Fashion Merchandising and Design

The Fashion Merchandising and Design Degree Program offers concentrations either in Merchandising or Design.  The Merchandising Concentration prepares students for entry-level management positions in fashion merchandising, with emphasis on the retail process of products and services. It includes an internship in Fashion Merchandising or a related area. The Design Concentration prepares students for entry-level design and product development positions in apparel manufacturing or retail private label ventures. It also includes an internship in Fashion Design or a related area.

In addition, the department participates in the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Visiting Student Program (located in New York City). Students choosing the Merchandising Concentration, who meet eligibility requirements, may opt to spend one year (junior year) at FIT for an additional degree (A.A.S.) in Advertising and Marketing Communications. Students choosing the Design Concentration, who meet eligibility requirements, may also opt to spend one year at FIT, with the possibility of earning an A.A.S in either Fashion Design, Footwear and Accessories Design, or Textiles/Surface Design. After the junior year at FIT, students return to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to complete the four-year program. To complement their program, students may choose to complete electives that focus on advertising, journalism, communication, visual presentation, or a minor is business administration. With appropriate courses taken as electives, students can also pursue careers in fashion reporting, advertising, or graphic design.