Program Overview
Can’t wait to jumpstart your career in the fast-paced global marketplace of fashion merchandising? JWU Charlotte’s Fashion Merchandising & Retailing bachelor’s degree program can get you there with the knowledge and industry-relevant experience you’ll need to succeed. Dive into the A-to-Z processes of the fashion and retail industry — including retail management, visual merchandising, marketing and public relations.
You’ll be exposed to many retail and fashion fields, including the merchandising and retailing of apparel and accessories. Learn about retailing, merchandise buying, advertising, sales and fashion promotion. You’ll also learn how to
- apply marketing principles to fashion goods
- evaluate global fashion markets
- identify and analyze future retail trends
Choose to specialize in an area of interest:
- Merchandise Buying
- Fashion Marketing & Visual Merchandising
Best of all, you’ll be able to hone your creative and business skills through an internship, and gain exposure to the retailing and fashion industry through professional site visits to industry leaders. You also have several study abroad opportunities geared specifically for our Fashion Merchandising & Retailing students. Our experience-based approach to learning is supported by participation in a wide variety of industry events — both on and off campus.

For an explanation of the career outcomes rate and other information, visit JWU Student Consumer Information.
Sample Courses
- Forecasting
- Global Strategy Capstone
- Introduction to Retail & Fashion
- Retail & Fashion Lab
- Retail Math
- Strategic Planning in the Fashion Industry
- The Textiles Industry
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
For a full course listing, visit the JWU Catalog:
Career Possibilities
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.