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Apparel and Textiles Merchandising Certificate

Do you have an interest in apparel merchandising and a passion for fashion? The University of Central Missouri’s Fashion program prepares you to step into a variety of apparel merchandising jobs. The Apparel and Textiles Merchandising Certificate at UCM marks the first step in realizing success in your future fashion career. 

Our undergraduate certificate program offers specialized textiles coursework. The curriculum focuses on hands-on learning to develop creative and business skills at the same time. Upon completing our Apparel and Textiles Merchandising Certificate through UCM’s Fashion program, you’ll know not only how to design but also how to sell your wares, using the latest technology employed in real apparel merchandising jobs. 

UCM’s Fashion program in Apparel and Textiles Merchandising offers in-person, online and hybrid learning options. With a focus on sustainability, as well as current trends, this undergraduate certificate is a relevant credential that can lead to a successful and rewarding career in fashion.

UCM Fashion program’s Apparel and Textiles Merchandising Certificate — The Runway to Your Success

With small class sizes of 15 to 25 students, you’ll gain personal attention focused on your needs and goals. Prepare for apparel merchandising jobs that fit your interests and skills — all on your timetable and in an accessible, affordable manner.

What is apparel merchandising coursework going to look like day to day? Our undergraduate program offers synchronous learning online and in the classroom. Take textile courses from home while still interacting and collaborating with your peers in the classroom.

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Updated Fashion program reflects trends

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Latest technology — new projects yearly

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AAFCS-accredited Fashion program

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Fashion Business Association membership

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95% Fashion program hiring rate

What you will study

Fashion merchandising and textile courses help undergraduate students in UCM’s Fashion program qualify to earn a competitive apparel merchandising salary. Our one-of-a-kind program curriculum emphasizes the emerging value and importance of sustainability in fashion. Our program courses also focus on innovative industry technology and field-based skills necessary to be successful in apparel merchandising jobs. You’ll learn how to use digital tools for trend forecasting, product development, store planning, visual merchandising and branding.

Textile courses you may take to earn your Apparel and Merchandising Certificate from UCM’s Fashion program include:

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

 

Excellence in Apparel and Textiles Merchandising

  • The University of Central Missouri’s Fashion program, including the Apparel and Textiles Merchandising Certificate, 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 apparel and textiles merchandising

What is apparel merchandising preparing you for in your career? Find out in our hands-on Fashion program, which takes you beyond textbooks and includes real-world learning opportunities unique to the University of Central Missouri.

  • Professional guest speakers: Hear from industry experts in a variety of apparel merchandising jobs representing different industry perspectives.
  • Dedicated sewing machines: Access your own machine and master sergers with capabilities in overlock, vinyl cutting and embroidery. 
  • Latest technology: Learn sublimation and 3D printing for advanced, high-tech ways to get more creative with your designs. Employ WGSN for trend forecasting and fashion industry information — the same digital tool Adidas, Levi and Coach use. Our textile courses also provide opportunities for computer lab time, so you can master programs you’ll need to use in apparel merchandising jobs, such as Adobe Creative Suite and Chief Architect.
  • Digital portfolio: Develop your own website that showcases your talents for prospective employers.
  • Central location: Ideally situated just 45 minutes from Kansas City, the University of Central Missouri’s location means you can participate in exclusive fashion industry experiences, such as KC Fashion Week. You’ll also have access to internships that may lead to apparel merchandising jobs in this blossoming fashion hub. 

 

What can you do with an undergraduate certificate in Apparel and Textiles Merchandising from UCM?

UCM’s undergraduate Fashion program focuses on helping students learn first-hand the answer to the question, what is apparel merchandising in the real world? Our approach ensures you graduate with knowledge about the latest fashion industry trends and technology. 

UCM’s Fashion program and Career and Life Design Center advisors are readily available to talk with you about the best apparel merchandising jobs for your interests and skills. We want you to succeed and feel supported in every step of your Fashion program journey, from your first fashion and textile courses to understanding what apparel merchandising salary to expect in your first job. 

The University of Central Missouri boasts a 95% job placement rate for Fashion program graduates within six months. Examples of companies where alumni work include Walmart, Target, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Dillard’s and Nordstrom. Students have also created or founded their own businesses, such as Ivory and Lace and The Babe Standard.

What is apparel merchandising as a career?

Upon earning your undergraduate certificate from UCM’s Fashion program, so many apparel merchandising jobs await. Find out where the job opportunities are, how your skills align with potential careers and what an apparel merchandising salary looks like using our interactive tool below.

 

 
 


 

Financial assistance options for your Apparel and Textiles Merchandising Certificate

The University of Central Missouri’s undergraduate certificate from the Fashion program provides key equipment, supplies and technology to students while keeping tuition and fees affordable. Explore the many ways you can also finance your college education at UCM.

In our Fashion program, you may also qualify for undergraduate student scholarships, including:

  • Jenkins Scholarship 
  • MAGIC Trade Show Scholarship

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

 

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Take your degree further.

Use the foundation you learn from textile courses in UCM’s Apparel and Textiles Merchandising Certificate to earn a bachelor’s degree.

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Make yourself more marketable.

Add a minor at UCM to enhance your undergraduate certificate and help you earn a desirable apparel merchandising salary after graduation.

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Explore programs related to apparel and textiles.

If you’re interested in UCM’s certificate in Apparel and Textiles Merchandising, consider these other undergraduate certificates, as well:

 

Request Info   Visit   Apply Today!

 

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