B.S. in Fashion Design and Merchandising - Fashion Merchandising

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: US$70

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 95.

California State University, Northridge (CSUN), is supporting international students in their pursuit of higher education. The university offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help alleviate the financial burden of studying in the United States. 

International Achievement Scholarship: CSUN's International Achievement Scholarship is designed to recognize and reward outstanding academic achievement. Eligibility is based on academic excellence, and recipients can receive up to $5,000 per academic year.

The Dream US Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically aimed at undocumented students, including those with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status. It provides financial support to help cover tuition and other educational expenses.

Intensive English Program (IEP) Scholarships: CSUN offers scholarships to international students who enroll in the Intensive English Program (IEP). These scholarships are awarded based on merit and help students improve their English language skills.

Privately Funded Scholarships: CSUN administers several privately funded scholarships that are available to international students. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria related to academic major, community involvement, or other factors.

Study Abroad Scholarships: CSUN encourages international students to participate in study abroad programs. The university offers scholarships to help offset the costs associated with studying abroad, including program fees and travel expenses.

External Scholarships: CSUN also assists international students in identifying external scholarship opportunities. These scholarships may be offered by government agencies, foundations, and international organizations.

Athletics Scholarships: CSUN has a competitive NCAA Division I athletics program. Talented international student-athletes may be eligible for athletics scholarships based on their sports achievements.

Cultural Scholarships: Some cultural organizations and clubs on campus may offer scholarships to international students who are actively engaged in promoting and celebrating their cultures.

Graduates of the B.S. in Fashion Design and Merchandising program at California State University - Northridge, specializing in Fashion Merchandising, are well-prepared for a range of exciting careers within the fashion industry. The program’s comprehensive approach combines fashion knowledge with business skills, equipping students for various roles that drive the success of fashion brands and retail operations.

Fashion Merchandiser: Fashion merchandisers are responsible for selecting and promoting fashion products in retail settings. They analyze market trends, forecast consumer demand, and develop strategies to optimize product placement and sales. This role requires strong analytical skills, an understanding of consumer behavior, and the ability to coordinate with vendors and retail teams.

Retail Buyer: Retail buyers play a critical role in acquiring merchandise for retail stores or chains. They evaluate market trends, negotiate with suppliers, and make purchasing decisions to ensure that stores offer appealing and profitable products. Successful buyers need a keen eye for trends, strong negotiation skills, and an understanding of inventory management.

Visual Merchandiser: Visual merchandisers design and arrange store displays to attract and engage customers. They create visually appealing layouts that highlight key products and enhance the shopping experience. This role combines creativity with an understanding of consumer psychology and retail sales strategies.

Fashion Marketing Specialist: Fashion marketing specialists develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote fashion products and brands. They work on advertising strategies, social media promotions, and public relations efforts. This position requires a blend of creative and strategic skills to effectively communicate brand messages and drive consumer engagement.

Product Development Coordinator: Product development coordinators manage the creation and introduction of new fashion products. They collaborate with designers, manufacturers, and marketing teams to bring new products to market. This role involves overseeing product timelines, ensuring quality standards, and managing the production process.

Retail Manager: Retail managers oversee the daily operations of retail stores, including staff management, inventory control, and customer service. They implement sales strategies, manage store budgets, and ensure that the store meets performance goals. Strong leadership and organizational skills are essential for this role.

Fashion Consultant: Fashion consultants provide personalized advice to clients on style, wardrobe choices, and fashion trends. They help individuals enhance their personal image or guide businesses on branding and fashion direction. This role requires excellent interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of fashion trends.

E-commerce Specialist: E-commerce specialists focus on online retail operations, managing digital sales platforms and strategies. They optimize online product listings, oversee digital marketing efforts, and analyze online sales data. This role combines knowledge of fashion with expertise in digital marketing and e-commerce platforms.

Costume Designer for Film and Television: Costume designers create costumes for film, television, and theater productions. They research historical periods, design costumes, and work closely with directors and actors to ensure that costumes align with the production’s vision. Creativity and an understanding of costume history are crucial for this role.

Sustainability Coordinator: Sustainability coordinators develop and implement eco-friendly practices within the fashion industry. They work on strategies to reduce environmental impact, promote ethical production, and enhance sustainability in fashion operations. Knowledge of sustainable practices and strong organizational skills are important for this role.