Program Mission
The Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Merchandising program provides students with an academic and professional foundation through both applied coursework and technological applications. The market-driven curriculum teaches students to utilize problem-solving and critical thinking skills which meet the expressed needs of the fashion industry.

Desired Student Outcomes
1. Industry knowledge: Graduates will accurately use marketing and management terminology, principles, and concepts to analyze and meet client needs.
2. Technology: Graduates will demonstrate proficiency with common business computer programs including inventory management, presentation, spreadsheet, on-line research, and website software.
3. Planning and problem-solving: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to plan and analyze key marketing and management processes, including an ability to analyze, formulate and implement innovative solutions.
4. Communication: Graduates will demonstrate professional oral, written, and visual communication skills and organizational skills according to industry expectations.
5. Context: Graduates will understand the broader context of their professional knowledge in relation to history, literature, art, mathematics, psychology, economics, culture, U.S. and international law and policies.
6. Professionalism: Graduates will have developed an appropriate professional demeanor, an understanding of the nature and culture of the profession, an understanding of the industry at large, and the graduates? chosen profession, with a clear knowledge of professional ethics and standards.

Program Description
Fashion Merchandising students prepare to enter the field with instruction from industry professionals who impart their knowledge. Through hands-on participation in projects that are creative, technical and similar to those students will face in their chosen fields, the program is built around classroom activities that rely on a philosophy of total personal immersion in the subject. Students study fashion history, famous designers, textiles and display. Simulated buying sessions, marketing seminars and the development of in-house promotional campaigns enable students to acquire hands-on experience.

Graduation Requirements
To receive an Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Merchandising students must complete a minimum of 90 quarter-credits with 24 quarter-credits in general education courses and 66 in their specialty area with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Also a student must receive a passing grade or credit for all required course work and satisfy all financial obligations to The Art Institute of Michigan.