Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising

A degree in fashion merchandising from Northern Illinois University will give you a strong foundation for an exciting career in the fashion industry. In our program, you'll gain knowledge of textile and apparel products as well as an understanding of the various industry processes involved in their successful merchandising, including fashion forecasting, product development, sourcing, buying, and visual merchandising. Throughout the fashion supply chain, career opportunities are plentiful, including product developer, buyer, allocator, visual merchandiser, and retail store manager.

Technology Focus

You'll develop skills in computer-based technology such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create visual merchandising plans, fashion drawings, trend boards, fashion web content, personal professional portfolios, and more. You'll use Gerber YuniquePLM software in learning about apparel product development.

Student Involvement

The student-run Fashion Industries Organization (FIO) is our active, hands-on student group that hosts speakers, takes field trips, creates window displays on and off campus, attends local fashion shows, and more.

Degree Requirements

• Four-year Degree Path
• Transfer Path

Careers

The fashion merchandising program prepares students for a variety of careers in the fashion industry.

Minor in Fashion Merchandising

The minor in fashion merchandising is available to students who want to gain knowledge of the fashion industry.

Academic Programs

• B.S. in Fashion Merchandising
  • Careers
  • Student Outcomes
  • Fashion Industries Organization
• Minor in Fashion Merchandising
• Certificate of Undergraduate Study in Visual Merchandising
• B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences
  • Program Requirements
  • Emphasis in Family Relations, Prevention and Wellness
  • Emphasis in Family Social Services
  • Emphasis in Child Development
  • Emphasis in Adult Development and Aging
  • B.S. in Child Development Degree Completion Program
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Student Outcomes
  • Careers
• Minor in Family and Child Studies
• Minor in Financial Counseling
• Minor in Gerontology
• Certificate of Undergraduate Study in Leadership in Aging Services
• M.S. in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences
• M.S. Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
• M.S. Specialization in Leadership in Aging Studies
• Certificate of Graduate Study in Family and Child Development (Online)
• Certificate of Graduate Study in Gerontology
• Certificate of Graduate Study in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (Online)
• Certificate in Graduate Study in Leadership in Aging Services (Online)
• Clinical/Special Requirements