Fashion Merchandising
Bachelor of Science Degree

Fashion goes beyond fabric, color, silhouette and style. Fashion is a scintillating world, combining the skills of designers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

More than a fashion statement

At the University of Bridgeport, we believe that a university degree should make a strong statement. Not just a fashion statement, but also a personal statement that shapes your life beyond your career. We believe our program offers you more, because you are a part of the community of international and domestic students who value a world-class education.

Our program is focused on what you'll need to be successful in the fashion world

One part of our program is all about fashion, and that means learning about the garments and accessories that shape looks and trends around the world. The other component is knowing how to get the goods to the consumers...marketing, and that includes buying, displaying, advertising, promoting and selling.

We combine an overview of the world of Fashion with the practical knowledge of Fashion Merchandising and Retailing procedures, plus Advertising, Textiles, Art, Business and Computer skills that this fascinating career field requires. There are many career opportunities to branch off into such as Fashion Marketing, Textile design, Retail Management, Fashion Buying and Visual Merchandising. You'll work hard in our programs and you'll be working shoulder to shoulder with the faculty that have years of proven experience in the fashion industry. You'll be near the Fashion Capital of the World, New York City—just 50 miles from our campus. And, you have the option to study abroad.

Choice of degree programs

We offer a two-year, Associate in Arts degree and a four-year, Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising and Retailing. The major difference between the two is the level of study. In the Bachelor's program, you will experience greater depth in each major area. And, in addition, you may complete a minor concentration. You may also transfer from the two-year program right into the Bachelor's degree program without any loss of credits.

Co-Op and Internship Opportunities

Perhaps the best part of our program is that you can "earn while you learn" through our Co-Op and Internship programs—that's where you receive college credit, a salary and experience that directly relate to your field of study. Job opportunities are available through such well-known companies as Liz Claiborne, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren/Polo, Lord & Taylor, J.C. Penney, AX (Armani Exchange), Donna Karan, Roca Wear, and Via Spiga. What's even more important, our Fashion program is one of the best in the business at placing students—a ninety-nine percent success rate—in jobs that directly relate to their career goals!

Earning potential and outlook

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs will remain competitive for graduates in Fashion Merchandising and Retailing. Assertive, talented, highly motivated candidates will have excellent job prospects. Salaries in the industry are highly competitive.

Area of Concentrations

Fashion Marketing
Retail Marketing and promotion
Fashion Buying
Visual merchandising
Retail Management
Textile Design & Fashion Production

Jobs in the Field

Fashion Buyer
Fashion Pubilc Relations
Fashion Director
Human Resources Director
Retail Store manager
Textile Merchandiser and Designer
Showroom Sales Representative
Product Development
Catalog Production

Required Courses

The Bachelor of Science Curriculum in Fashion Merchandising begins with the basic two year program requirements (above) and continues with the following required courses:

Accounting
Marketing Principles
Mass Merchandising/Marketing
Fashion & Retail Buying
Surface Design
Advanced Textiles/Product Development
Retail Management II
International Fashions and Furnishings
Home Furnishings
Eighteen credits of minor courses in Textiles, Design or Marketing

The Fashion Merchandising degree applies the latest in Computer Aided Design technology in support of design course work. Students are expected to become highly computer literate in the course of their studies. A co-op program of work-study is available to Fashion Merchandising students, and Study-Abroad affiliations are maintained with the London College of Fashion, The University of Florence, Italy and several Australian Universities. Application for Study-Abroad can be made in the Sophomore year for the Fall or Spring Semester of their junior or senior year. Students with prior co-op experience who participate in the Spring semester abroad may opt for a Summer co-op experience in Europe. Fashion Merchandising and Retailing is also available to B.A. and B.S. majors as a minor course of study.

Program Director
Patricia Rigia
Mandeville Hall, Room 23
Phone: (203) 576-4098
E-Mail: rigia@bridgeport.edu