related to fashion merchandising.

 

Other undergraduate programs at UCM that allow you to develop your creativity and business chops include:

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The fashion program is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, which holds us accountable for high standards and updated curriculum.

Click for FCS Unit information.

 

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