• Broaden perspectives through field trips, internships, and study abroad.
• Learn apparel sizing, resource development, creative fashion design, social psychological aspects of dress, data management tools, and technology-based information research.
• Faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized in apparel, merchandising, and textiles.
• Our specialized faculty educate for strong careers, industry leadership, and professional satisfaction.
• The state’s apparel and textile industry is ranked third in national productivity.
• WSU has the leading bachelor’s and graduate program in apparel and textiles in Washington.

—Bachelor of arts in apparel, merchandising, design, and textiles with a merchandising option

REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINING PROGRAM
Program requirements match those needed for admission to Washington State University, and include the University's general education requirements. Certification into the major occurs after completion of 24 credits with a GPA of 2.7 or higher.

Merchandising is an option in the bachelor of arts in apparel, merchandising, design, and textiles. Each option includes the program's core courses, as well as option requirements and electives. Students can individualize their expertise by exploring minors and supporting work in fine arts, business administration, marketing, international business, and communication.

SAMPLE COURSES
Visual Merchandising and Promotion
Textile Specifications
Apparel Quality and Product Analysis
Fashion Forecasting
Merchandise Buying and Planning
Consumer Behavior
Globalization, Environmental and Ethical Issues in the Fashion Industry
International Trade in Textiles and Apparel
Multicultural Perspectives on the Body and Dress
History of Fashion Design

• MERCHANDISING OPTION
Visual Merchandising and Promotion
Apparel Quality and Product Analysis
Fashion Forecasting
Merchandise Buying and Planning
Advanced Retail Management
Strategy Planning and Decision Making
Supply Chain Management
Consumer Behavior
Globalization, Environmental and Ethical Issues in the Fashion Industry
International Trade in Textiles and Apparel
Business Management Economics

• APPAREL DESIGN OPTION
Visual Merchandising and Promotion
Apparel Quality and Product Analysis
Creativity
Draping and Flat Pattern
Fitting the Human Form
Fashion Forecasting
Illustration and Rendering Techniques
Computer Applications in Apparel, Textile, and Design
Advanced Assembly
Fashion Line Development
History of Fashion Design

Note: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

Students in apparel, merchandising, and textiles are eligible for both corporate- and private-supported student scholarships and achievement awards offered within the program. Students can also apply for University-wide scholarships.

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.

For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.

• The student chapter of the International Textiles and Apparel Association provides exploration and expansion of professional skills, service project activities, and events coordination opportunities.
• Special events on campus include design and merchandising competitions, exhibitions, and the annual Mom’s Weekend Fashion Show, which displays original student apparel designs. Fashion show opportunities include apparel design, stage design, printed material design, promotion, hosting, and managing a fashion show.

The program provides a wide range of career opportunities within design, product development, merchandising, marketing, retailing, and promotion. Typical positions include Store Leadership, Retail Management, District Team Leader (District Manager), Group Director (Regional Manager), Store Team Leader (General Manager or Store Manager), Group Campus Recruiter, Executive Team Leader – Human Resources, Marketing Planning, Creative Manager, Styling (Stylist), Marketing Research Manager, Event Marketing and Publicity, Catalog Development Specialist, Logistics Analysts, Domestic and Import Operations Analysts, Global Trade Operations, Product Preparation Analyst, Vendor Performance Supervisor, Supply Chain Technology Analyst, Product Management / Sourcing, Global Planning, Quality Assurance Engineer, Quality Assurance Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Website / E-Commerce, Planning Manager, Replenishment Expert, Logistics Manager, Marketing Manager, Customer Relationship Manager, Database Marketing Manager, Site Planning Manager, Marketing Analyst, Buyer, Business Analyst / Trend Analyst (Fashion Forecaster), Merchandising Planner, Replenishment Expert, Presentation Manager, Visual Merchandiser, Negotiations Expert, or Pricing Business Analyst.