Break into the exciting world of fashion by choosing from options in Fashion Design and Production, Fashion Merchandising, and Textiles. You will gain the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the fast-paced and ever-changing fashion industry.
Why Major in Fashion Design and Merchandising
If you are interested in a dynamic career in a creative industry, a major in Fashion Design and Merchandising is an excellent choice. This program provides a comprehensive study of the principles of design, production, and merchandising of textiles and apparel, drawing on knowledge from various fields, including physical and social sciences, technology, aesthetics, and business. As a graduate, you will be well-prepared to pursue a wide range of exciting career opportunities, including fashion designer, fashion buyer, fashion merchandiser, fashion stylist, and more.
Why Study Fashion Design and Merchandising at CSUN?
The Fashion Design and Merchandising program offers a unique opportunity for you to learn from experienced and knowledgeable faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. You will experience hands-on learning with access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and be prepared to become a leader in the fashion industry. CSUN's location in the heart of Los Angeles, a global center for fashion and design, also provides you with endless opportunities to network and gain real-world experience through internships and other industry partnerships.
What You’ll Learn
With three options to choose from, you can customize your learning experience and develop specialized skills to pursue a wide range of interests and exciting careers in the fashion industry.
The Fashion Design and Production Option provides foundational knowledge in fashion design and production, preparing you to be professionally ready for jobs in the fashion industry.
You’ll take courses such as:
- Fashion Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Apparel Design: Computer Aided Design
- Fashion Development
- Studio Problems in Apparel Design
And you’ll choose from electives such as:
- Textiles: Daily Use
- Fashion Merchandising Basics and Principles
The Fashion Merchandising Option provides you with fundamental knowledge of marketing, merchandising, retailing, and promotion for textile, apparel, and other fashion-related products. You’ll take courses such as:
- Creative Expression in Fashion
- Fashion Marketing
- Analysis and Evaluation of Apparel Quality
- Fashion Promotion and Visual Merchandising
- Fashion Retail Buying and Merchandising
And you’ll choose from electives such as:
- History of Textiles and Apparel
- Fashion Show Production
The Textiles Option offers you a comprehensive understanding of textile products' structures, properties, performance, dyeing, printing, finishes, and testing, preparing you to create, improve, and deliver textile products to consumers through scientific and technical methods. You’ll take courses such as:
- Introductory Textiles
- Textiles: Function and Innovation
- Fashion Development
And you’ll choose from electives such as:
- Fashion Marketing
- History of Textiles and Apparel
Careers & Outcomes
By earning a major in Fashion Design and Merchandising, you will be ready for a variety of careers in the fashion industry. Your deepened understanding of concepts in this field will appeal to many employers and possible careers include:
- Fashion designer
- Fashion buyer
- Fashion merchandiser
- Fashion stylist
- Product developer
- Quality assurance coordinator/manager
- Technical fashion designer
- Production manager
- Textile designer
- Material developer
- Retail manager/owner
- Showroom manager
- Showroom manager
- Retail manager/owner
- Fashion journalist
- Sales representative/executive
- Museum curator
- Creative director
- Inventory planner
- Costume designer