Your Dream Career in Fashion

The Bachelor of Science in Fashion Management program at the School of Media and Design prepares you to work in the design and business roles that make the fashion industry. By blending technology, practical technique, business insight, artistry and scholarship, this program helps you start your career in the fashion industry!

Turn Your Passion Into a Thriving Career

The Bachelor of Science in Fashion Management is a 120 credit-hour degree program that gives you a choice between two concentrations – Merchandising or Apparel Production & Design. These focus areas allow you to tailor your education to your career aspirations, giving you the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in the fashion industry. Our curriculum will take you on a fascinating journey through fashion’s historical, cultural, commercial, environmental and international dimensions.

Unforgettable Learning Experiences 

Why stay local when the world is your runway? Our program offers incredible study abroad opportunities at UIW's 144 Sister Schools, including the iconic London College of Fashion. Learn from industry professionals and faculty experts who are passionate about fashion. Join small classes, where our staff will support you every step of the way, from honing your design techniques to mastering the business side of fashion. 

Student working on computer

Program Benefits:

  • Choose from two concentrations, including:
    • Merchandising
    • Apparel Production and Design
  • Build a strong and competitive portfolio to stand out in the industry as soon as you graduate.
  • Learn the technologies used throughout the industry.
  • Get introduced to patternmaking and supply chain software and manage technical line development through Adobe products.
  • Develop apparel construction and sewing skills.
  • Study abroad at the London College of Fashion in London, England.

UIW at a Glance

$79,290

Average annual salary for bachelor's in Fashion Design degree holders*

99%

of UIW first-time freshmen received financial assistance

$24,651

the average amount of need-based aid awarded to full-time, first-time freshmen

Bachelor's of Science in Fashion Management

Apply to the Fashion Management program at the University of the Incarnate Word and earn your Bachelor of Science in Fashion Management. Choose from two concentrations - Merchandising and Apparel Production and Design.

Careers in the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry is a global industry, where fashion designers, manufacturers, merchandisers and retailers from all over the world collaborate to design, manufacture and sell clothing, shoes and accessories. The industry is characterized by short product life cycles, erratic consumer demand, an abundance of product variety and complex supply chains.

Most students begin their career in retail sales management positions. At the corporate level, sales management positions are located within buying offices or within distribution offices. Often corporate buying positions lead to positions as account managers with leading brand manufacturers. Auxiliary career pathways for fashion merchandising are in promotions or in visual merchandising.

Examples of career opportunities in this field include:

  • Accessories Designer
  • Apparel Designer
  • Colorist
  • Draper
  • Fashion Illustrator
  • Pattern Maker/Grader
  • Product Development Specialist
  • Sourcing Specialist
  • Stylist
  • Textile Designer

See where previous students in the Fashion Management program have interned. Students have interned for large fashion retailers like Old Navy and nonprofits like the Texas Fashion Industry Initiative.

  • Old Navy
  • Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons
  • Texas Fashion Industry Institute
  • House of Haute, Inc.
  • Addysun
  • Nora Dabas, LLC

How It Works

Starting your journey into higher education has never been this easy!

✔ Step 1

Connect with UIW & apply

✔ Step 2

We help you get tuition

✔ Step 3

Start your degree

Featured Faculty

Dr. Melinda Adams profile headshot

Dr. Melinda Adams

Dr. Melinda Adams received a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of the Incarnate Word. She also holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Adult Education and a Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences from the University of Wyoming. Her Bachelor of Science degree is in Human Resources and Family Sciences with a concentration in Apparel and Textile Design.

She is a Full Professor and the Program Director for the Fashion Management Program at UIW. Her research areas include defining creative scholarship, how creative scholarship is evaluated and accepted in the tenure and promotion process, engaged learning, and several aspects of sustainability within the fashion industry.

Dr. Lalon Alexander profile headshot

Dr. Lalon Alexander

Dr. Lalon Alexander is an associate professor of fashion management for the University of the Incarnate Word, and co-owner of Elephant Embellishments, a school for hand embroidery and beading. She holds a BS in fashion design from Texas Tech University, an MFA in costume design from Carnegie Mellon University, an MS in creativity from Buffalo State College, and a PhD in higher education from the University of the Incarnate Word. Prior to her teaching career, she was a professional hand beader for a Broadway costume shop.

She has taught classes in introduction to fashion, flat pattern manipulation, intermediate and advanced construction techniques, computer illustration, and portfolio at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Alexander’s research interests include creativity and design, fashion curriculum, art versus design perceptions, and technical skills in fashion/costume. Currently, Lalon is the VP of Education for the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals, and the President-Elect for the Costume Society of America.

Closing Quotation Mark
The Fashion Management program prepared me with the skills needed to launch and brand my own boutique. It equipped me with knowledge in business, design, and technology. The possible paths that are now available to me are endless.
Closing Quotation Mark

Samantha Miramontes

2021 Fashion Management Program Graduate

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