Our 2015 list of the Top 25 Fashion Merchandising School Programs in the US. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
1. Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, New York
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is a member of the State University of New York (SUNY) family. Founded in 1944, FIT is home to more than 10,0000 students enrolled in 37 majors and 12 certificate programs through five schools including the School of Art and Design, Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology, School of Liberal Arts, the School of Graduate Studies, and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. The School of Business and Technology and the School of Art and Design offer several programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers.
The School of Business and Technology is home to the “the largest and oldest degree program of its kind in the country, according to FIT. Degree options include AAS and BS degrees in Fashion Merchandising Management. The AAS program offers one-year and two-year options. The BS program offers specializations in Buying and Planning, Product Development, and of course, Fashion Management. The program also features an international program in Florence and New York that allows students to one year of the BS program at FIT and one year at the Polimoda International Institute of Fashion Design and Marketing in Florence, Italy. Other study abroad options include Australia, London, Hong Kong, Paris, and Rome.
The School of Art and Design offers AAS and BFA degrees in Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design, and an MA in Exhibition Design. Non-certificate programs include Fashion Styling. The Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design degree program is “the first and only one of its kind in the country,” according to FIT. Highlights include projects with industry partners such as Macy’s, Sony, Target, and Vespa, opportunities to work with Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Wildlife Conservation Society, New-York Historical Society, and many other nonprofit and corporate organizations, and the opportunity to display their work in major campus exhibitions.
All students have the opportunity to intern at local, national, or international companies, and participate in the Annual FIT Fashion Show. Companies such as American Express, Ann Taylor, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Coach, GAP, Liz Claiborne, Louis Vuitton, New York Hall of Science, Nieman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Victoria's Secret, and many others have hired FIT graduates.
2. Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
Established in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, Auburn University is home to a co-ed student population of 25,912 students enrolled in more than 140 degree programs through 13 colleges and schools. The College of Human Sciences is home to the Department of Consumer & Design Sciences (CADS). The Department offers several programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers.
Programs include a BS in Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production Management (BS-APDP) with an Apparel Merchandising option, an MS in Consumer and Design Sciences – Apparel and Interiors (MS-CAHS), and a PhD in Consumer Design Sciences (PhD – CADS). An accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s with a Merchandising option is also on the menu. The accelerated BS and MS programs may be completed in four terms.
Focus areas for the MS-CAHS and the PhD – CADS program include Consumer Behavior, Interior Design, Functional and Creative Apparel Design, Retail Management, Product Development, Sustainability, Creativity, Forecasting and Trend Analysis, Emerging Technologies, and Multicultural and Global Markets.
All students have the opportunity to intern at local retailers and design houses as well as study in New York (IQLA New York Study Tour) or abroad. Study abroad locations may include Italy, London, Fiji, Jordan, Peru, South Africa, and more.
3. Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
Iowa State University (ISU or Iowa State) was established in 1858. It is home to 34,734 students enrolled in hundreds of programs through 10 colleges and schools. The College of Human Sciences is home to the Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management (AESHM) Department, which offers several programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers.
Offerings include BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Apparel, Merchandising and Design (AMD). The MS program offers a non-thesis option with a specialization in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design and the PhD program is available on campus and in distance hybrid format that requires just one or two short on-campus summer coursework sessions. A Minor in Apparel Merchandising and Design is also on the menu as well as a Certificate in Merchandising.
In addition to a variety of program offerings, Apparel, Merchandising, and Fashion merchandising students have access to The Historic Costume and Textile Collection, which features more than 9,000 historic and ethnic textile and dress items. They also have access to the Textiles and Clothing Museum, which houses The Mary Alice Gallery, the Donna Rae Danielson Textiles and Clothing Conservation Laboratory, and The Textiles and Clothing Collection Storage. The museum features more than 9,500 items.
Students also have the opportunity to study in “major market areas” such as New York or Chicago, they may assist in the production of the Department’s publication—TREND magazine, they may participate in a variety of international study programs in Europe, and all students have the opportunity to participate in ISU’s Annual Fashion Show.
4. Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
Founded in 1868, Oregon State University is home to more than 30,000 students enrolled in more than 280 degree programs through 13 colleges and schools. The College of Business is home to the School of Design & Human Environment. The School offers a BS in Merchandising Management.
Fashion merchandising students will have the opportunity to learn from the DHE Historic and Cultural Textile and Apparel Collection, which includes approximately 2,000 Euro-American and ethnic apparel pieces and other textile products. In addition, all undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in the internship program. Students have interned with major designers, brands and retailers such as Anna Sui, Columbia Sportswear, Nordstrom, and Fred Meyer.
5. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
Colorado State University (CSU) was founded in 1870 and it is home to around 30,000 students enrolled in more than 150 degree programs through 14 colleges and schools. The College of Health and Human Sciences is home to the Design and Merchandising Program. Degree offerings for aspiring fashion merchandisers include a BS in Apparel and Merchandising - Merchandising, and an MS in Design and Merchandising - Apparel and Merchandising. A Minor in Merchandising is also available.
Fashion merchandising students have the opportunity to work with more than 18,000 artifacts and view collections at the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising (formerly the Historic Costume & Textiles Collection). Special collections include designer garments from Calvin Klein, James Galanos, Carolina Herrera, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, and Versace, as well as ethnographic holdings, and The Ruth Payne Hellmann Lace Collection, which features more than 1,500 pieces of historic lace and lacemaking tools.
Fashion merchandising students also have the opportunity to participate in the annual fashion show, internship programs, the study abroad program, and domestic and international study tours of New York, Hong Kong, Thailand, India, and England. Past students have studied abroad in Italy, France, Peru, Ghana, and Australia and some have participated in Semester at Sea. Students have completed internships with major companies and brands such as Betsy Johnson, Crocs, BornFit, Nordstrom, Ralph Lauren, Sierra Designs, Target, Icelandic Design, Pearl Izumi, and many others.
6. Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
Kent State University (KSU or Kent State) was founded in 1910. It is home to 27,500 students enrolled in more than 300 degree programs through dozens of colleges, schools, and departments. The College of the Arts is home to The Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising (the Fashion School). The Fashion School offers a BS in Fashion Merchandising.
All fashion merchandising students are eligible to participate in the Fashion School's Annual Fashion Show—FS2 Visionnaire, as well as New York Fashion Week and a variety of international programs. According to the school, “study tours to Europe and Asia are offered on a regular basis.” Fashion capitals such as Florence, Paris, London and Hong Kong are often on the menu.
7. Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
Founded in 1851, Florida State University is home to more than 40,000 students enrolled in more than 275 degree programs through 16 colleges. The College of Human Sciences is home to the Retail, Merchandising and Product Development Department (RMPD). The Department offers several programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers including a BS in Retail Merchandising and Product Development, an MS Clothing, Textiles and Merchandising with a major in Global Merchandising and Product Development, and a Graduate Certificate in Retail Merchandising.
Program highlights include internship opportunities with more than 250 companies such as American Eagle, Macy’s, Burberry, and Escada; study opportunities in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, New York City, Orlando, Miami, or London, and participation in the annual fashion show.
8. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Established in 1890, Oklahoma State University is home to more than 35,000 students across five campuses and 10 colleges. The College of Human Sciences’ Department of Design, Housing and Merchandising offers several programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers. Offerings include a BS in Human Sciences with a Major in Design, Housing & Merchandising – Option: Merchandising (BS DHM), an MS in Design, Housing and Merchandising (MS DHM) with a Merchandising Research Option, and a PhD in Human Sciences with a Specialization in Design, Housing and Merchandising (PhD – DHM).
Fashion merchandising students have the opportunity to complete an internship with designers and brands such as BCBG, Lands’ End, Max Azria, Vera Wang, Liz Claiborne, and Victoria’s Secret. In addition, travel-study programs allow students to explore the fashion scenes in places such as New York, Dallas, Mexico, Paris, Berlin, and many others.
9. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul), Minnesota
The University of Minnesota (U of M) was established in 1851. It is home to more than 69,000 students enrolled in more than 400 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. The College of Design is home to the Department of Design, Housing and Apparel, which offers several programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers. Degree offerings include a BS and a Minor in Retail Merchandising. A Degree in 3 program is also on the menu. The program allows students to complete the Retail Merchandising program in three years. The program offers a General Track and an Apparel Track.
Fashion merchandising students have access to The Wearable Product Design Center (WPDC), the Wearable Technology Lab, and the Human Dimensioning Lab, as well as the opportunity to participate in the College of Design Annual Apparel Design Fashion Show. In addition, all students have the option to study abroad. Study abroad opportunities are available in Sydney, Australia; Florence, Italy; Amsterdam; Istanbul, Turkey; London, England, and Northern Ireland.
10. University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
University of North Texas was founded in 1890. It is home to more than 36,000 students enrolled in 99 bachelors, 83 masters and 36 doctoral degree programs across 11 colleges and schools. The College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism offers several programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers. Offerings include BS, MS, and dual MBA/MS degrees in Merchandising and a Graduate Academic Certificate in Merchandising. A BS in Home Furnishings Merchandising is also on the menu.
Program highlights include participation in the internship program, which allows students to work at fashion houses in Dallas and Fort Worth as well as apparel companies in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and London. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the annual ArtWear Fashion Show as well as national and international events such as Fashion Group International of Dallas’ Career Day, and The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and Gap Inc.’s Design Your Future competition.
Graduates of the Fashion Merchandising program at UNT have been hired by major companies such as Fossil, J.C. Penney, Havertys, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Target, Tuesday Morning, Zale Corp, and more.
11. University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
The University of Georgia (UGA) was chartered in 1785. It is home to more than 34,000 students enrolled in 170 programs through 17 colleges and schools. The College of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) is home the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors. The Department offers several programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers. Offerings include Fashion Merchandising (BS FCS), an MS in Merchandising & International Trade, and a PhD with an Emphasis in International Merchandising. A Fashion Merchandising Minor is also on the menu.
Program highlights include the London Study Abroad Program and opportunities to study in China, Tokyo, Ghana and more; optional membership in the student organizations such as the Student Merchandising Association or the Fashion Design Student Association, and possible internship opportunities at companies such as Macy’s, Nicole Miller, Nordstrom, Nieman Marcus, Escada, Marc Jacobs, Armani Exchange, Target and many others. Students may also participate in the annual UGA Fashion Week.
Graduates of the Merchandising programs at UGA have been hired by companies such as Atlanta Apparel Mart, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Boxercraft Inc., Diane Von Furstenberg, DDI Magazine, Macy's, Oxford Industries, Ralph Lauren, Nordstrom, Warby Parker, and WWD & W Magazine.
12. University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
The University of Delaware (UD) was chartered in 1833. It is home to 22,680 students enrolled in more than 300 degree programs through seven colleges. The College of Arts & Sciences is home to the Department of Fashion & Apparel Studies (FASH), which offers several programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers. Offerings include a BS in Fashion Merchandising, an Honors BS in Fashion Merchandising, and a 4+1 program that allows undergraduate Fashion Merchandising majors interested in graduate study to complete the MS in Fashion and Apparel Studies in half the time.
Fashion merchandising program highlights include participation in the annual fashion show and the opportunity to complete an internship at home, overseas, or both. Past students have completed internships in New York, Hong Kong, and other fashion capitals. In addition, the University of Delaware has a Visiting Student Program. This “cooperative arrangement between the University of Delaware (UD) and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)” allows students to attend FIT for one year and apply coursework towards the BS program at UD.
