Applied Design, Fashion Merchandising, A.A.S.

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Rachel Beach, Applied Design Program Coordinator
(304) 367-4298
Rachel.Beach@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

Fashion Merchandising is a comprehensive Applied Design program combining the study of design, textiles, clothing concepts, and business. This program includes the study of apparel design and construction; historical costume as design inspiration; the business of fashion retailing; and visual merchandising.

The program is designed to provide both classroom and studio work with practical work experience in area businesses. The learning experience goes beyond the classroom and includes fashion show production, fashion events, field trips, and internships.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the AAS degree, graduates will be able to do the following:

Demonstrate knowledge of design theory and the elements and principles of design through organizing, manipulating, and solving design problems
Recognize the history of their field, and manipulate the materials, components, and products that are associated with that field
Communicate and justify, through written and oral presentation and portfolio development, the details, inspiration, problems, solutions, and the vision of their design
Develop and demonstrate a work ethic in their field of design through practicum experience and community service
Demonstrate an understanding of business practices, work ethic, professionalism, and consumer marketing principles as related to the products and services of their field

Opportunities

Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue entry-level careers in fashion or visual merchandising, retail and wholesale buying, bridal consulting; and self-employment or entrepreneurship. In addition to strong job prospects, competitive salaries also await graduates; typical median pay ranges from $32,000 - $75,410.

Required Courses (60 Hrs)

Model Schedule (60 Hrs)

Fall First Year (15 Hrs)

APPD 1115 - Introduction to Fashion Business 3 hr(s).
APPD 1116 - History of Contemporary Fashion 3 hr(s).
BUSN 1102 - Introduction to Business 3 hr(s).
~ENGL 1104 - Written English I 3-4 hr(s). (“C” or higher required for graduation)
OFAD 1150 - Computer Concepts and Applications 3 hr(s).

Spring First Year (15 Hrs)

APPD 1102 - Apparel Design 3 hr(s).
APPD 1103 - Clothing and Culture 3 hr(s).
APPD 2210 - Textiles 3 hr(s).
~MTH 1207 - Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics 3-4 hr(s).
~ENGL 1108 - Written English II 3 hr(s). (“C” or higher required for graduation)
-OR
COM 2200 - Introduction to Human Communications 3 hr(s).

Summer Term (3 Hrs - Optional)

APPD 2995 - Applied Design Capstone 3 hr(s).

Fall Second Year (15 Hrs)

APPD 1101 - Principles of Clothing Construction 3 hr(s).
APPD 2220 - Fashion Accessories 3 hr(s).
APPD 2995 - Applied Design Capstone 3 hr(s).
ARTD 1120 - Art Appreciation 3 hr(s).
MKTG 2204 - Principles of Marketing 3 hr(s).

Spring Second Year (15 Hrs)

APPD 1131 - History of 20th Century Design 3 hr(s).
APPD 2217 - Visual Merchandising 3 hr(s).
APPD 2235 - Design in Social Media 3 hr(s).
APPD 2270 - Fashion Merchandising 3 hr(s).
Required Elective (Select One) 3 hr(s).

Notice to All Students

Annual Notification: All career and technical education courses and programs are offered at Pierpont regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability.
Advanced Skill Set and Skill Set programs do not qualify for financial aid. Students seeking financial aid eligible degrees may incorporate the classes as electives when their schedule allows or may declare an associate or certificate degree in which the skill set and advanced skill set courses are embedded.
Students are reminded to review campus policies and procedures as stated in the catalog.

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