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Fashion Merchandising & Management

DISCOVER THE WORLD OF FASHION BUSINESS

Are you interested in building a career in fashion?

The University of Delaware’s fashion business program prepares students for a global industry where creativity, strategy and sustainability intersect. Students examine the forces shaping fashion, from changing consumer behavior and emerging technologies to responsible sourcing and sustainable business practices.

Through hands-on learning and industry engagement, students develop the leadership, analytical and problem-solving skills needed to address challenges, identify opportunities and contribute to the future of the global fashion marketplace.

How is sustainability integrated into the program?

Sustainability is integrated throughout the curriculum, helping students understand the environmental and social effects of fashion business decisions. Through topics such as responsible sourcing, supply chain management, consumer behavior and product development, students explore how businesses can balance profitability with ethical and sustainable practices.

How does the program connect classroom learning with industry challenges?

The complexities of the fashion industry create opportunities for applied research, critical thinking and hands-on learning. Through collaborations with corporate partners, study abroad and classroom projects, students gain experience addressing real-world business challenges and exploring innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.

Students may also participate in a one-year visiting student program with the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, gaining firsthand experience in one of the world’s leading fashion centers. Together, these opportunities connect classroom learning with industry practice and prepare students for careers in the global fashion marketplace.

What makes the University of Delaware fashion business program distinctive?

By combining business expertise, industry insight, global perspectives and a strong foundation in sustainability, the program prepares students to become forward-thinking professionals who can contribute to a more responsible, innovative and resilient fashion industry.

AREAS OF STUDY

  • Buying and planning
  • Sustainability
  • Branding and marketing
  • Fashion history
  • Product development
  • Consumer behavior and retailing
  • Global supply chain management
  • Business and technology

CAREER OPTIONS

  • Merchandise buyer
  • Assortment or location planner
  • Sustainability manager
  • Marketing or public relations specialist
  • Sourcing manager
  • Supply chain manager
  • Visual merchandising manager
  • Stylist

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

  • MS Fashion and Apparel Studies
  • MS 4+1 Program 
  • Certificate in Socially Responsible and Sustainable Apparel Business

What’s special about this program?

The University of Delaware’s fashion merchandising program combines business with the creativity and fast pace of the fashion industry. Students study communication, analytics, textiles, product development, branding, global business and sustainability while learning how products move from concept to consumer.

Through team projects and real-world industry challenges, students strengthen their collaboration, decision-making and problem-solving skills. Graduates are prepared for careers in areas such as buying, planning, marketing, sourcing, sustainability and visual merchandising.

Get Involved

Australia Internship Program

Paris Study Abroad

World Scholar Program

Industry Scholarships and Competitions

Internships

Summer Scholar Program

Independent Study for research

Fashion Student Groups

Fashion Merchandising Club

Synergy Fashion Group

UDress Magazine

The New Magazine

Runway of Dreams Club

Sustainable Fashion Club

Delaware Fashion Week

Sample curriculum

CHEM101

General Chemistry

 

ECON100

 

Economic Issues & Policies

ENGL110

 

Seminar in Composition

 

FASH133 

 

Foundations for Fashion Innovation

FASH165  

 

Fashion and Apparel Studies Seminar

FASH180

Intro to Apparel Prod Dev & Mgt
FASH218

Intro to Fashion Business

 

MATH114

College Mathematics and Statistics or higher

 

SOCI201

 

Intro to Sociology

STAT200

 

Basic Statistical Practice
FASH210

Seminar on Fash and Sustain

 

FASH215

Fund of Textiles I

 

FINC200

 

Fundamentals of Finance

MISY160

 

Business Computing
PSYC100

General Psychology

 

 

University Breadth Course

 

 

Foreign Language Course

 

 

Costume History

 

 

Elective

 

ACCT200

Accounting

 

BUAD301

Intro to Marketing

 

BUAD309

Mgt and Org Behavior

 

COMM212

Oral Comm in Business

 

FASH220

Fund of Textiles II

 

FASH330

Merch Planning

 

FASH355

Int'l Fash Consumers & Retailers

 

 

2nd Writing Course

 

 Foreign Language Course

FASH419

 

Soc/Psyc Aspects of Clothing

FASH420

 

Asst. Plan and Buying

FASH455

 

Glob App/Tex Trade & Sourcing

FASH490

 

Strategic Fash Mgt
FASH433

Adv. Prod Dev & Mgt

 

FASH430

Apparel Brand Mgt & Mktg

 

BUAD306

Intro to Service & Operations Mgt

 

 

University Breadth Course

 

 Elective/Multicultural Courses

Go Global at UD

This major is eligible for the following programs:

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