Apparel Merchandising

The Apparel Merchandising program at Indiana University Bloomington is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the fashion retail industry, focusing on the latest trends, marketing strategies, merchandising principles, and supply chain management. This comprehensive program integrates a strong foundation in business principles with specialized knowledge in apparel and textile industries, equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in roles such as fashion merchandisers, retail buyers, product developers, and brand managers. Students will explore various aspects of apparel production, purchasing, visual displays, consumer behavior, and market analysis, gaining practical experience through internships and industry collaborations. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and hands-on application, including classes in fashion industry analysis, retail management, global sourcing, and fashion promotion. Students also have opportunities to develop technical skills in trend forecasting, digital marketing, and data analysis to adapt to the evolving landscape of fashion commerce. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, industry networks, and faculty with extensive industry experience, the program ensures graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of a competitive marketplace. The Apparel Merchandising program promotes critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, and ethical considerations within the fashion industry, emphasizing sustainable practices and social responsibility. Graduates of this program will be equipped to pursue successful careers in apparel retailing, merchandising, product development, or entrepreneurship, contributing meaningfully to the global fashion industry. The program's multidisciplinary approach and strong industry connections make it an ideal choice for students passionate about fashion and commerce, seeking to make a significant impact in the apparel sector.

Along with the CASE Credit Hour and Residency Requirements, students must complete the following:

1. Foundations
   1. CASE English Composition
   2. Mathematical Modeling
2. CASE Foreign Language. Choose from:
   1. CASE Foreign Language: proficiency in a single foreign language through the second semester of the second year of college-level course work.
   2. Proficiency in a single foreign language through the second semester of the first year of college-level course work in addition to the completion of theCASE Culture Studies requirements (both CASE Diversity in the United States and CASE Global Civilizations and Cultures).
3. CASE Intensive Writing
4. CASE Breadth of Inquiry
   1. Arts and Humanities: 4 courses
   2. Social and Historical Studies: 4 courses
   3. Natural and Mathematical Sciences: 3 courses
5. CASE Critical Approaches
6. CASE Public Oral Communication

Students must complete at least 30 credit hours of coursework from the Department of Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design, including:

1. Introductory Courses. Complete the following courses:
   • SOAD-A 100 Pathways: Introduction to Art, Design and Merchandising
   • AMID-R 209 Apparel Industries or AMID-R 100 Introduction to Retail Design and Merchandising
2. Core Courses. Complete the following courses:
   • AMID-F 203 Materials for Fashion Design
   • AMID-R 204 Apparel Manufacturing and Quality Analysis OR AMID-F 207 Fashion Studio I
   • AMID-R 315 Principles of Retail Merchandising
   • AMID-R 404 International Textiles and Apparel Trade
   • AMID-R 413 Planning and Analysis
3. Elective Courses. Complete nine (9) credit hours selected from the following:
   • AMID-C 380 Topical Issues in Comprehensive Design
   • AMID-C 381 Topical Issues in Collaborative Design
   • AMID-C 480 Special Problems in Comprehensive Design
   • AMID-C 481 Intensive Seminar in Comprehensive Design
   • AMID-F 202 Introductory Textile Science: Laboratory
   • AMID-R 308 Brand Management and Advertising
   • AMID-R 309 Strategies in Retail Promotion
   • AMID-R 316 Retail Product Management
   • AMID-R 327 Product Development
   • AMID-R 328 Digital Product Development
   • AMID-R 350 Omnichannel Apparel Merchandising: Connecting to Consumers
   • AMID-R 405 International Fashion Consumers and Retailers
   • AMID-R 409 Retail Industry Field Seminar
   • AMID-R 410 Apparel Entrepreneurship
   • AMID-R 412 Global Sourcing
   • AMID-R 416 Sustainability in Product: Fashion Design, Merchandising, and Retailing
   • AMID-R 450 Profiling the Apparel Customer
   • AMID-R 485 Advanced Special Topics in Apparel Merchandising
   • AMID-X 373 Internship in Professional Practice
   • AMID-X 376 Practicum in the Retail Industry
   • AMID-X 492 Independent Study in Retail
4. Career Course. Complete one (1) of the following courses:
   • AMID-R 319 Professional Techniques in the Retail Industry
   • ASCS-Q 299 College to Career III: Market Yourself for the Job and Internship Search
5. Additional Courses. Complete the following courses:
   • BUS-K 201 The Computer in Business
   • ECON-E 201 Introduction to Microeconomics OR ECON-E 202 Introduction to Macroeconomics
   • PSY-P 101 Introductory Psychology
   • SOC-S 100 Introduction to Sociology
6. Minor requirement. Complete one (1) of the Kelley School of Business Minors(21 cr.) or another related minor approved by the Apparel Merchandising Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Course prerequisites will be strictly upheld. A total of no more than 6 credit hours may be earned among the following courses: AMID-X 373, X376, and X492.

Program Requirements:

The Apparel Merchandising program at Indiana University Bloomington is designed to prepare students for careers in the fashion industry, focusing on the management and marketing of apparel products. Admission requirements typically include completion of a high school diploma or equivalent, with a strong academic record emphasizing coursework in mathematics, economics, business, and art or design. Prospective students must submit official transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and a personal statement outlining their interest in apparel merchandising and career goals. Relevant extracurricular activities, such as participation in fashion clubs, internships, or related work experience, can enhance an application.

Once admitted, students are expected to complete a total of approximately 120 credit hours, which include general education requirements, core courses in merchandising, marketing, supply chain management, consumer behavior, and fashion industry analysis. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills through case studies, project-based learning, and industry internships. Students must also complete a capstone project that integrates their knowledge of apparel merchandising, demonstrating their readiness for the workforce.

In addition, the program encourages participation in study abroad opportunities, industry networking events, and professional development workshops. To graduate, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, fulfill all course and internship requirements, and complete any departmental assessments. The program also offers minors and specializations for students interested in gaining deeper expertise in areas such as digital merchandising, sustainable fashion, or global supply chains. Continuous updates to the curriculum ensure alignment with current industry standards and technological advancements.

Scholarships

• Global Education
• Global Engagement Scholarships
• Need-based scholarships

The Apparel Merchandising program at Indiana University Bloomington offers students a comprehensive education in the fashion industry, focusing on the business aspects of apparel, textile, and fashion merchandising. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in apparel product development, buying, and merchandising, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students gain an understanding of fashion trends, consumer behavior, supply chain management, retail management, and marketing strategies specific to the apparel industry.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities to engage in internships and collaborative projects with industry partners, allowing them to gain real-world experience and build professional networks. The curriculum emphasizes the development of analytical skills, creativity, and leadership qualities necessary to succeed in dynamic retail environments. Additionally, courses cover areas such as fashion marketing, visual merchandising, product development, sourcing, and sustainability within the apparel industry.

Indiana University Bloomington also provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized labs and resources tailored to apparel and merchandising education. Students can participate in student organizations related to fashion and merchandising, attend industry events, and benefit from mentorship programs coordinated with retail and fashion companies.

Graduates of the Apparel Merchandising program are prepared for a variety of roles including fashion buyer, merchandising planner, retail manager, product developer, and brand manager. They are equipped to work for apparel retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, or start their own ventures in the fashion industry. The program's strong industry connections and focus on practical skills make it a valuable pathway for students passionate about fashion and retail business.

Overall, the Apparel Merchandising program at Indiana University Bloomington combines academic rigor with industry relevance, fostering the development of versatile professionals capable of navigating the evolving landscape of the global fashion industry.