Student Resources for Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design

Fashion Design Minor

You can also minor in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design to broaden your knowledge of content that might relate to your current major. Please see a faculty member for more guidance on what courses to take.

Curriculum for Fashion Design Minor

Careers

You may be thinking “What can I do with a fashion merchandising degree and Apparel Design degree?”

Fashion Merchandising

With a fashion merchandising degree emphasis, you’ll be prepared for work in a variety of fashion related occupations. Including but not limited to:

  • Fashion public relations
  • Merchandise consultant
  • Visual merchandiser
  • Marketing specialist
  • Fashion consultant
  • Creative director
  • Media planner
  • Fashion director
  • Brand strategist
  • Stylist
  • Store manager
  • Retail buyer
  • Social Media Manager
  • Area brand coordinator

Apparel Design

With an Apparel Design degree emphasis, you’ll be prepared for work in a variety of design-related occupations. Including but not limited to:

  • Apparel designer
  • Technical designer
  • Costume designer
  • Fashion illustrator
  • Textile and graphic designer
  • Creative Director
  • Apparel production coordinator
  • Stylist

Internships

As part of the Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design degree coursework, all students are required to complete a semester-long internship related to their study emphasis. The program also offers study tours to both the Atlanta and New York fashion markets, exposing students to historic costume collections, wholesale showrooms, auxiliary fashion enterprises, and noted retail stores.

Georgia Southern University’s Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design Program has been named one of the top fashion merchandising schools in the United States by Fashion-Schools.org. In a review that looked at more than 200 institutions – and their academics, admissions, programs, faculty, and other criteria – Georgia Southern ranked among the top 25 percent in the nation and made the top schools list at 49. Georgia Southern has also ranked eighth on the list of “Top 15 Fashion Schools in the South.”

Internship Details

The internship (FMAD 4790) is 12 credit hours and cannot be taken with other coursework or academic requirements. The student is responsible for registering for FMAD 4790 but will be denied eligibility if he/she has not successfully fulfilled all academic requirements prior to registering for the course. The internship must be a full-time position, paying or non-paying, at 35 to 40 hours per week. Merchandising emphasis students can work in any capacity in fashion or related industries. Design emphasis students must intern in a design-related position. All internships must have prior approval from the internship professor.

Students must attend an information session the semester prior to the semester he/she will complete their internship. During the information session, students will receive pertinent information regarding their internship.

Internship Scholarship Program

Recent Internship Sites

  • Tom James Company
  • Long Slow Exhale, Paramount Pictures, Costume PA
  • Mamie Ruth and M. Liz Jewelry Studios & Boutique
  • Retrofete
  • Yoni Intimacy
  • Alton Lane
  • Forever 21 – Carolina Place Mall
  • Lascana
  • AmericaMart/ Atlanta Apparel
  • Naked South Boutique
  • KJ Clothier
  • Handpicked
  • The White Magnolia, Savannah, Georgia
  • Madame Couture Boutique
  • Gells
  • The Posh Loft LLC
  • David Bridal
  • Beloved The Label
  • Sparkle & Sass
  • UnCommon Fashion
  • House of Perna
  • Kyndal Day Personal Stylist
  • Ex Voto Vintage
  • Taredown 360
  • Megan’s Boutique
  • Connoisseur Paris
  • Girlie Girl Prom
  • Music Video
  • Dish Boutique
  • Unique Fashion
  • Hannah Gotz Studio
  • Venus Fashion
  • Lilly Pulitzer
  • Mame Ruth
  • Lizard Thicket
  • Bel Fiore Bridal
  • Fabrik
  • Factory PR
  • Bel Fiore Bridal
  • Satchel
  • Tech Corner
  • Fashom

 

Highlighted Internship

Camp Fernwood, a residential summer camp in Maine, is seeking highly motivated instructors to teach at our fashion program during summer 2025!

