Bachelor of Science
Fashion Merchandising & Retailing
Where Business Meets Fashion
There’s more to the fashion industry than modeling and designing. How do retailers know which products to stock or trends to jump on? There’s a global network standing behind the fashion industry influencing what’s for sale. Our Fashion Merchandising & Retailing program will teach you how to choose the best looks, trends, colors, silhouettes and more to create a strong product assortment.
At JWU Providence, you’ll also learn about the economics involved in buying and selling fashion merchandise, how to forecast future trends in the industry, and the strategies needed to display and sell merchandise effectively. You’ll be prepared for careers in merchandise management, sales management, visual merchandising, fashion marketing, fashion forecasting and more.
Choose from two specializations:
- Merchandise buying
- Fashion marketing & visual merchandising
Our location in the heart of Providence means you’re steps away from eclectic neighborhoods filled with chic boutiques, fresh streetwear apparel and vintage shops.
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Student Experiences
Neely Connor ’25 Explores NYC Fashion
Fashion Merchandising & Retailing major Neely Connor ’25 joined the program’s annual New York City trip where students get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the headquarters of several fashion brands. “It’s hard to choose a favorite part of the trip since each place we visited was super cool in its own way! Going backstage at the Lion King show may have won though because it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.”
Chase Menendez ’22: Designing His Future in Fashion
Chase Menendez ’22 prepared for his dream job through connections with alumni, real-world projects and faculty mentorships. “The fashion industry is constantly changing, and everybody has the opportunity to be creative and show who they really are through the collections they create and the clothes they make.”
Fashion in Action
Hands-on learning is at the core of our fashion program — and built right into your coursework. Not only will you take courses in the Retail and Fashion Lab, you’ll also be encouraged to get experience in the field through an internship with a business partner or Study Abroad program.
No matter what you choose, you’ll graduate with a portfolio of projects and experiences to showcase on your résumé.
What You’ll Experience in the Fashion Program
- Paticipate in exclusive site visits to local boutiques, national headquarters and major shopping hubs like New York City and Boston
- Gain practical experience in our state-of-the-art Retail and Fashion Lab
- Engage with industry professionals through guest lectures and mentorships
- Explore global perspectives with Study Abroad opportunities
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Sample Courses
- Introduction to Retail and Fashion
- The Textile Industry
- Retail and Fashion Lab
- Forecasting
- Sustainability in the Fashion Industry
- Retail Math
- Strategic Planning in the Fashion Industry
- Fashion Writing
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
- Merchandise Buyer
- Social Media Coordinator
- Brand Manager
- Product Development
- Visual Merchandiser
- Showroom Coordinator
- Sales Representative
- Fashion Forecaster
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.
Featured Faculty
Our professors and instructors are dedicated to the success of our students. Learn more about our expert faculty members.
Associate Professor and Program Lead, Management
Patricia Fisher is currently one of the lead faculty in the Fashion Merchandising and Retailing Program. She focuses heavily on hands-on learning projects in all her classes.
Professor
Sara Jablon-Roberts's career in academia began with costume design, primarily for dance and theater. Jablon-Roberts is passionate about leading students through the discovery of the many and varied aspects of clothing.
Professor
Kristen Regin's research interests lie in the fields of Generation Y, consumer behavior and retail atmospherics. She serves on the board of the Advertising, Marketing and PR Club of RI.
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Faculty Contact
Patricia Fisher
Associate Professor & Faculty Lead
Fashion Merchandising & Retailing Program, College of Business
401-598-1397
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