Major code BS6384
Patton College of Education
Human and Consumer Sciences
McCracken Hall
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.2880
Fax: 740.566.8111
www.ohio.edu/education/recreation-sport-pedagogy-consumer-sciences/retail-merchandising
Lisa Williams, contact person
willial6@ohio.edu
Program Overview
The Retail and Fashion Merchandising curriculum offers coursework in both creative (Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, Product Development, and Promotion) and analytical (buying and planning, Excel and statistical reasoning) areas of merchandising, with a focus on fashion products. Through this program, students learn how to navigate a career path in a fast-paced, dynamic industry. Supervision, leadership and management activities, in the context of fashion and retail careers, are emphasized.
Admissions Information
For Freshman/First-Year Admission, Change of Program or External Transfer
Students interested in the Retail and Fashion Merchandising program will enter Ohio University with the major code BS6384. There are no additional requirements beyond what is required for admission to Ohio University.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
Career opportunities include retail management, merchandising, buying, assortment planning, product development, visual presentation, wholesale sales, entrepreneurship and more.
Our graduates have gone on to exciting careers with companies such as:
- DSW
- Maurices
- Kohl’s
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Big Lots
- L Brands
- Nordstrom
- Express
- Bath & Body Works
- NES Group Jewelry Wholesalers
- ESP Trendlab
Curriculum
Courses
Students in the program take a variety of retail specific and related courses to create a well-rounded, business focused major. The plan of study includes professional development, knowledge of industry-specific business and sales applications, and hands-on retailing experiences. For detailed information about courses and requirements, view the Retail and Fashion Merchandising undergraduate course program listing below.
Internships
Students complete two work experiences for the program. The first, one credit hour, work experience (RFM 2910) equips students with the entry level competencies necessary to obtain and succeed in a comprehensive internship program. The internship course is variable (RFM 4910) and is placed in either the junior or senior year once course prerequisites are met. RFM 4910 is a rigorous semester-long, full-time internship for academic credit and allows students to apply competencies obtained from major courses to result in a meaningful and productive experience for both the employee and the employer. Students must be completing their work hours during the semester or summer in which they are enrolled in these classes.
Capstone Course
The capstone course (RFM 4800) serves as an intensive personal and professional assessment tool for prospective leaders in the retail and fashion industry.
Requirements
