Northern Illinois University
Family and Consumer Sciences
College of Health and Human Sciences

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, puts on a spring fashion show sponsored by Kohl’s 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.

Degree Requirements

Four-year Degree Path (PDF)

Transfer Path

Careers

Minor in Fashion Merchandising