Online Bachelor of Arts in Fashion – Merchandising
Turn creative vision into business results with an online Bachelor of Arts in fashion with a concentration in merchandising from ASU FIDM in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University. You’ll gain expertise in strategic product planning, buying and fashion product sales. After graduation, you can pursue careers in fashion entrepreneurship, visual merchandising or licensing management, among other roles in the industry.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Develop the creative and technical skills needed to succeed in fashion merchandising
ASU FIDM faculty with deep industry experience teach you the fundamentals of sourcing, buying, planning and understanding consumer behavior. Coursework prepares you to create and manage product assortments by selecting and overseeing the products offered to customers. You'll also gain expertise in using technology to design engaging visual displays across retail stores and drive strong financial outcomes.
This program also builds skills in:
- Cost management and negotiation.
- Open-to-buy management.
- Retail math (industry applications such as pricing strategies, sales forecasting and inventory management).
- Sustainable product planning, curation and management.
- Vendor management.
Upon graduating, you can pursue high-impact domestic and global merchandising roles.
Choose the right fashion degree for your career goals
All fashion majors gain an understanding of the industry, from creative design and technical production to manufacturing, distribution, merchandising and retailing. The right specialization for you depends on your career goals and interests. Available concentrations include:
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.
Fashion merchandising degree courses
Coursework blends the creative and business sides of the fashion industry. An internship during the program helps you build your resume and gain industry insight. The program concludes with a capstone project where you’ll create a business pitch and merchandising proposal for an existing fashion brand. You’ll also design a visual component that brings your pitch to life, which can serve as a portfolio piece for future employers.
The fashion merchandising jobs you’ll be ready for
Merchandising experience prepares you for roles in brand headquarters, corporate retail, entrepreneurship and high-volume retail stores. You may start as an assistant or associate merchandiser, then grow into senior positions focused on getting the right products to the right place, time and price to meet demand and maximize sales. This career offers diverse paths in areas including account management, buying, data, fashion marketing, planning, private label, production and visual merchandising.
Roles in the field include:
Business Analyst
Buyer
General Manager (GM)
Market Research Analyst
Marketing Associate
Merchandiser
Purchasing Manager
Sales Manager
Supply Chain Manager
Gain industry insight from merchandising experts and entrepreneurs
ASU FIDM, housed in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, is home to world-class scholars, artists and designers who inspire students to shape the future. Faculty research is grounded in the transformative power of fashion and its ability to change the world. Focus areas include:
- AI in retail
- Circular textiles
- Sustainability
- Textile testing
Gain industry insight from merchandising experts and entrepreneurs
ASU FIDM, housed in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, is home to world-class scholars, artists and designers who inspire students to shape the future. Faculty research is grounded in the transformative power of fashion and its ability to change the world. Focus areas include:
- AI in retail
- Circular textiles
- Sustainability
- Textile testing
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
The nation’s largest comprehensive design and arts school
ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is the home to top-ranked programs from various disciplines, including art, design, dance, fashion, film, gaming, media arts and sciences, music and theatre. We train artists and designers to leverage their creativity and problem-solving abilities to advance culture, build community and transform society.
8,000+
students
650+
internationally recognized faculty members
125 programs
in art, design, dance, fashion, film, gaming, media arts and sciences, music and theatre
Top 15
best graduate schools for fine arts, according to U.S. News & World Report, 2020
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