At Fernwood, they will have the incredible opportunity to teach girls ages 8-15 with diverse levels of experience. The successful candidate will join a vibrant team of 150 staff members from around the globe, participating in an engaging seven-week program designed exclusively for girls. Each day will be filled with a variety of exciting activities, making this a truly enriching experience!

This is a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience, develop your skills, and inspire creativity in young campers. As a member of our fashion team, you will lead hands-on workshops, teach sewing and design techniques, and guide campers in creating their own unique fashion pieces. This is a fantastic chance to share your skills, collaborate with fellow instructors, and foster a love for fashion in a fun and supportive environment.

Our fashion program consists of:

  1. Design Fundamentals: Campers learn the basics of fashion design, including sketching, color theory, and fabric selection. They are encouraged to develop their own unique style and vision.
  2. Sewing Skills: Participants receive hands-on instruction in sewing techniques, from basic hand sewing to machine sewing. This foundational skill allows campers to bring their design ideas to life.
  3. Thematic Projects: Each week features different themes that inspire specific projects, such as creating garments, accessories, or upcycled fashion items. This encourages creativity and experimentation.
  4. Fashion Illustration: Campers explore fashion illustration techniques, learning how to effectively communicate their design ideas through drawings and presentations.
  5. Collaboration: The program fosters teamwork, with opportunities for campers to work together on group projects, sharing ideas and inspiring one another throughout the creative process.
  6. Fashion Shows: At the end of the session, campers often participate in a fashion show to showcase their creations. This exciting event allows them to present their work and celebrate their achievements with friends and family.
  7. Positive Environment: The fashion program emphasizes a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, helping campers build confidence in their skills while making lasting friendships.

Overall, the fashion program at Camp Fernwood provides a fun and enriching environment for young designers to explore their passion, develop their talents, and express their individuality through fashion.

Benefits include:

  • Working Environment: Dynamic, supportive, and vibrant. Nestled in a beautiful natural setting, the camp fosters a sense of community among staff and campers alike. You’ll work alongside a diverse team of passionate individuals from around the world, all dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our campers.
  • Medical Assistance: Free 24-hour onsite healthcare.
  • Competitive Salary: A competitive salary and workers compensation.
  • Room and Board: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet style included as well as refreshments and snacks throughout the day. Accommodation is included.
  • Services Included: Laundry, Free Wi-Fi, Transportation to and from Portland Airport and Bus Station.
  • Internship and College Credit(s): Available.
  • Positive Work Environment: A supportive and collaborative camp community. Excellent time off with available transportation to help you and new friends explore the beautiful state of Maine. Access to all activities camp offers during your free time.
  • International Staff: Visa Sponsorship for the summer.
  • Opportunity for Growth: Professional development opportunities and the chance to make a lasting impact on campers’ lives.

Interested candidates with questions or comments or wish to apply online may do so at www.campfernwood.com in the staff section or contact me directly at 203-464-2184 or staff@campfernwood.co

Fashion Menagerie

The Fashion Menagerie builds an environment of creativity among Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design students. It provides an outlet to channel inspiration, increase awareness of fashion related events, promote and showcase local designers’ talents. Students may publish creative works while executing, producing, contributing, and educating themselves and their community about the ever-changing and dynamic world of fashion.

  • Membership: Open to all interested students
  • Meetings: Weekly
  • Advisor: Kyler Arnold

Learn: Sewing, unique stitches, pattern drafting, sketching, beading, crochet, photography, and more!

Instagram: gsufashionmenagerie

Fashion Menagerie Presents their Fashion Design Month

October 5, 12, 19 and 26th 6-8:30 Room IAB 2028

Learn how to make your own fashion design from start to finish! Guided lessons and some supplies will be provided for free! All skill levels welcome! Join our group-me!- see flier below

Learn: Sewing, unique stitches, pattern drafting, sketching, beading, crochet, photography, and more!

Instagram: gsufashionmenagerie

Mail: jh46038@georgiasouthern.edu