The Fashion Institute of Technology is a leader in preparing students for careers in the field. FIT markets itself as the school "where fashion meets business." The school's fashion merchandising management degree was the first offered in the country. Based in the fashion center of New York, students are trained by expert faculty and established industry executives. FIT meets the needs of new students and working professionals with associate's and bachelor's degrees that can be earned in one year, two years, at night, during weekends and online. Students can learn global merchandising strategies by participating in FIT's study abroad programs. Exceptional students can apply to spend one year in Florence, Italy at the famous Polimoda Institute.
Fashion Institute of Technology
Seventh Avenue at 27th Street
New York, NY 10001
(212) 217-7999
Drexel's Westphal College of Media Arts and Design provides students with a world-class education through its design and merchandising program. The curriculum focuses on developing merchandising, marketing and apparel distribution knowledge to produce students who are ready for the fast-paced and fiercely competitive retail fashion industry. Many Drexel students incorporate study abroad experiences through cooperative programs in London and Prague, or work with counselors to develop their own internship or international study experiences. The college also houses the Urban Outfitters Center for Design & Merchandising, which hosts an extensive art computer lab, provides a venue for critique sessions, and showcases the works of exceptional students. Westphal graduates earn a bachelor's or master's in business administration.
Drexel University
Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
33rd Street and Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 895-1834
Through the Merchandising Management program at IADT, students can earn a master's degree in design management, a bachelor's in fashion merchandising or merchandising management, or an associate's in fashion merchandising or merchandising management. IADT's coursework provides students the opportunity to, "partner their interest in the world of fashion with the development of key business competencies critical to employment in today's global marketplace." Most graduates pursue careers in retail operations management at fashion design firms and "houses," or launch their own fashion business ventures. IADT studies can be pursued online, or on-campus at schools located in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.
International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT)
1-888-315-6111