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Fashion: Textiles and Clothing In Business, BS

Degrees in Fashion

Build on your creativity while laying a foundation in technology and business with the Bachelor of Science degree in Textiles and Clothing in Business at the University of Central Missouri. Our unique undergraduate program prepares you for a variety of careers in fashion, including buying, product development, marketing, entrepreneurship and more.

Fashion majors at UCM appreciate our location’s proximity to Kansas City, a growing fashion hub. When it comes to merchandising and fashion design schools, UCM’s flexible learning options and focus on sustainability offer you one of the best educations available. 

On campus or online classes from UCM

What is fashion merchandising? Find out via face-to-face instruction or 100% online classes for flexible options not available at all merchandising, business and fashion design colleges.

AAFCS accreditation logo

AAFCS-accredited degree program

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95% placement in careers in fashion

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Fashion study abroad opportunities

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Well-established bachelor’s program

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Sell designs in our student-run micro-business

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Use 3D-Printing Technology

What you will study

Our focus on broad study in the fashion industry empowers you to express your creativity, while also fine-tuning practical applications translating to various careers in fashion. For instance: 

  • Learn not only how to create but also sell your fashions. 
  • Master cutting-edge technology and digital tools such as WGSN, used by top fashion brands such as Adidas and Coach. 
  • Understand trend forecasting, product development, store planning, visual merchandising and branding. 
  • Enjoy a dedicated sewing station and also work on vinyl cutting and embroidery. 
  • Develop your own digital portfolio and website to showcase your creations that could lead to a variety of careers in fashion.

Unlike many merchandising and fashion design colleges, our Fashion program also focuses on modern and emerging topics in fashion, including sustainability, ethics, branding and technology. Sustainability for Consumer Products is just one example of a course you won’t find at other merchandising and fashion design schools. We also offer Branding and Fashion Technology, which focuses on how to use social media, algorithms and search engine optimization (SEO) as they relate to careers in fashion.

 

Excellence in Fashion: Textiles and Clothing in Business

  • Nationally accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS)
  • #1: Best Value Bachelor’s Degree College for Fashion Merchandising in the Plains States Region (College Factual, 2022)
  • Top 15%: Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Colleges for Fashion Merchandising (College Factual, 2022)
  • Best Value Colleges for Fashion Merchandising (College Factual, 2022)

 

Unique learning opportunities for Fashion majors

The University of Central Missouri sets itself apart from many merchandising and fashion design schools by offering a personalized, hands-on education for undergraduate students earning bachelor’s degrees in Fashion. 

  • Internships: Partner with a local company to gain real-world work and internship experience for college credit. First, work in an entry-level job, then complete an upper-level internship. Fashion majors learn the tradition of working your way up in careers in fashion given this unique approach.
  • Guest speakers: Learn about careers in fashion from buyers at companies such as Kendra Scott, Nordstrom, Walmart and Buckle. Kansas City Fashion Week reps often share insight helpful for undergraduate students working toward degrees in Fashion.
  • MAGIC Trade Show: Take a field trip to the MAGIC Trade Show in Las Vegas. Experience one of the largest fashion markets in the country, where vendors show buyers their products first hand. The annual event features celebrity appearances, guest speakers and workshops.
  • Volunteer: Lend your talents to Kansas City Fashion Week, where you can volunteer, network and gain more experience for future careers in fashion. UCM alumna Cydni Stafford shares her experience with KC Fashion Week and the inspiration behind her fashion designs.
  • UCM Earth Week: Produce, design and model in the Recycle>Restyle>Revamp fashion show.
  • UCM Fashion Shop: Join the Fashion Council team to create custom products for sale and practice social media marketing strategies.
  • Student organization: Network with other members of UCM’s Fashion Business Association student organization.

 

What can you do with degrees in Fashion from UCM?

Fashion majors at the University of Central Missouri graduate with a strong grasp of the business skills needed to launch many careers in fashion. UCM alumni of the undergraduate program work at companies such as:

  • Target
  • H&M
  • Kendra Scott
  • Nordstrom
  • Dillard’s

Other graduates with bachelor’s degrees in Fashion from UCM have started their own companies, such as Ivory and Lace and The Babe Standard. 

Outlook on jobs and salaries in fashion

95% of Fashion majors start their careers in fashion within six months of graduation. Explore your opportunities, including salary potential and job outlooks, using the interactive tool below.

 

 
 


 

Financial assistance options for Fashion majors

Among merchandising and fashion design schools, the University of Central Missouri stands above the rest in terms of affordability. UCM offers a variety of resources to help finance your education, including university-wide scholarships that many fashion design colleges can’t offer. 

We also designate the following scholarships specifically for undergraduate students earning undergraduate degrees in Fashion: 

  • Jenkins Scholarship 
  • MAGIC Trade Show Scholarship 
  • Dual Credit Scholarship

You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.

 

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Take your degree further.

Enhance your education with graduate programs here at UCM.

Fashion students looking at fabric

Explore programs related to fashion.

If you’d like to explore options similar to degrees in Fashion, consider the following undergraduate programs at UCM:

Applied Technology for Learning

As a student, you obtain knowledge in the classroom and then apply it in real-world projects.  Final results of projects are similar to work done in the industry. You will create a digital product line, digital portfolio, store visual plans, social media materials, and other projects using updated software and technology, just like the professionals use.  You will have access to WGSN, the top trend forecasting service used by Fortune 500 companies, for trend research, as well as to the newest garment designs, prints, and colors for product development.  In addition, you will have access to sewing and embroidery machines, 3D printers, die cutting machines, a computer lab, visual merchandising equipment, and store and product design software. 

View Student-Designed Products

Accreditation

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences logo

The fashion program is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, which holds us accountable for high standards and updated curriculum.

Click HERE for FCS Unit information.

 

Request Info   Visit   Apply Today!

 

 

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