Fashion, B.A.
Credits: 122
Overview:
The Fashion Design/Merchandising major provides a comprehensive education in the dynamic fields of fashion design and merchandising, equipping students with the skills needed to excel in the global fashion industry. This interdisciplinary program offers two concentrations: Fashion Merchandising and Fashion Design.
Concentration in Fashion Merchandising:
Students in the Fashion Merchandising concentration gain expertise in market analysis, retail management, and brand development. The curriculum blends business acumen with fashion trends, preparing graduates for careers in retail buying, merchandising management, and fashion marketing. Through hands-on experiences, such as internships and industry collaborations, students learn to navigate the complexities of fashion retail and develop strategies to drive consumer engagement and sales.
Concentration in Fashion Design:
The Fashion Design concentration focuses on cultivating creativity and technical proficiency in apparel design. Students engage in intensive studio work, mastering techniques in pattern making, draping, and garment construction. The program emphasizes innovation and personal expression, preparing future designers to create compelling collections and adapt to evolving fashion trends. Graduates are well-equipped for careers as fashion designers, costume designers, or design consultants.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fashion with a concentration in Fashion Design or Merchandising must meet the General Admission Requirements as presented in the Clark Atlanta University Undergraduate Catalog.
Study Abroad
Students in the Fashion Design and Merchandising Program have the opportunity to participate in CAU’s International Studies Program. Students are immersed in the culture, such as study abroad tours in London, England and Milan, Italy and Paris, France. While studying abroad, students gain a global experience to broaden their perspective in the areas of fashion design and fashion-related retail merchandising.
Additional Requirements
Students in both concentrations must declare either:
- an official Minor (18 hours minimum); or
- select a minimum of two stackable credentials (in most cases 18-24 hours).
Students who started as First Year or transfer students with less than 40 earned semester hours would be required to declare their choice of options before the end of the second semester sophomore year. Transfer students with 40 or more earned semester hours are required to declare their intention of a specific minor or two sets of stackable credentials on entering the University.
In most cases, students will have 12-15 hours of free electives to pursue interests outside the major or minor.
General Education Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Area A: Humanities/Fine Arts | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
CHUM 230 | ||
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Theater Appreciation | ||
| Area B: Social/Behavioral Sciences | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| General Psychology | ||
| Human Growth & Development | ||
| Intro. to Sociology | ||
| Area C: Natural Sciences/Mathematics/Statistics | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Finite Mathematics (or higher) | ||
| Biological Science | ||
| Physical Science | ||
| Area D: Communications | ||
| CENG 105 | College Composition I | 3 |
| CENG 106 | College Composition II | 3 |
| CSTA 101 | Fundamentals of Speech | 3 |
| Area E: Financial/Technological | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Computer Imaging Basics | ||
| Personal Finance | ||
| Acctg for Non-Busness Students | ||
| Free Electives | ||
| Free Electives 1 | 30 | |
| Total Hours | 63 | |
- 1
Free Electives should be chosen in consultation with the advisor depending on the choice of minor or stackable credentials.