Beach, Rachel
Fashion Merchandising is a comprehensive Applied Design program combining the study of design, textiles, clothing concepts and business. This program includes the study of apparel design and construction; historical costume as design inspiration; the business of fashion retailing; visual merchandising; and computer based design for manufactured apparel. Students participate in research and display of vintage apparel to illustrate how cultural, social and economic influences impact clothing choices and fashions.
The program is designed to provide both classroom and studio work with practical work experience in area businesses. The learning experience goes beyond the classroom and includes fashion show production, fashion events, community service projects, field trips, and a historical clothing project with the Historic Costume Collections, an extensive collection of authentic apparel from north central West Virginia, 1840-1990.
- Apply knowledge of design theory and the elements and principles of design through organizing, manipulating, and solving design problems related to their field
- Identify historical periods, materials, components, and products that impact current trends and issues
- Communicate and justify, through written and oral presentation and portfolio development, the details, inspiration, problems, solutions, and the vision of their design
- Demonstrate an understanding of business practices, work ethic, professionalism, and consumer marketing principles as related to the products and services of their field
Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue entry-level careers in the fashion design business. Such careers include those of apparel buyer at the retail and wholesale level; fashion department and fashion boutique managers; visual fashion merchandisers (including window displays); bridal consultants; and independent apparel shop owners. In addition to strong job prospects, competitive salaries also await Fashion graduates; typical starting annual salaries range from $24,000 - 32,000.
Upon completion of this degree a graduate has the option to transfer to West Virginia University, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design for an additional 2 years to complete a bachelor degree in the Design Studies Program. All Pierpont credits transfer directly into the program for a seamless transition into a bachelor degree. The offering of an interdisciplinary design major by West Virginia University is unique in the state and within the University. Design Studies brings together positive aspects of the studio-based design majors and the multi-disciplinary studies major to provide a design-focused program that is flexible and student-centered. Acceptance into the program is noncompetitive. Employment in design-related occupations is expected to continue to grow.
ENGL 1104 Prerequisite(s): 18 or higher on the English portion of ACT; 450 or higher on Critical Reading of SAT; A scaled score of 38 or higher on Writing Skills Set of ASSET; 71 or higher on English portion of COMPASS; 88 or higher on Sentence Skills of ACCUPLACER. Students falling below the listed scores will be required to take a four(4) credit hour ENGL 1104.
ENGL 1109 may be substituted for ENGL 1108. ENGL 1108 & 1109 Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1104.
Must obtain a "C" or better in all English courses.
APPD 1100
APPD 1101
APPD 1102
APPD 1103
APPD 1115
APPD 1116
APPD 1131
APPD 2202
APPD 2210
APPD 2217
APPD 2220
APPD 2235
APPD 2995
BUSN 1102
PROG ELEC
ENGL 1104 Prerequisite(s): 18 or higher on the English portion of ACT; 450 or higher on Critical Reading of SAT; A scaled score of 38 or higher on Writing Skills Set of ASSET; 71 or higher on English portion of COMPASS; 88 or higher on Sentence Skills of ACCUPLACER. Students falling below the listed scores will be required to take a four(4) credit hour ENGL 1104.
ENGL 1109 may be substituted for ENGL 1108. ENGL 1108 & 1109 Prerequisite(s): grade of "C" or better in ENGL 1104. Must obtain a "C" or better in ENGL 1108 or ENGL 1109 to graduate.
APPD 2995
APPD 2295 Prerequisite(s): APPD 1115
Students have the option of taking the Applied Design Practicum in the summer.
