Program Overview

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Visual Merchandising Arts (VMA)

Overview

The Visual Merchandising Arts diploma program at Seneca Polytechnic is a two-year program that provides hands-on expertise in fashion styling, digital design, and retail and display methodologies, with an emphasis on sustainable practices.

Program Details

• Campus: Newnham
• Delivery: Hybrid
• Duration: 4 Semesters (2 Years)
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma
• School: School of Fashion

About the Program

This program is grounded in the fundamental principles of design, styling, and visual merchandising, and is uniquely tailored to equip graduates with a comprehensive skill set that exceeds industry standards. It will prepare students for a dynamic career that thrives on creativity and innovation.

Skills

Throughout this program, students will develop the following skills:

• Fashion, photo, and product styling
• Visual storytelling and window display techniques
• Social media marketing and digital design
• Product knowledge and trend analysis
• Prop concept, design, and activation
• Floorplans, merchandising directives, and store operations
• Colour theory and design principles
• Budgeting and resource management
• Communication and teamwork

Work Experience

Field Placement

This program includes an 80-hour field placement to help students build connections and expand their professional network with industry partners. It offers the opportunity for hands-on experience in a variety of settings, such as retail visual merchandising, fashion styling, and collaboration with visual designers.

Program Availability

• Start in: September 2025
• Location: Newnham
• Availability: Open

Program and Course Delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online, and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.

Your Career

Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:

• Fashion stylist
• Visual merchandiser
• Prop producer or prop stylist
• Social media content stylist
• Brand ambassador
• E-commerce website stylist
• Special event and exhibit designer
• Interior stylist or home staging assistant
• Freelance designer

Affiliations/Associations

The Seneca Polytechnic Difference

This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.

Degree Pathways

Every Seneca diploma has a degree pathway. Students have the opportunity to continue their studies and complete a degree at Seneca or a partner institution.

Experiential Learning

Graduate career-ready and world-ready. This program has a field placement to help students hone essential skills for the workplace.

Career Support

Seneca Works offers students and graduates lifelong access to an exclusive job board, career coaching, networking, and more.

Sustainability

We’ve made a bold commitment to embed principles of social, economic, and environmental sustainability in our practices.

Student Works and Experiences

Redefining Design

Graduating Visual Merchandising Arts students showcase their creative work at the annual year-end event for Seneca’s fashion programs.

Behind the Scenes of VMA

Catch a glimpse of some eye-catching display windows for fashion, home décor, the holidays, and more, as styled by our Visual Merchandising Arts students.

What Our Graduates Say

Marisol Flores

Graduate, Visual Merchandising Arts

“I really liked the VMA program’s hands-on approach. The exceptional teachers offered practical, real-world perspectives that were crucial for my entry into the workplace as an international student from Mexico. The field placement expanded my experience and network, enabling me to build a portfolio and secure employment shortly after graduating.”

Jin Hwang

Graduate, Visual Merchandising Arts

“I had an amazing experience with countless opportunities in the Visual Merchandising Arts program. The connections with my classmates and professors were priceless, as was the support offered during my courses. After I completed this program, I was fully confident to proceed in my career as a Visual Merchandiser.”

Deborah Laureta

Graduate, Visual Merchandising Arts

“I had two years of amazing experiences and opportunities during my time in the Visual Merchandising Arts (VMA) program. Through the guidance of my professors and classmates, I was able to expand my knowledge and skills within the industry. In addition to the hands-on assignments, the many field placements that I participated in were crucial to my career development. After completing the VMA program, I can confidently pursue and further my career as a visual merchandiser.”

Victoria Profiti

Graduate, Visual Merchandising Arts

“My time spent in the Visual Merchandising Arts program at Seneca Polytechnic was both challenging and hugely rewarding.”

Elle Zavarei

Graduate, Visual Merchandising Arts

“The Visual Merchandising Arts program brought me the delight of creation and construction at a fast pace. With the unconditional support and generosity of my professors, I had the opportunity to explore and experience a vast design field, expand my proficiency and acquire the confidence to start my career as a freelance designer.”