Course Descripons - The Art Institutes

Fashion
FASHION MERCHANDISING, Associate of Applied Science
Off ered at Chicago, Schaumburg, Michigan, Cincinna� , Tinley Park
Program Mission
The Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Merchandising program provides students with an academic and professional
founda� on through both applied coursework and technological applica� ons. The market-driven curriculum teaches students
to u� lize problem-solving and cri� cal thinking skills which meet the expressed needs of the fashion industry.
Desired Student Outcomes
1. Industry knowledge: Graduates will accurately use marke� ng and management terminology, principles, and concepts to
analyze and meet client needs.
2. Technology: Graduates will demonstrate profi ciency with common business computer programs including inventory management,
presenta� on, spreadsheet, on-line research, and website so� ware.
3. Planning and problem-solving: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to plan and analyze key marke� ng and management
processes, including an ability to analyze, formulate and implement innova� ve solu� ons.
4. Communica� on: Graduates will demonstrate professional oral, wri� en, and visual communica� on skills and organiza� onal
skills according to industry expecta� ons.
5. Context: Graduates will understand the broader context of their professional knowledge in rela� on to history, literature,
art, mathema� cs, psychology, economics, culture, U.S. and interna� onal law and policies.
6. Professionalism: Graduates will have developed an appropriate professional demeanor, an understanding of the nature
and culture of the profession, an understanding of the industry at large, and the graduates’ chosen profession, with a clear
knowledge of professional ethics and standards.
Program Descrip� on
Fashion Merchandising students prepare to enter the fi eld with instruc� on from industry professionals who impart their
knowledge. Through hands-on par� cipa� on in projects that are crea� ve, technical and similar to those students will face in
their chosen fi elds, the program is built around classroom ac� vi� es that rely on a philosophy of total personal immersion
in the subject. Students study fashion history, famous designers, tex� les and display. Simulated buying sessions, marke� ng
seminars and the development of in-house promo� onal campaigns enable students to acquire hands-on experience.
Gradua� on Requirements
To receive an Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Merchandising students must complete a minimum of 90 quarter-credits
with 24 quarter-credits in general educa� on courses and 66 in their specialty area with a cumula� ve GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Also a student must receive a passing grade or credit for all required course work and sa� sfy all fi nancial obliga� ons to The
Illinois Ins� tute of Art.
26 Academic Programs