13. University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
The University of South Carolina was founded in 1801. It is home to nearly 32,000 students enrolled in more than 250 academic degree programs through 16 colleges and schools. The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management (HRSM) offers serval programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers. Offerings include a BS in Fashion Retailing with a Concentration in Fashion Merchandising and a Master of Retailing. An accelerated Bachelor's/Master's program is also on the menu.
Program highlights include the opportunity to complete two internships, participation in USC Fashion Week, access to organizations such as Retail and Fashion Merchandising Graduate Student Organization (RFMGSO), the National Retail Federation, and Fashion Board at USC. Students have the opportunity to attend Fashion Week in New York City and they have access to a wide variety of study abroad opportunities. For example, the College of HRSM has a global exchange program with the University of Aruba (UA), which allows students to study at UA for an entire semester. Other study abroad opportunities include Paris, Italy, London, Macao-China, Punta Cana-Dominican Republic, China, Switzerland, and Germany.
14. University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
The University of Missouri was founded in 1839. It is home to nearly 35,000 students enrolled in more than 280 degree programs through 15 colleges and schools. The College of Human and Environmental Sciences (HES) is home to the Department of Textile & Apparel Management (TAM). The Department offers several programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers. Offerings include a BS in Textile & Apparel Management with several Tracks for merchandisers including Apparel and Merchandising, and International Apparel Marketing and Merchandising. A Minor in TAM is also on the menu.
Program highlights include access to the Missouri Historic Costume and textile Collection (MHCTC), which features more than 5,500 artifacts, the New York Study Tour, participation in the Annual Fashion Show, internship opportunities, and study abroad experiences. Study abroad locations have included India and El Salvador, and TAM has a partnership with Study Abroad Italy (SAI), which offers fashion-based programs in Florence, Milan and London.
15. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California
California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly Pomona) was founded in 1938. It is home to nearly 24,000 students enrolled in hundreds of programs through eight academic colleges. The College of Agriculture, Department of Apparel Merchandising and Management offers several programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers. Offerings include a BS in Apparel Merchandising and Management (AMM) with an option in Fashion Retailing or Apparel Production. A Minor or Certificate in AMM are also on the menu.
Program highlights include hands-on lab activities, industry tradeshows and visits, industry internships and field and study abroad opportunities. Students have completed internships at major companies such as BCBG, GUESS, Nordstrom, Bebe, Forever 21, Quicksilver, Lucky Brand jeans, Disney, Hurley, True Religion, and many others. New York, London, Paris, Milan, Rome, and Florence are just a few of the places past AMM students have studied.
AMM students also have the opportunity to participate in industry competitions, the Annual Fashion Show, AM2—the product line developed by Apparel Production students, and ApparelScapes—AMM’s retail microbusiness established in 2001. According to Cal Poly, ApparelScapes “retails AM2 and BLDG45 branded clothing through its own retail venues on the campus.
16. The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
The Ohio State University (OSU) was established in 1870. It has a student population of nearly 65,000 enrolled in more than 350 programs across more than a dozen schools and colleges. Within OSU’s College of Education and Human Ecology, the Department of Human Sciences offers several programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers.
The Department offers a BS in Human Ecology, Fashion and Retail Studies with a Specialization in Merchandising or Product Development, an MS in Consumer Sciences with a Specialization in Fashion and Retail Studies, and a PhD in Consumer Sciences with a Concentration in Fashion and Retail Studies.
Program highlights include participation in the Fashion Production Association, the opportunity to volunteer at the Historic Costume and Textiles Collection, internship opportunities, and study abroad experiences from China to Thailand. Students will also benefit from the Fashion and Retail Studies Speaker Series with past guests such as Ed Razek, executive producer of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and chief marketing officer of Limited Brands, and Terry Lundgren, CEO of Macy's Inc.
Finally, all students have the opportunity to travel to New York City to attend the National Retail Federation's annual student event, which offers networking opportunities with retail professionals and the chance to meet with recruiters that do not recruit at OSU.
