Business of Fashion

Dates

Winter Term: January 5–January 21, 2026
Winter Registration: October 30, 2025–January 6, 2026

Spring Semester: January 26–May 20, 2026
Spring Registration: November 17, 2025–February 1, 2026

Register  Now

 

• AC 111 Advertising and Promotion
• AC 114 Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communications
• AC 141 Introduction to Journalism
• AC 161 Multimedia Computing for Advertising and Marketing Communications
• AC 171 Mass Communications 
• AC 202 Strategic Planning for Integrated Marketing Communications 
• AC 211 Workshop in Business Communications 
• AC 221 Publicity Workshop 
• AC 231 Advertising Copywriting 
• AC 262 Multimedia Presentations for Business 
• AC 271 Audiences and Media 
• AC 272 Research Methods in Integrated Marketing Communications 
• AC 275 Global Integrated Marketing Communications 
• BE 261 Starting a Small Business 
• CM 251 The Business of Beauty 360° 
• DM 211 Workshop in Direct Marketing 
• DM 435 Internet Marketing 
• EC 345 Fundamentals of Finance for Fashion Industries 
• EN 321 Strategies of Business Communication 
• EP 311 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 
• FM 100 Fashion Industry Fundamentals 
• FM 110 Product Elements and Principles 
• FM 114 Introduction to the Fashion Industry 
• FM 116 Fashion Business Practices 
• FM 201 Social Media Applications for Fashion Business 
• FM 203 Business Intelligence in Planning and Buying 
• FM 204 Innovation in Product Development 
• FM 205 Fashion Marketing and Digital Technology 
• FM 206 Strategies of Merchandising 
• FM 207 Retail Strategies 
• FM 213 Direct and Digital Marketing for Fashion Business 
• FM 228 The Business of Fashion Styling 
• FM 300 Case Study Method: Fashion Business Applications 
• FM 303 Fashion Business Law 
• FM 304 Business of Virtual Merchandising 
• FM 305 The Business of Building a Fashion Brand 
• FM 326 Circular Economy for Sustainable Fashion Business 
• FM 330 Fashion Analytics and Data Insights 
• FM 341 Computer-Aided Product Development I 
• HP 201 Introduction to Home Products 
• HP 231 America at Home: Product Styles from 1900 to Contemporary 
• IN 313 International Business Transactions 
• IN 322 Global Marketing 
• IN 342 International Corporate Responsibility 
• IN 423 Global Marketing of Luxury Brands 
• MA 311 Mathematical Modeling for Business Applications 
• MA 321 Data Analysis for Business Applications 
• MA 322 Statistics, Machine Learning, and Data Mining 
• MG 242 Principles of Accounting
• TS 110 Product Elements and Principles Laboratory 
• TS 131 Textile Principles for the Fashion Designer 
• TY 101 Introduction to Toy Design 
  
  

AC 111
Advertising and Promotion
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

Concepts, perspectives, and methods for the development and implementation of integrated marketing communications programs for producers, manufacturers, and retailers are analyzed and critiqued.

AC 114
Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communications
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

This course provides students with a broad background to marketing concepts as they apply to integrated marketing communications (IMC). Students explore the role of marketing both within the organization and the external environment in which firms operate. The process of developing marketing with an IMC perspective is addressed, as well as how managers use these elements to gain competitive advantage in a global economy.

AC 141
Introduction to Journalism
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

Students practice the techniques of newsgathering, newswriting, and developing news judgment. News stories, features, editorials, and broadcast writing are covered in discussions and workshops. Skills in copy editing and headline writing are built through student newspaper and off-campus assignments. Prerequisite(s): EN 131 or equivalent

AC 161
Multimedia Computing for Advertising and Marketing Communications
2.0 credits
In state $440.00 Out of state $1,322.00
Online: In state $470.00 Out of state $1,352.00

Students develop computer skills applicable to the communications industry, including word processing, spreadsheets, networking, presentations, desktop publishing, and internet research. Through hands-on use, they format such industry-oriented projects as print ads, press releases, and advertising analyses.

AC 171
Mass Communications
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

Analysis and comparison of mass media and the communication arts as they are used in advertising, marketing, promotion, and the dissemination of public information. Includes an overview of careers available in communications. Students learn communications theory, new electronic media, and their potential applications.

