Program Overview

Bachelor's Degree (BS) in Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles

The Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles program examines the intersection of fashion, business, and consumer behavior. Students explore areas such as product development, retail strategy, trend forecasting, global sourcing, and sustainability in the apparel industry. The curriculum blends creative and analytical approaches, with hands-on learning in textile analysis, merchandising technologies, and industry-standard tools.

Program Overview

We blend creativity with business principles to prepare leaders in retail and merchandising industries. A degree that's always in style... Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles (MAT) students explore market trends, retail strategies, supply chains and more across the global marketplace. Our coursework teaches students about industry practices within development, sourcing, marketing, and merchandising of consumer goods and services. Students will gain skills in visual merchandising, sketching and design, buying and sourcing materials, event planning and more.

Who is this program for?

A bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles is perfect for students with a keen interest in fashion, design, and retail management, offering opportunities to build careers in fashion merchandising, buying, retail management, or product development. This program provides a strong foundation in trend analysis, textile science, and supply chain management, preparing graduates for roles in global fashion brands, e-commerce, and sustainable fashion initiatives.

Related Careers

The Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles degree will prepare you for careers in domestic or international markets in the merchandising, apparel, and textile fields, such as:

• Brand manager
• Digital merchandiser/social media specialist
• Entrepreneur
• Fashion merchandiser
• Fashion marketing communication specialist
• Product developer
• Retail manager and merchandiser
• Stylist
• Textile lab supervisor
• Visual merchandiser

Program Details

• Offered by the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
• Credit Hours: 120
• Credential: BS

Admission Requirements

• Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum
• Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission

Application Requirements

Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the academic year).

Application Deadlines

Freshman

• Early Action: 12/01/2025
• Regular Decision: 02/15/2026

Transfer

• Fall Scholarship: 06/15/2026
• Fall: 08/01/2026
• Spring: 11/15/2025
• Summer: 04/15/2026

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles includes:

Freshman Year

• Fall Semester:
  • UKCRCC1: UK Core - Comp. & Comm. I
  • RTM 101: INTRO TO RETAILING & TOURISM MANAGEMENT
  • MAT 114: INTRO TO MERCHANDISING
  • SOC 101: INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY
  • AFE 100: ISSUES IN AG, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT
• Spring Semester:
  • UKCRCC2: UK Core - Comp. & Comm. II
  • UKCRQFO: UK Core - Quantitative Foundations
  • UKCRNPM: UK Core - Natural, Physical and Math
  • PSY 100: INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY
  • MAT 120: TEXTILES FOR CONSUMERS

Sophomore Year

• Fall Semester:
  • UKCRSIR: UK Core - Statistical Inferential Reason
  • MAT-PROF: Professional Support
  • ECO 201: PRINCIPLES OF ECO I
  • MAT 237: AESTHETIC EXP IN RETAILS
  • MAT-AN/CS: AN 105 -or- CS 101
• Spring Semester:
  • ECO 202: PRINCIPLES OF ECO II
  • ACC 200: INTRO ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKERS
  • UKCRACR: UK Core - Arts and Creativity
  • MAT-PROF: Professional Support
  • MAT 247: DRESS AND CULTURE

Junior Year

• Fall Semester:
  • MKT 300: MARKETING MANAGEMENT
  • RTM 340: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE/PRE-INTERNSHIP
  • MAT 315: MERCHANDISE PLANNING AND CONTROL
  • RTM 345: SERVICE MANAGEMENT
  • ACC 201: FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
• Spring Semester:
  • MAT-6A: Major Selection
  • MGT 301: INTRODUCTION TO MANAGING ORGANIZATIONS
  • MAT-6A: Major Selection
  • MKT 320: RETAIL/DISTRIBUTION MGT
  • HES-FREE: Free Elective
• Summer Semester:
  • RTM 499: RTM INTERNSHIP

Senior Year

• Fall Semester:
  • MAT 414: MERCHANDISING STRATEGY ANALYSIS
  • MAT-6A-400: Major Selection 400+
  • RTM 425: HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
  • MAT 510: BRAND MANAGEMENT
  • MAT-FREE-1-3: Free Elective (1-3 hours)
• Spring Semester:
  • MAT-6A-400: Major Selection 400+
  • MAT-6A-400: Major Selection 400+
  • MAT-PROF: Professional Support
  • MAT-PROF: Professional Support
  • UKCRHUM: UK Core - Humanities

Additional Information

Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog. The University of Kentucky defines international applicants as those with citizenship other than the United States of America. Exception: Permanent Residents of the United States should complete a domestic application. This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky. This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a master's degree, AMP can save you time and money with dual credit hours by signing-up when you have earned between 60-105 credit hours as an undergraduate student at UK. Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable. Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun! Live in a community full of others who share your interests in agriculture, food and environment! Community members also gain access to specialized programs that foster relationships, professional growth, and community. The University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY 40506
An Equal Opportunity University ```