Overhead view of a person seated at a desk covered with creative materials, holding color swatches in both hands while comparing palettes. The workspace includes paint and fabric samples, colored pencils, sketches, a smartphone, keyboard, computer monitor and a paper bag with a fashion drawing.

Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising

We are no longer enrolling new students into this program. Learn more about pursuing a minor 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!

Contact Us

Fashion Merchandising

Sarah Cosbey
Associate Professor and Program Director
815-753-6336
scosbey@niu.edu

School of Clinical and Developmental Sciences

122 Wirtz Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1543
scds@niu.edu

Want to Learn More?

Here's what you can do with a fashion merchandising degree from NIU.