College of Behavioral and Social Sciences > School of Human Ecology > B.S. in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design

B.S. in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design

Cultivate design and business skills to realize your unique vision through fashion, from concept to consumer.

At Georgia Southern, our students explore the process of taking raw materials to finished products in the Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design degree program. You will learn how to produce apparel, with a focus on understanding market trends and consumers’ needs. All of these skills are developed through coursework that focuses on research and development, styling and design, production and marketing. We excel as one of Georgia’s top schools for Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design, all at an exceptional value.

Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design
Format: In person on the Statesboro Campus or the Fashion Merchandising concentrations is available online
Credit Hours: 124

Fashion merchandising and apparel design student led runway show

Program Highlights:

Top 10 Fashion Merchandising Schools in the South
Ranked #1 Public Best Schools for Textile & Apparel Studies in Georgia in 2024
Ranked #12 Best Value for Bachelor’s Degree Colleges for General Apparel and Textiles in 2022

Our degree program provides a broad range of specialized training in:

Fashion marketing
Fashion promotion and social media
Visual merchandising
Trend forecasting
Buying
Fashion history
Apparel design and construction
Fashion illustration
Textile science
Computer-aided design
Product development

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Fashion Merchandising Degree Emphasis

Now online or on campus options!

Georgia Southern’s Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design offers an emphasis in fashion merchandising for students interested in learning more about the business side of the fashion industry. You’ll gain knowledge and experience in the principles of merchandising, textile production, trend forecasting, marketing, and retailing.

Merchandising Courses and Curriculum

Careers in Fashion Merchandising

You may be thinking “What can I do with a fashion merchandising degree?”. With a fashion merchandising degree emphasis, you’ll be prepared for work in a variety of fashion related occupations. Including but not limited to:

Fashion public relations
Merchandise consultant
Visual merchandiser
Marketing specialist
Fashion consultant
Creative director
Media planner
Fashion director
Brand strategist
Stylist
Store manager
Retail buyer
Social Media Manager
Area brand coordinator

Apparel Design Degree Emphasis

Combining rigorous fashion design coursework with hands-on practice in apparel design and analysis, fashion illustration, visual merchandising, flat pattern design, and draping, the emphasis on apparel design prepares you with the creative and technical skills necessary to conceive and construct your own collection.

Design Courses and Curriculum

FMAD Minor Option

Careers in Apparel Design

You may be thinking “What can I do with an apparel design degree?” With an Apparel Design degree emphasis, you’ll be prepared for work in a variety of design-related occupations. Including but not limited to:

Apparel designer
Technical designer
Costume designer
Fashion illustrator
Textile and graphic designer
Creative Director
Apparel production coordinator
Stylist

Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design Alumni Careers

Alumni Positions

Buyer
Stylist
Assistant Designer
Technical Designer
Marketing Coordinator
Event Design Coordinator
Sourcing Assistant
Product developer
Social Media Manager
Products Associate
Buying Assistant
Visual Merchandising Coordinator
Influencer Marketing Coordinator
E-Commerce Lead
Public relations Assistant
Sr. E-Commerce Merchandiser
Visual Manager
Marketing Specialist

Alumni Employers

Carter’s
Free People
Amazon
Stitch Fix
Kate Spade
Christian Louboutin
Belk
DNKY/Donna Karan
Kontoor Brands(Lee)
American Threads
Express
Pacific Sun
Red Dress
Port City Sewing Factory
Fab’rick
Nautica
Disney
Atlanta International Market Centers

Internships

Fashion merchandising and apparel design New York trip

As part of the Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design degree coursework, all students are required to complete a semester-long internship related to their study emphasis. The program also offers study tours to both the Atlanta and New York fashion markets, exposing students to historic costume collections, wholesale showrooms, auxiliary fashion enterprises, and noted retail stores.

Georgia Southern University’s Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design Program has been named one of the top fashion merchandising schools in the United States by Fashion-Schools.org. In a review that looked at more than 200 institutions – and their academics, admissions, programs, faculty, and other criteria – Georgia Southern ranked among the top 25 percent in the nation and made the top schools list at 49. Georgia Southern has also ranked eighth on the list of “Top 15 Fashion Schools in the South.”

Internship highlights

Camp Fernwood, a residential summer camp in Maine, is seeking highly motivated instructors to teach at our fashion program during summer 2025!

At Fernwood, they will have the incredible opportunity to teach girls ages 8-15 with diverse levels of experience. The successful candidate will join a vibrant team of 150 staff members from around the globe, participating in an engaging seven-week program designed exclusively for girls. Each day will be filled with a variety of exciting activities, making this a truly enriching experience!

This is a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience, develop your skills, and inspire creativity in young campers. As a member of our fashion team, you will lead hands-on workshops, teach sewing and design techniques, and guide campers in creating their own unique fashion pieces. This is a fantastic chance to share your skills, collaborate with fellow instructors, and foster a love for fashion in a fun and supportive environment.

