Major code BS6385*

Patton College of Education 
Recreation, Sport Pedagogy and Consumer Sciences    
Patton Hall
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4400
education@ohio.edu
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.

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

Our program requires students to complete a work experience and an internship for the major. 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 (RFM 4910 ) is variable credits 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.

*This program was previously BS6384 which awarded the Bachelor of Science in Human and Consumer Sciences. Pending Board of Trustees approval (anticipated June 2024), the new program code will be BS6385 and will award the Bachelor of Science effective the 2024-25 catalog year.

Admissions Information

For Freshman/First-Year Admission

Students interested in the Retail and Fashion Merchandising program will enter Ohio University with the major code BS6385. There are no additional requirements beyond what is required for admission to Ohio University.

Change of Program Policy

There are no additional requirements beyond Ohio University admission requirements. For more information on how to change your major, please contact the Office of Student Affairs located in 103 Patton Hall, or by phone at 740.593.4400.

External Transfer Admission

Students interested in the Retail and Fashion Merchandising program will enter Ohio University with the major code BS6385. 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

Requirements