EIU Department of Art

The Fashion Merchandising program allows students to grow professionally in their knowledge in the world of retail while developing advanced creative skills in fashion design. Possible careers include, but are not limited to: retail management and/or entrepreneurship, textile and apparel product development, fashion design, styling, buying, fashion journalism and visual merchandising. Students will explore the dynamic world of fashion through courses in Fashion Buying, Visual Merchandising, Clothing Construction, Retail Mathematics, History of Costume, Cultural Aspects of Fashion and many more. Students also complete a Minor in Marketing as part of the curriculum.

Curriculum

Fashion Merchandising major curriculum guide

Fashion Merchandising minor curriculum guide

 Internships

FMD 4275 Internship is an individually-planned work experience in a business or agency related to a career path within Fashion Merchandising. 

The objectives of the internship are to 1) simulate a job search as you identify and secure an internship site appropriate to your professional goals, 2) provide a relevant professional experience equivalent to an entry-level position, and 3) allow for professional self-reflection.

In order to apply for FMD 4275 Internship you must:

1. have completed ART 2749,
2. be in good academic standing,
3. submit the Internship Application by the due date (see below), and
4. have internship site approval from FMD faculty.

This pre-professional experience gives you the opportunity to put to practical use the knowledge and skills acquired as a student.  It is expected that you will gain an understanding of the philosophy, organization, and “inner workings” of your site and become familiar with the roles, responsibilities, and limitations within your field of study.

Dues dates for the internship application (all paperwork will be submitted online):

• November 1st for Spring internships
• April 1st for Summer and Fall internships

Upon approval of the internship application, you will be administratively added to the correct section of FMD 4275. If you are not enrolled in a section of FMD 4275 by the end of finals week contact Deborah Reifsteck (Art & FMD Advisor) at ddreifsteck@eiu.edu.

Internship Site Supervisor Information - LINK coming soon

Internship Information Packet - LINK coming soon

Online Application

If you have questions about the FMD Internship or the application process, please contact Dr. Katherine Shaw at kashaw2@eiu.edu or Mrs. Deborah Reifsteck at ddreifsteck@eiu.edu

Careers in Fashion Merchandising