Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising

A degree in fashion merchandising from NIU will give you a strong foundation for an exciting career in the fashion industry. In our program, you’ll gain knowledge of textile and apparel products as well as an understanding of the various industry processes involved in their successful merchandising, including fashion forecasting, product development, sourcing, buying and visual merchandising. Throughout the fashion supply chain, career opportunities are plentiful, including product developer, buyer, allocator, visual merchandiser and retail store manager.

Technology Focus

You’ll develop skills in computer-based technology such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign to create visual merchandising plans, fashion drawings, trend boards, fashion web content, personal professional portfolios and more. You’ll use Gerber YuniquePLM software in learning about apparel product development.

Student Involvement

The student-run Fashion Industries Organization (FIO) is our active, hands-on student group that hosts speakers, takes field trips, creates window displays on and off campus, attend local fashion shows and more!

Degree Completion Program

Do you have an A.A.S. in Fashion Merchandising or a related field? You can complete your bachelor’s degree with our convenient program, which consists of online, hybrid and face-to-face courses. Learn more about our degree completion program.

Contact Us

Fashion Merchandising

Sarah Cosbey
Associate Professor and Area Coordinator
815-753-6336
scosbey@niu.edu 

Family and Consumer Sciences

118 Wirtz Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1543
facs@niu.edu

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