AC 202
Strategic Planning for Integrated Marketing Communications
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00

Students plan and develop integrated marketing communications strategies and plans in order to achieve specific marketing and communication objectives. Through student agency teamwork, they make strategic decisions about marketing and IMC mix elements and plans, based on corporate strategy, competitive and market analysis, and research interpretation. Prerequisite(s): AC 111 and AC 114

AC 211
Workshop in Business Communications
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

This course is designed as an introduction to the field of business communications and writing. The emphasis will be on how the corporate world communicates in this digital age and the management skills required for communicating effectively. We will examine various business case studies and have discussions on best practices in solving communication issues companies face on a daily basis. Prerequisite(s): AC 111

AC 221
Publicity Workshop
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

Use of current news, events, and personalities as a basis for writing and evaluating institutional and product publicity releases for news and feature stories. Students plan publicity campaigns and create a press kit. Prerequisite(s): AC 111

AC 231
Advertising Copywriting
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

Evaluating, writing, and editing copy for national, trade, and retail advertising and promotion, internal communications, and direct marketing for all market levels. Includes copy-testing techniques and visualization for copy brainstorming. Prerequisite(s): AC 111

AC 262
Multimedia Presentations for Business
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

This course focuses on the planning and preparation of multimedia presentations for use in business. Coursework covers presentations incorporating PowerPoint, integrating still photos, video and voice, and mobile. These presentations would be suitable for consumer and trade shows, demos, conferences, exhibits, special events, dealer aids, and sales books. Prerequisite(s): AC 111 or VP 341

AC 271
Audiences and Media
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the role of media planning and buying in advertising. The course reviews such areas as basic measurement tools and the relationship between marketing and advertising objectives translated into media objectives, strategies, and tactics. Students identify target markets, develop media strategies, and evaluate media alternatives and media-buying approaches. Prerequisite(s): AC 111

AC 272
Research Methods in Integrated Marketing Communications
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

This course examines the current methods and techniques used to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing, advertising, and promotion. The information-gathering process uses both secondary research data and primary sources. Students create a marketing research project using a variety of research techniques. Prerequisite(s): AC 111

AC 275
Global Integrated Marketing Communications
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00

Challenges and perspectives in global marketing across and within national boundaries as they relate to integrated marketing communications (IMC) practice. The course focuses on cultural, legal, social, economic, and competitive factors that affect marketing strategies, the marketing mix, and IMC planning in global market environments. Prerequisite(s): AC 111 and AC 114 and SS 141 or equivalent

BE 261
Starting a Small Business
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

Investigates the problems and challenges of opening and managing a small business. Emphasis is placed on analysis of financial statements and on developing a business plan.

CM 251
The Business of Beauty 360°
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

An introductory course which will provide students with a dynamic overview of the global beauty industry. Students will gain an understanding of the different sectors of the business and will experience through assignments, business case studies, in class exercises, and field trips, the many unique aspects of beauty as a business. Prominence will be given to the history of the beauty industry, the distinctive aspects of beauty marketing, and the role of cultural differences, which mold the business of beauty throughout the world.

DM 211
Workshop in Direct Marketing
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

Students study direct and interactive marketing principles and practices and develop a multifaceted direct marketing plan. Prerequisite(s): AC 114

DM 435
Internet Marketing
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2,757.00

Students are introduced to current marketing principles and practices on the internet. The course explores email, the internet, and search engine marketing (SEM) as practical applications used to create direct marketing plans and programs that integrate online and offline strategies. In addition, students study the legal and ethical issues involved in using the internet as a marketing tool. Prerequisite(s): AC 111 or AC 114 or DM 300

EC 345
Fundamentals of Finance for Fashion Industries
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2,757.00

This course focuses on the basic principles and concepts of international finance relevant to the fashion-related industries. Topics include the world financial system and institutions, and financial instruments and their use from a practical standpoint. Formerly SS 345. Prerequisite(s): EC 141 and EC 242

EN 321
Strategies of Business Communication
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2,757.00

Students analyze and critically evaluate business situations, learning to think strategically about professional issues, to make sound judgments and decisions, and to articulate them efficiently. Students will learn informative and persuasive communication strategies for professional contexts, and will practice writing, oral and visual presentations, and digital communication. Prerequisite(s): EN 131 or equivalent and any additional EN course

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EP 311
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00

This course introduces students to entrepreneurship and its applicability to the creative arts. It examines some of the legends of the industry and identifies the characteristics necessary for achieving success as an entrepreneur. It reviews today's creative arts and business landscape and introduces students to the significance of entrepreneurship and its opportunistic position at the cutting edge of this industry.

