Mar 28, 2024  
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2022-23 
    
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2022-23 [Archived Catalog]

Retail and Fashion Merchandising Major (B.S.H.C.S.)


Major code BS6384

Patton College of Education 
Recreation, Sport Pedagogy and Consumer Sciences    
Patton Hall
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4400
education@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/education/recreation-sport-pedagogy-consumer-sciences/retail-merchandising

Lisa Williams, contact person
willial6@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The Retail and Fashion Merchandising curriculum offers coursework in both creative (Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, Product Development, and Promotion) and analytical (buying and planning, Excel and statistical reasoning) 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 and Fashion Merchandising program will enter Ohio University with the major code BS6384.  There are no additional requirements beyond what is required for admission to Ohio University.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Career opportunities include retail management, merchandising, buying, assortment planning, product development, visual presentation, wholesale sales, entrepreneurship and more.

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

  • DSW
  • Maurices
  • Kohl’s
  • Abercrombie & Fitch
  • Big Lots
  • L Brands
  • Nordstrom
  • Express
  • Bath & Body Works
  • NES Group Jewelry Wholesalers
  • ESP Trendlab

Curriculum

Courses

Students in the program take a variety of retail specific and related courses to create a well-rounded, business focused major.  The plan 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 and Fashion Merchandising undergraduate course program listing below.

Internships

Students complete two work experiences for the program.  The first, one credit hour, work experience (RFM 2910) equips students with the entry level competencies necessary to obtain and succeed in a comprehensive internship program.  The internship course is variable (RFM 4910) and is placed in either the junior or senior year once course prerequisites are met. RFM 4910 is a rigorous semester-long, full-time internship for academic credit and allows students to apply competencies obtained from major courses to result in a meaningful and productive experience for both the employee and the employer.  Students must be completing their work hours during the semester or summer in which they are enrolled in these classes.

Capstone Course

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

Requirements

Universitywide Graduation Requirements


To complete this program, students must meet all Universitywide graduation requirements .

Department Level Requirements for the Department of Recreation, Sport Pedagogy and Consumer Sciences


The Department of Recreation, Sport Pedagogy and Consumer Sciences has no particular entry or graduation requirements beyond those of the College and the University. However, requirements differ considerably from program to program. Consult with your adviser to ensure proper fulfillment of those requirements.

Complete one of the following:


Complete one of the following:


Complete One of the following


Interdisciplinary Course Options


Complete 6 hours from the following courses:

  • All course prerequisites and/or acceptance in certificate programs requiring application and selection must be met to enroll in any of these courses.
  • Not From:  CONS 2500, CONS 3100, CONS 3890, PSY 2110, JOUR 2500, MGT 2000, MIS 2011, MKT 2020
  • Note: *** below includes any course at that numerical level from the noted prefix
  • Select from: