merchandising - College of Human Sciences

MERCHANDISING
The apparel, interiors and textiles industries contribute over $3 trillion in global revenue annually and provide millions
of unique and exciting employment opportunities around the world. Successful professionals within this field now
have an appreciation for the multi-faceted cultural and economic contributions the soft goods field makes to the global
economy. The Merchandising program prepares graduates for careers at every level of the industry: trend forecasting,
textile sales, wholesaling product lines to retailers, retail buyers, managers, visual merchandisers as well as auxiliary
industries including fashion journalism, event planning, and logistics. Understanding and being responsive to the
consumer’s perspective of industry processes and practice is essential in the Merchandising program. Merchandising
graduates are in high demand among retailers, manufacturers, product developers, and designers.
STRENGTHS OF PROGRAM
Decades of retail experience by the merchandising faculty with
experience in the global marketplace
Strong New York City industry connections and annual trip to NYC
Emphasis on product development
Use of technology in the retail context
Application of sustainability in an industry context
Strong pre-internship preparation and required intensive eight week
summer internship opportunities nationwide
Curriculum flexibility to complete minors in the OSU Spears School
of Business
Undergraduate research opportunities
GETTING EXPERIENCE AND THE JOB
Internships are completed at locations throughout the United States
and abroad. Previously, interns have worked for Women’s Wear
Daily, Marie Claire, BCBG Max Azria, J.C. Penney, Ralph Lauren
Children’s Wear, Dillard’s, Anthropologie, Nordstrom’s, Ethan Allen
and Pier One.
Merchandising students learn current technology.
OSU alumni hold positions with various types of companies
including Dillard’s, Neiman Marcus, TJX Corporation, Target, J.C.
Penney, Anthropologie and Macy’s. Positions include general
manager, store team leader, buyer, brand manager, merchandise
evaluation engineer and visual merchandiser.
Students in NYC at a protective clothing showroom.
Solving human problems … Enhancing human lives.
humansciences.okstate.edu/DHM
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Patricia Kain Knaub Center for Student Success
Human Sciences 101
Stillwater, OK 74078-6114
405.744.5053 (phone)/ 405.744.7113 (fax)
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limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. Title IX of the Education Amendments and Oklahoma State University policy prohibit discrimination in the provision of services of benefits offered by the University based on gender. Any person (student, faculty or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based upon gender may discuss their concerns and file informal or formal complaints
of possible violations of Title IX with the OSU Title IX Coordinator, Director of Affirmative Action, 408 Whitehurst, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, (405)744-5371 or (405)744-5576(fax). This publication, issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the College of Human Sciences, was printed by University Printing at a total cost of $2,100/11,000/May-14.
MERCHANDISING
SPECIALIZED COURSES
Retailing of Apparel, Interiors
and Related Products
Profitable Merchandising Analysis
Merchandise Acquisition and Allocation
Visual Merchandising
Sustainable Design for Apparel
and Interiors
Textiles, Apparel, Interiors and Related
Products in the International
Economy
Merchandising store layout using mock-up software.
Technology and Visual Communication
for Merchandisers
Product Development
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Retail Buyer
Allocation Analyst
Store Owner or Manager
Executive Retail Manager
Sourcing Manager
Manufacturer’s Representative
Visual Merchandiser
Students visit Cotton Incorporated to learn about this trade association promoting the use of
cotton fabrics and fibers.
Solving human problems … Enhancing human lives.
humansciences.okstate.edu/DHM
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Patricia Kain Knaub Center for Student Success
Human Sciences 101
Stillwater, OK 74078-6114
405.744.5053 (phone)/ 405.744.7113 (fax)