Apparel Merchandising

Apparel Merchandising

Start Your Fast-Paced Fashion Career

Have a passion for fashion? The Apparel Merchandising program will give you the knowledge and the sales, managerial, and supervisory skills you’ll need to jump right into the fast-paced world of retailing.

You'll learn from valuable hands-on experiences like completing a supervised internship in a retail establishment, developing your own fashion line, and producing a fashion show in the spring.

Once you graduate, you can head straight into the fashion industry or transfer to a four-year program to prepare you for corporate positions.

If you want to get started on your career right away, Kirkwood also offers a 1-year diploma program as well.

Apply Now Program Details Degree Program Costs

Kirkwood is the affordable option! We offer more than $3 million in scholarships every year. 

Degree Program Costs

Graduates of the Apparel Merchandising program will be able to:

  1. Apply practices and processes used in the apparel and textile industry.
  2. ​Execute skills appropriate for the apparel and textiles industry through visual, oral, written, and technological forms.
  3. Demonstrate comprehension of products, services, and target markets in the apparel and textile industry.
  4. Interpret the concepts and context of dress.
  5. Exhibit comprehension of aesthetics and design processes.
  6. Analyze and implement ethical practices inclusive of sustainability and social responsibility.
  7. Apply mathematical concepts and principles appropriate for the apparel and textile industry.
  8. Exhibit professionalism suitable for the apparel and textile industry.

Plan of Study

Want to further your education? The credits you earn in Apparel Merchandising are fully transferable to Iowa State University. Two additional years of study at ISU will earn you a Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design, which will prepare you for corporate positions.

Prepare and equip students with creativity, apparel industry knowledge and professionalism, in order to actively engage in their organization (such as university or local place of employment).

Take a Closer Look

Bring your fashion dreams to life at Kirkwood!