| Fashion Management
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Get a closer look into the department and student experience
The Bachelor of Science in Fashion Management program at the School of Media and Design prepares students for careers in the design and business sides of the fashion industry. The program’s emphasis on technology, practical technique, business insight, artistry and scholarship produces well-rounded graduates with extensive insights into fashion.
Bachelor of Science in Fashion Management
The Bachelor of Science in Fashion Management is a 120 credit-hour degree program that offers the choice of two concentrations – Merchandising or Apparel Production and Design. These concentrations offer students an opportunity to specialize in one of two critical areas, giving them the tools they need to pursue success in the fashion industry. Through its comprehensive curriculum and hands-on skill development, students gain a deep understanding of fashion’s historical, cultural, commercial, environmental and international significance.
The program also offers an opportunity to study abroad, either through a partnership with the London College of Fashion or one of UIW’s 144 Sister Schools. Learn from faculty members who are scholars and industry experts. Working closely with students in small classes, they help them hone their techniques and approaches to design and business. As advisors, faculty guide them through their degree program, supporting their academic journeys. 
Program Benefits:
- Choose from two concentrations including:
- Merchandising
- Apparel Production and Design
- Build a strong and competitive portfolio.
- Learn technology used throughout the industry.
- Be introduced to patternmaking software, supply chain software and manage technical line development through Adobe products.
- Develop apparel construction and sewing skills.
- Study abroad at the London College of Fashion in London, England.
UIW at a Glance
#1
largest Catholic university in Texas
99%
of UIW first-time freshmen received financial assistance
$24,651
the average amount of need-based aid awarded to full-time, first-time freshmen
Bachelor's of Science in Fashion Management
Apply to the Fashion Management program at the University of the Incarnate Word and earn your Bachelor's of Science in Fashion Management. Choose from two concentrations in Merchandising and Apparel Production and Design.
Careers in the Fashion Industry
The fashion industry is a global industry, where fashion designers, manufacturers, merchandisers, and retailers from all over the world collaborate to design, manufacture, and sell clothing, shoes, and accessories. The industry is characterized by short product life cycles, erratic consumer demand, an abundance of product variety, and complex supply chains.
Most students begin their career in retail sales management positions. At the corporate level, sales management positions are located within buying offices or within distribution offices. Often corporate buying positions lead to positions as account managers with leading brand manufacturers. Auxiliary career pathways for fashion merchandising are in promotions or in visual merchandising.
Examples of career opportunities in this field include:
- Accessories Designer
- Apparel Designer
- Colorist
- Draper
- Fashion Illustrator
- Pattern Maker/Grader
- Product Development Specialist
- Sourcing Specialist
- Stylist
- Textile Designer
See where previous students in the Fashion Management program have interned. Students have interned for large fashion retailers like Old Navy and nonprofits like the Texas Fashion Industry Initiative.
- Old Navy
- Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons
- Texas Fashion Industry Institute
- House of Haute, Inc.
- Addysun
- Nora Dabas, LLC
Featured Faculty
Dr. Melinda Adams
Dr. Melinda Adams received Masters of Business Administration, Marketing from the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas. She also holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Adult Education and a Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences from the University of Wyoming. Her Bachelor of Science degree is in Human Resources and Family Sciences with a concentration in Apparel and Textile Design.
She is a Full Professor and the Program Director for the Fashion Management Program at UIW. Her research areas include defining creative scholarship, how creative scholarship is evaluated and accepted in the tenure and promotion process, engaged learning, and several aspects of sustainability within the fashion industry.
Dr. Lalon Alexander
Dr. Lalon Alexander is an associate professor of fashion management for the University of the Incarnate Word, and co-owner of Elephant Embellishments, a school for hand embroidery and beading. She holds a BS in fashion design from Texas Tech University, an MFA in costume design from Carnegie Mellon University, an MS in creativity from Buffalo State College, and a PhD in higher education from the University of the Incarnate Word. Prior to her teaching career, she was a professional hand beader for a Broadway costume shop.
She has taught classes in introduction to fashion, flat pattern manipulation, intermediate and advanced construction techniques, computer illustration, and portfolio at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Alexander’s research interests include creativity and design, fashion curriculum, art versus design perceptions, and technical skills in fashion/costume. Currently, Lalon is the VP of Education for the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals, and the President-Elect for the Costume Society of America.
Samantha Miramontes
2021 Fashion Management Program Graduate