Major code BS6380

Patton College of Education 
Human and Consumer Sciences 
McCracken Hall
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.2880
Fax: 740.566.8111
www.ohio.edu/education/academic-programs/human-and-consumer-sciences/

Lisa Williams, contact person
willial6@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The Retail Merchandising and Fashion Product Development curriculum offers coursework in both creative (product development and promotion) and analytical (sales performance and trend) areas of merchandising, with a focus on fashion products.  Through this program, students learn how to navigate a career path in a fast paced, dynamic industry.  Supervision, leadership, and management activities, in the context of fashion and retail careers, are emphasized.

Admissions Information

For Freshman/First-Year Admission, Change of Program or External Transfer

Students interested in the Retail Merchandising and Fashion Product Development program will enter Ohio University with a pre-major code of ND8835 (Pre-Retail Merchandising and Fashion Product Development). To be admitted to the major, you must apply and be accepted after successful completion of six courses and achieving an accumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. To obtain the documents necessary to change your major or externally transfer into the program you will need to speak with a representative in the Office of Student Affairs located on the 1st floor of McCracken Hall in Room 102. The main office can be reached at 740.593.4400

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Career opportunities include retail management, buying, product development, merchandising, visual presentation, quality control and wholesale sale, and entrepreneurship. 

Our graduates have gone on to exciting careers with companies such as:

• Steve Madden/Cejon
• DSW
• Maurices
• Kohl’s
• Target
• Big Lots
• L Brands
• Nordstrom

Curriculum

Courses

Students in the program take a variety of retail specific and related courses to create a well-rounded, business focused major. The course of study includes professional development, knowledge of industry-specific business and sales applications, and hands-on retailing experiences. For detailed information about courses and requirements, view the Retail Merchandising and Fashion Product Development undergraduate course program listing below.

Internships

Students complete work experiences during both the junior and senior years. The junior level, one credit hour, work experience (RFPD 3910) equips students with the entry level competencies necessary to obtain and succeed in a comprehensive internship program. The senior level, 12 credit hour, internship (RFPD 4910) is a rigorous semester-long, full-time internship for academic credit. Placing the internship in the senior year allows students to embark on an internship with the ability to apply competencies obtained from major courses and results in a more meaningful and productive experience for both the employee and the employer.

Capstone Course

The capstone course (RFPD 4800) serves as an intensive personal and professional assessment tool for prospective leaders in the retail merchandising and fashion product development industry.

Requirements