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Fashion Studies and Retail Merchandising (B.S.)

  • Location IconBrookings Main Campus

Melding marketing, business, and fashion.

Fashion studies and retail merchandising is the perfect major for students who would like to spend their career in one of many roles in the dynamic, ever-changing fashion industry. Careers such as store or department manager, buyer or visual merchandiser are typical. Students in apparel merchandising acquire a broad knowledge of people and their behavior, an understanding of the world at large and knowledge related to the design and supply chain processes, industry regulations and terminology, business theories and what goes into the development and promotion of profitable products.

Is it for you?

This program will be a good fit if you:

  • Are a people person.
  • Are imaginative and creative.
  • Have strong organizational skills.
  • Are a good oral, written, and visual communicator.
  • Work well independently and as part of a team.

Career Opportunities

  • Store or department manager
  • Buyer
  • Visual merchandiser
  • Product developer
  • Inventory control analyst

Recent Employers

  • Target
  • Chico's
  • Scheels
  • The Limited
  • White House Black Market

Internship Opportunities

  • Nordstrom
  • Anthropologie
  • Target
  • Banana Republic
  • The Buckle

Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?

If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices. 

In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.