Stephen F Austin State University
Providing customers with the garments and accessories they want, at the time and location that they wish, at the price they will pay, is the focus of Fashion Merchandising. Fashion goods contain clothes and accessories for women, men and kids with household fashions, cosmetics and cosmetics. SFA offers a fashion merchandising major, with a four-year degree available.
The scheme of work regarding the course of study supplies fundamental knowledge mandatory for entry-level jobs. Work experience is an essential part of the course and is undertaken as an internship during the senior year. Students learn the ins and outs of various facets of the fashion industry so that they are aware of what's involved in the many career options within the field of fashion. Students can also minor in fashion merchandising.
The demands of today's industry dictate the course work and its content. Majors in business, art, communications, or the social sciences would be appropriate for students completing the minor. On-the-job experience and Internships Education combine to prepare students for employment in the fashion industry.
The degree requirements include an internship or practicum, which ensures that all graduates of the fashion merchandising program have work experience. The internship is taken to completion during the last fall semester of the college course work of the student.
It is the student's responsibility to arrange an internship or job with an employer. Students receive assistance locating an internship from the faculty. Seniors are required to take a 12-15 hour block of accelerated classes, which meet twice as often as regular classes during the first half of their fall semester. As the university calendar indicates, the end of these classes is at mid-term. The students will complete the required hours of work experience between mid-term and the end of the semester.
The requirements outlines and forms for reporting are included in an internship packet. It is the students' responsibility for purchase. Students who select fashion merchandising as their major or minor can join in the student organization, The Fashion Merchandising Club. In order to be a member, a small membership fee is required each year. This group has monthly business discussions and occasional social event. An annual career day sponsored by Fashion Group International, Inc is being held in spring and great effort is to be put into encouraging students to attend. It is held at Dallas, Texas in the International Apparel Mart. SFASU fashion students and alumni in conjunction with career day give a dinner.