17. University of Rhode Island, Providence, Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island (URI) was chartered 1888. It is home to 16,571 students enrolled in more than 80 majors across nine colleges and The Graduate School of Oceanography. The College of Human Science and Services’ Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design offers several programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers.
Offerings include an MS, BS and a Minor in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design (TMD). A Certificate in Fashion Merchandising is also on the menu as well as a double major in TMD and a “fashion” language — either French or Italian.
Program highlights include internships with major companies and brands such as Gucci (New York), Nordstrom (Providence, RI), Donna Karan (New York), Marc Jacobs (New York), Rhode Island Design Center (Warwick, RI) and Green Envy (Newport, RI). Students also have the opportunity to study abroad in London, Paris (at Mod’Spe), Firenze, Italy (at Accademia Italiana), Barcelona, or other fashion capitals.
Summer Study at the Universite de la Mode in Lyon, France is also on the menu as well the New York Experience, the Winter Fashion Study Tour of London and Paris, access to the Historic Textile and Costume Collection and participation in the Annual Fashion Show.
18. University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) opened in 1883. It is home to more than 51,000 students enrolled in more 300 academic programs across 13 colleges and schools. The Division of Textiles and Apparel of the School of Human Ecology offers a BS in Textiles and Apparel (TXA) with an Option in Retail Merchandising and Consumer Sciences.
Fashion merchandising students have access to study abroad opportunities in places such as India and China as well as internship opportunities with major companies such as Anne Klein, Betsey Johnson, Coach, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Zac Posen, and more. All UT students with upper-division standing are eligible for the UT in NYC Program, which “brings apparel design, conservation and merchandising students together for a broad look at the apparel industry with an entrepreneurial focus,” says the school. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Annual UT Fashion Show.
19. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Established in 1838, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is home to more than 31,000 students enrolled in around 226 certificate and degree programs through 13 schools and one college. The School of the Arts is home to the Department of Fashion, which has more than 300 students enrolled in two tracks: Fashion Merchandising (BA) or Fashion Design (BFA).
Program highlights include optional membership in The VCU Stiletto Club, internship opportunities in the U.S. and overseas, and study abroad opportunities including Fashion in Florence, VCU Qatar, and options in Paris, London, Scotland, and more. Fashion students also have the opportunity to participate in the VCU Annual Fashion Show.
20. Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
Washington State University (WSU) was founded in 1890. The school’s main campus is located in Pullman, Washington, and it has regional campuses in Spokane, Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and West Richland), Vancouver, and Everett. Washington State is home to nearly 29,000 students enrolled in 200+ undergraduate fields of study, 66 masters and 47 doctoral programs, and a variety of professional programs across 11 colleges.
The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) is home to the Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles (AMDT). The Department offers a BA in Apparel, Merchandising, and Textiles with a Merchandising option. The Department and WSU’s Graduate School offer an MA in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles.
In addition to study abroad opportunities in more than 70 countries around the world, students have access to the third largest apparel and textile industry in the country and student chapters of two major industry associations—the International Textiles and Apparel Association (ITAA) and the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). Students also have the opportunity to participate in several campus events including exhibitions, design and merchandising competitions, and the popular Mom’s Weekend Fashion Show.
21. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Louisiana State University (LSU) was founded in 1860. It is home to more than 29,000 students enrolled in more than 200 programs through 11 colleges and schools. The College of Agriculture, Department of Textiles, Apparel Design, and Merchandising (TAM) offers several programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers. Offerings include a BS in Textiles, Apparel Design, and Merchandising (BS TAM) with a Concentration in Merchandising, and MS and PhD Degrees in Human Ecology with a Concentration in Merchandising.
Program highlights include optional membership in the Fashion Association at LSU (FALSU), access to state-of-the art facilities such as an apparel production lab, textiles testing and processing lab, and body scanning lab, and access to the LSU Textile & Costume Museum and Historic & Archaeological Textile and Apparel Research Laboratory. Students also have the opportunity to complete an internship and participate in the Annual Fashion Show.
22. Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, Virginia
Virginia Tech University (Virginia Tech) was founded in 1872. It is home to 31,000 students enrolled in 240 degree programs through eight colleges and a graduate school. The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences’ Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management (AHRM) offers a BS in Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management with a Fashion Merchandising and Design (FMD) major.
Program highlights include internship opportunities with past companies such as Nordstrom and Anna Sui, the New York Fashion Study Tour, and the European Study Abroad program featuring stops in London, Paris, Rome, Florence, and other European fashion capitals. Students also have access to the Oris Glisson Historic Costume Collection and Textile Collection, which features 5,000 items of historic significance dating from 1840 to the present, they may join the Fashion Merchandising and Design Society, and students may participate the Annual FMDS Fashion Show.
Virginia Tech Fashion Merchandising alums work at a variety of major companies such as Oscar de la Renta, rue21, Lord and Taylor’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Michael Kors, and Jimmy Choo, HomeGoods, Haute Look, Victoria’s Secret, Target, and more.
23. Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
Kansas State University (Kansas State or K-State) was founded in 1863 and it is home to more than 24,300 students enrolled in 250+ undergraduate majors and options, and more than 150 graduate study programs (including graduate certificates). Kansas State houses nine colleges and a graduate school. The College of Human Ecology is home to the Department of Apparel, Textiles, and Interior Design.
The Department (in conjunction with Great Plains IDEA) offers a distance MS in Merchandising. Program highlights include mandatory internships, faculty-led study tours in the U.S. and abroad, and an annual public exhibition of student work.
24. San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California
San Francisco State University (SFSU) was founded in 1899. It is home to 30,500 students enrolled in more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, 17 credential programs and 38 certificate programs across seven colleges. The College of Health and Social Sciences is home to the Department of Consumer and Family Studies/Dietetics. The Department offers one program for aspiring fashion merchandisers—a BS in Apparel Design and Merchandising with a Fashion Merchandising Emphasis.
Program highlights include internship opportunities, participation in the Annual Fashion Show, and study abroad opportunities in Italy, London, and Sydney.
25. University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) was chartered in 1869 and it is home to nearly 25,000 students enrolled in dozens of programs across 10 colleges. The College of Education and Human Sciences (CHES) houses the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design (TMFD), which offers a wide variety of programs for aspiring fashion merchandisers.
Undergraduate offerings include BS degrees in Merchandising and Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design/Communications. Graduate offerings include MA, MS, and PhD degrees in Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design. A Graduate Certificate in Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design is also on the menu.
Program highlights include biennial juried student exhibitions, study tours and international experiences in New York, Paris/Milan, London/Paris, Paris/Prague, Shanghai, Beijing, and more, and internship opportunities with major companies such as Vera Wang, Tahari, Nicole Miller, and InStyle Magazine. Students also have the opportunity to display their creations at the Biennial Student Runway Show.
26. Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
Ohio University was founded in 1804. It is home to 38,857 students enrolled in more than 250 programs through 11 colleges. The Patton College of Education is home to the Department of Human and Consumer Sciences (HCS). The Department offers several options for aspiring fashion merchandisers. Offerings include a B.S.H.C.S. and a Minor in Retail Merchandising and Fashion Product Development.
Program highlights include internship opportunities, study tours to New York City and abroad, access to learning tools such as the historic costume collection, and participation in Ohio University Fashion Associates: Annual Mom’s Weekend Fashion Show.
Graduates of the Retail Merchandising and Fashion Product Development program have secured positions with major corporations, manufacturers and design companies such as The Limited, Inc., Gap, Federated Department Stores, Mercantile Stores, Walmart, Kohl’s, Target, Ann Taylor, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, J.C. Penney, Bugle Boy, Halston, Betsey, Johnson, and many others.
Editor's note: On 7/28/15 we discovered that we had incorrectly labeled the Fashion Institute of Technology as a private school rather than as a public school. FIT is in fact a member of the State University system of New York. We have adjusted the rankings accordingly and we regret the error.