About this Program

Fashion merchandising involves wearing many hats within the fashion industry, sometimes juggling them and sometimes focusing on one area exclusively. The most important functions include product development, production, promoting the merchandise, and buying materials from suppliers. Apparel for men and women are the most common items that fashion merchandisers work with, but they also create and sell accessories, cosmetics, jewelry, and shoes. People in these roles typically work in the field of wholesale/retail or for a textile manufacturer.

Program Highlights

  • Students learn to research target markets, analyze business results, and develop strategies that effectively meet the needs of consumers.

  • Students create an in-depth research project in collaboration with a major fashion company.

  • During the summer between their junior and senior year, students must complete a fashion internship that gives them significant practical experience.

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Degree Earned
Bachelor of Science
Concentration
Fashion Merchandising
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Advertising and Promotions Managers

$123,880 Median Salary

Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or give-aways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.

Online Merchants

$75,740 Median Salary

Conduct retail activities of businesses operating exclusively online. May perform duties such as preparing business strategies, buying merchandise, managing inventory, implementing marketing activities, fulfilling and shipping online orders, and balancing financial records.

Purchasing Managers

$121,810 Median Salary

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.

Fashion Designers

$78,870 Median Salary

Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Fashion Merchandising at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Fashion Merchandising should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.

Transfer

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Active Duty Military Rate
Cost Per-Credit $250
Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $408
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $439
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,109

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to ODU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Contact

Master Lecturer

4301 EDUCATION BUILDING
NORFOLK, 23529