COLLEGE OF APPLIED & NATURAL SCIENCES

Fashion Merchandising and Retail Studies

Louisiana Tech University’s Fashion Merchandising and Retail Studies (FMRS) Program prepares students for an exciting career in the fashion industry. The program is designed to help students develop a significant knowledge base, as well as grow artistic and leadership skills to be productive in manufacturing and retail areas of the fashion industry.

The Fashion Merchandising and Retail Studies Program is accredited through the American Association of Family and Consumer Science (AAFCS).

Career Opportunities

  • Fashion Buyer
  • Visual Merchandiser
  • Retail Management
  • Fashion Stylist
  • Fashion Merchandiser
  • Textile Manager
  • Fashion Forecaster
  • Production Development Manager

Salaries

The median annual salary varies according to job title and experience. The entry level salary range for beginning to experienced workers are listed below:

  • Retail Buyer – $58,532 – $115,348
  • Visual Merchandiser – $27,129 – $62,997
  • Retail Fashion Store Manager – $37,656 – $80,016
  • Fashion Stylist – $45,000 – $109,749
  • Merchandise Planner – $44,949 to $85,927
  • Fashion Forecaster – $53,024 – $72,661
  • Textile Manager – $38,500 – $79,393
  • Production Development Manager – $60,989 – $134,080
  • Event Planner – $53,325 – $76,143

Scholarships

Contingent upon student application and academic performance, students in the Fashion Merchandising and Retail Studies program may receive Human Ecology scholarships, Louisiana Tech scholarships, as well as federally funded scholarships.

Travel and internships

In Louisiana Tech’s FMRS Program, students will experience hands-on learning opportunities and receive industry perspectives by participating in field experiences and study tours to New York, Dallas, and New Orleans.

Students will complete an entry level and senior level internship/practicum in the fashion merchandising and retail studies industry. Some of the partnerships include Dillard’s, Belk’s, and the Costume Design Department at Disney World, as well as interning for regional designers.