The Fashion & Retail Management program at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is for students who have a sense of style and a drive to work in the fashion and retail industry. Opportunities in the workplace include local and regional opportunities to national and international realms; the bachelor?s degree in Fashion & Retail Management provides a solid foundation for career growth. This fast-paced industry requires talented professionals who have a strong business sense and an eye for style.

Students will learn how a product moves from concept (textile and apparel evaluation) to development and onto the sales floor, and will become prepared with the knowledge of current and historical fashion designers, while understanding the nature of trends and forecasting in the industry. Retail planning and buying are elements included in the program along with business plan preparation and Web marketing as a special focus. Moving merchandise is about connecting to the consumer and building brands, so there is a heavy emphasis on building marketing knowledge through courses in advertising. All courses in the Fashion & Retail Management program are also available online.

Graduates of the Fashion & Retail Management program have the training and skills needed to seek entry-level positions in the fashion and retail industry. Positions such as showroom account assistant, assistant buyer, associate planner, visual merchandiser, product sourcing and import coordinator, sales manager, stylist, and special events coordinator are typical starting places in the retail market-place. Remember that the most glamorous boutique owners, retail buyers, and fashion experts all had to start somewhere!

The mission of the Fashion & Retail Management Bachelor of Science degree program is to prepare students for a career in fashion and retailing in a global economy. Students take courses in a learner-centered, hands-on environment, preparing them with relevant industry and professional skills needed for entry-level careers in the retail industry. The curriculum is delivered by trained and motivated faculty who currently work or remain involved in the industry. Focusing within the classroom on group projects, faculty aim to build students? networking, interpersonal, and leadership skills, preparing graduates for the diverse field of fashion and retail management.

The diploma program in Residential Planning prepares students for growing career opportunities available in residential planning and sales consultation by developing drawing, drafting and computer skills. The Residential Planning diploma program is available in the online delivery mode only.

The program is geared toward working adults (preferably with a college degree and professional experience) who are interested in self-enrichment. The Art Institute of Pittsburgh has designed the Residential Planning diploma program to provide a hands-on approach to education that develop students? strengths in the basics of residential planning, furniture placement, drafting, fabric and color selections, and kitchen and bath planning. Residential Planning graduates will have the skills necessary to counsel customers who are planning changes to private residential spaces. Concentrated technical skills training courses such as drawing, drafting and AutoCAD will prepare them to help customers visualize, plan and communicate their residential remodeling projects.

Graduates of the diploma program are prepared to seek entry-level positions such as retail sales associate, residential planning consultant, draftsperson, manufacturer?s representative, and product specifier/purchaser.

The Residential Planning diploma program is taught by the Interior Design faculty who are experienced and practicing professionals bringing many years of interior design and education expertise to the classroom. Students are guided throughout the program to create complete and professional projects to show prospective employers.

The Residential Planning diploma program credits are typically transferable into the Bachelor of Science degree program in Interior Design for students who wish to continue their studies, however, conditions pertaining to curriculum changes and degree requirements may apply. Please contact an Admissions Representative for specific details.

The mission of the self-enrichment diploma program in Residential Planning is to prepare students for career opportunities available in residential planning and sales consultation by gaining basic level drawing, drafting, space planning, and computer skills related to the interior design industry.