Our fashion program consists of:

Design Fundamentals: Campers learn the basics of fashion design, including sketching, color theory, and fabric selection. They are encouraged to develop their own unique style and vision.
Sewing Skills: Participants receive hands-on instruction in sewing techniques, from basic hand sewing to machine sewing. This foundational skill allows campers to bring their design ideas to life.
Thematic Projects: Each week features different themes that inspire specific projects, such as creating garments, accessories, or upcycled fashion items. This encourages creativity and experimentation.
Fashion Illustration: Campers explore fashion illustration techniques, learning how to effectively communicate their design ideas through drawings and presentations.
Collaboration: The program fosters teamwork, with opportunities for campers to work together on group projects, sharing ideas and inspiring one another throughout the creative process.
Fashion Shows: At the end of the session, campers often participate in a fashion show to showcase their creations. This exciting event allows them to present their work and celebrate their achievements with friends and family.
Positive Environment: The fashion program emphasizes a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, helping campers build confidence in their skills while making lasting friendships.

Overall, the fashion program at Camp Fernwood provides a fun and enriching environment for young designers to explore their passion, develop their talents, and express their individuality through fashion.

Benefits include:

Working Environment: Dynamic, supportive, and vibrant. Nestled in a beautiful natural setting, the camp fosters a sense of community among staff and campers alike. You’ll work alongside a diverse team of passionate individuals from around the world, all dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our campers.
Medical Assistance: Free 24-hour onsite healthcare.
Competitive Salary: A competitive salary and workers compensation.
Room and Board: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet style included as well as refreshments and snacks throughout the day. Accommodation is included.
Services Included: Laundry, Free Wi-Fi, Transportation to and from Portland Airport and Bus Station.
Internship and College Credit(s): Available.
Positive Work Environment: A supportive and collaborative camp community. Excellent time off with available transportation to help you and new friends explore the beautiful state of Maine. Access to all activities camp offers during your free time.
International Staff: Visa Sponsorship for the summer.
Opportunity for Growth: Professional development opportunities and the chance to make a lasting impact on campers’ lives.

Interested candidates with questions or comments or wish to apply online may do so at www.campfernwood.com in the staff section or contact me directly at 203-464-2184 or staff@campfernwood.com

Internships Details

The internship (FMAD 4790) is 12 credit hours and cannot be taken with other coursework or academic requirements. The student is responsible for registering for FMAD 4790 but will be denied eligibility if he/she has not successfully fulfilled all academic requirements prior to registering for the course. The internship must be a full-time position, paying or non-paying, at 35 to 40 hours per week. Merchandising emphasis students can work in any capacity in fashion or related industries. Design emphasis students must intern in a design-related position. All internships must have prior approval from the internship professor.

Students must attend an information session the semester prior to the semester he/she will complete their internship. During the information session, students will receive pertinent information regarding their internship.

Internship Scholarship Program

Fashion Design Minor

You can also minor in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design to broaden your knowledge of content that might relate to your current major. Please see a faculty member for more guidance on what courses to take.

Curriculum for Fashion Design Minor

Student Resources

Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design Faculty

More about FMAD

Learning Outcomes

Graduates from the programs will be able to:

Produce projects that apply a comprehensive knowledge of the fashion industry and product development process.
Apply theories, research, concepts, and trends regarding economic, political, technological and/or social dimensions to a diverse global marketplace.
Apply knowledge of principles of design and aesthetics in relation to the quality of life, social responsibility, and sustainability.
Execute projects utilizing written, visual, oral, and/or technical skills using technology specific to the apparel industry.
Apply quantitative and qualitative skills to creative problem-solving.

Mission

The Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design(FMAD) Program at Georgia Southern University aim is to prepare undergraduate students to succeed in their future careers in the global apparel industry. The fashion merchandising and design program provides a structured and experiential learning process to help students understand the concepts and methods of today’s fashion industry while focusing on leadership development, teamwork, and specialized skills to succeed. This mission aligns with Georgia Southern University and the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences missions by educating students through a student-centered learning process that prepares our students to be influential leaders ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Scholarships

Betty Lane Family and Consumer Science Scholarship

In 1949, Betty Lane graduated from Georgia College and State University. Lane then obtained two more degrees from the University of Georgia and Florida State University, finally earning her doctorate. Lane joined the Georgia Southern family in 1958 as an assistant professor and devoted herself to the university. She retired in 1986 as the chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences in 1986. Nearly thirty-five years after her retirement, Dr. Lane still stays active on campus and is an avid supporter of student activities and scholarships. This scholarship in her honor is available to students majoring in Child and Family Development, Interior Design, or Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design.

More Scholarships

How to Apply

Student Organizations

Fashion Menagerie

The Fashion Menagerie builds an environment of creativity among Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design students. It provides an outlet to channel inspiration, increase awareness of fashion related events, promote and showcase local designers’ talents. Students may publish creative works while executing, producing, contributing, and educating themselves and their community about the ever-changing and dynamic world of fashion.