Bachelor's in Fashion, Dress and Merchandising

West Virginia University (WVU) has evolved into a prominent research university, offering a diverse array of academic programs and fostering a vibrant campus life. WVU provides a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, and STEM disciplines. The university's strong ties to its Appalachian heritage and dedication to community engagement are notable features, as seen through its initiatives to address regional challenges and contribute to the economic development of the state. With a combination of rigorous academic offerings, a vibrant campus atmosphere, and a strong sense of community, West Virginia University continues to provide students with a comprehensive educational experience and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Students in the Fashion, Dress and Merchandising (FDM) program explore a broad view of the fashion industry and all the career opportunities it has to offer. From textile production, product design, sourcing, and manufacturing, to retail merchandising and consumer behavior, students learn to appreciate and understand the complexity and dynamism of the modern fashion supply chain. Students may pursue a Fashion Merchandising or a Fashion Design Area of Emphasis (AOE); both curricula consist of a minimum of 120 credit hours. The Fashion Merchandising Area of Emphasis includes a minor (selected by the student with guidance from their advisor) in either Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations, Strategic Social Media, Event Planning, Entrepreneurship, General Business, Marketing, or Professional Sales. FDM students are encouraged to seek summer employment in the fashion industry in order to gain experience and integrate coursework into business settings. Both AOEs require a 6-credit-hour internship - typically completed in the summer, between junior and senior year - in which students apply textile, apparel, and/or merchandising subject matter with mentorship in a professional setting.