Fashion Merchandising and Product Development
Do you have an eye for aesthetics and a knack for creativity and sales? Then our Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Product Development is for you.
Bowling Green State University is one of the best fashion merchandising colleges in the U.S. Those dreaming of a successful fashion product development career choose our program for its nationally ranked faculty, outstanding alumni achievements and elite accreditation from the Textile and Apparel Programs Accreditation Commission (TAPAC).
Minor in marketing at the BGSU Schmidthorst College of Business. Or study for a year in New York City as a visiting student in the Fashion Institute of Technology in advertising and communications or textile development and marketing.
Our program combines the artistry of fashion creativity with the strategic thinking of business management and consumer science. We prepare graduates to work for top companies around the world in every facet of the global fashion industry: textile supply, apparel product development, CAD design, brand representation and more!
Why study fashion merchandising and product development at BGSU in Ohio?
- TAPAC accreditation. BGSU is ranked one of the best fashion schools in the U.S. Our fashion merchandising and product development program is one of just eight in the country to meet rigorous TAPAC accreditation standards.
- Grab the attention of top-level employers. Our graduates score prime fashion merchandising jobs with first-rate employers right out of the gate. Some go on to work for companies like Bloomingdales, Coach, Columbia Sportswear Co., Target, Nordstrom, Victoria’s Secret, Macy’s, Loft and more.
- Invaluable real-world experience. All BGSU FMPD majors graduate with impressive resumes. They complete a minimum of two internships with merchants, product developers and retailers – local, national or international at the store or corporate level. Co-op, internship and study abroad opportunities take our students to places like Chicago, New York City, Paris, Milan, Florence and London. FMPD students have the opportunity to curate, operate and style clients as part of the Mr. Agne's Career Collection.
- Plentiful career options. Take your pick of career paths: merchandising, buying, product development, retail management, fashion styling, marketing, fashion forecasting and more.
- Inspirational creative spaces. Dedicated spacious classrooms and specialized labs offer optimal learning and collaboration.
- First-rate faculty. Our professors – recognized experts in the field – are committed to personalized learning experiences that ensure every student has all the tools to excel in this industry.
- Stellar industry connections. In the fashion world, it’s all about who you know. Join the BGSU branch of the National Retail Federation – the largest retail trade association in the world – and you’ll be a cut above the rest with retail recruiters. Our students also receive:
- Discounted attendance to Retail’s BIG show in NYC
- Eligibility for key scholarships
- Connection to key LinkedIn contacts
- Numerous workshops for resumes, elevator sales and interviewing
Career – what can you do with a fashion merchandising and product development degree?
Fashion is an ever-changing canvas. Fashion merchandising and product development is where creativity meets commerce. Apparel merchandising careers are a perfect fit for those who genuinely love fashion but understand that it’s about so much more than clothes.
FMPD graduates are prepared to take on any number of roles.
- Trend forecasting aficionados predict what’s next and then bring those trends to life on store shelves.
- Expert communicators of brand identity collaborate with designers, suppliers and marketing teams to create products and experiences that resonate with consumers.
- Visual merchandising virtuosos stage storefront displays and e-commerce touchpoints that capture interest and make a statement.
- Powerhouses of innovation oversee each step of product development from conception to commission.
- Business management leaders incorporate sharp, sustainable strategies that stay ahead of the curve and boost their company’s bottom line.
Career paths
- Fashion buyer
- Textile manager
- Product developer
- Visual merchandiser
- Brand manager
- Trend analyst
- Fashion stylist
- Retail manager
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
“The FMPD program at BGSU gave me theoretical knowledge of the industry with practical application. The curriculum is well-structured, with hands-on projects and opportunities to use industry-standard tools and software. The faculty is extremely knowledgeable and supportive, and always willing to share insights and provide guidance. The FMPD program equipped me with the skills and confidence to excel in my merchandising career.”
Parker Calvin ‘17
Merchant, Express
Curriculum
Faculty in the FMPD program are dedicated to delivering a comprehensive education that fully prepares students for exciting, challenging, lucrative careers in the fast-paced fashion industry.
As you near the end of your major in fashion merchandising and product development coursework, you’ll be able to confidently:
- Plan textile and apparel product lines to meet target market needs using the product development process.
- Evaluate apparel industry processes in which products are developed, produced, marketed, sold and consumed in the global economy.
- Formulate solutions to apparel and textile global problems using critical and creative thinking skills.
- Evaluate issues of personal and social responsibility, professional behavior and ethics related to the impact of individual, organizational and corporate decision-making.
You’ll walk away with an in-depth understanding of culturally diverse consumer behavior processes – and the knowledge of how to apply your new skill sets to succeed in the apparel industry.
FMPD minor
The fashion merchandising and product development minor is open to all undergraduates. It may be especially useful for those majoring in art, business, interior design, theater or event planning. Students gain a broad understanding of the textile and apparel industry from a product development perspective. Additionally, they learn about the global fashion industry specific to apparel fundamentals, merchandising strategies and/or retailing.
Sample courses
- Fundamentals of Apparel
- Technical Design
- Fashion Forecasting
- Omni-Channel Retailing
- Merchandising Math
- Consumer Analysis in Fashion
- Global Sourcing and Trade in the Fashion Industry
The bachelor’s program in fashion merchandising and product development is part of the School of Applied Human Development in the BGSU College of Education and Human Development.
Updated: 02/17/2025 04:20PM