FM 100
Fashion Industry Fundamentals
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

This course covers the evolution of fashion, market segmentation, relationships between industry sectors, and retailers. Students will explore career paths and emphasize the importance of personal branding. Studies will culminate by exploring the global supply chain from concept to consumer focusing on sustainability and ethics.

FM 110
Product Elements and Principles
2.0 credits
In state $440.00 Out of state $1,322.00
Online: In state $470.00 Out of state $1,352.00

Students learn the key components necessary for development of fashion apparel products. They gain experience in identifying apparel construction techniques, fabric strategies, product processes, bill of materials (costing), and global sourcing; and learn key apparel terminology to develop garment prototypes. Corequisite(s): TS 110

FM 114
Introduction to the Fashion Industry
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

This survey covers the history, characteristics, and global interrelationships of all segments of the fashion industry. The course explores how fiber, textile, and apparel producers, retailers, and home furnishings companies merchandise and market their products within the industry and to the ultimate consumer.

FM 116
Fashion Business Practices
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

A comprehensive introduction to the modern fashion business environment with insight to the structures, finances, management, leadership, organization, and ethical responsibilities of varied global fashion enterprises. Emphasis is placed on careers, job descriptions, and the preparation necessary for a successful career in the fashion business.

FM 201
Social Media Applications for Fashion Business
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

Students explore the social media platforms used by the fashion business industry. Course assignments emphasize blogging, vlogging, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Pinterest, and any emerging social media platforms.

FM 203
Business Intelligence in Planning and Buying
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

This course addresses business analytics used by merchants, product developers, planners, wholesale sales, and more. Students are prepared to think critically, measure, and analyze the financial elements (key performance indicators) used in the fashion business. Prerequisite(s): Mathematics Proficiency

FM 204
Innovation in Product Development
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

Introduces students to the processes of apparel product development, including planning, forecasting, fabric, silhouette, size specifications, pricing, and sourcing. Students examine the best practices and innovative approaches for apparel product development in the apparel fashion industry in order to compete in today's competitive retail environment. Prerequisite(s): FM 110

FM 205
Fashion Marketing and Digital Technology
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

Focuses on marketing in the context of the global fashion industry. Topics include research, analysis, market segmentation, target customer identification, the marketing mix, strategic planning, brand strategy and positioning, customer relationships, social media, and mobile marketing, as well as the use of online analytics and new technologies.

FM 206
Strategies of Merchandising
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

Strategies of Merchandising I is the Capstone course for the AAS degree in Fashion Business Management. Its focus is on developing merchandise strategies to effectively buy, plan, and merchandise a retail business in stores and on a website. Students will gain experience by actively developing merchandise plans using industry analytics. Prerequisite(s): FM 203 or FM 224

FM 207
Retail Strategies
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

Explores current practices in the retail industry. Topics and disciplines include retail landscape, channel classification, industry segments, retail market strategies, data analytics, customer relationship management, financial strategy, supply chain structures, and retail management.

FM 213
Direct and Digital Marketing for Fashion Business
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

Presents a comprehensive overview of the direct marketing industry, including its various components and career opportunities. Through the use of case studies and/or assignments, students learn strategic planning: how to choose and merchandise a product, pinpoint a target audience, develop marketing tests, and analyze results. Students are also introduced to the various electronic vehicles currently used in this ever-changing industry.

FM 228
The Business of Fashion Styling
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

In the course, students explore the role of a fashion stylist as it applies to the field of merchandising. They learn about career opportunities in fashion styling and wardrobe consulting. The business requirements and entrepreneurial opportunities in the field of fashion styling are explored.

FM 300
Case Study Method: Fashion Business Applications
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2,757.00

Introduction to methodology strategies for fashion business cases. Research and identification of current internal and external environmental factors and business trends for solving fashion business cases. Aspects of the fashion industry are reviewed through various cases and current industry issues.

FM 303
Fashion Business Law
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00

This course provides a practical introduction to the legal environment of the fashion industry. Students learn to anticipate and manage the key legal issues and problems faced by fashion designers and companies from the start-up phase though branding, sourcing, sales, and distribution phases.

FM 304
Business of Virtual Merchandising
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2,757.00

This course focuses on the changes in retail merchandising for wholesale showrooms, retail visual merchandising, and online platforms; and B2B and B2C business models. This student experience in working in a virtual merchandising environment will be gained through the use of ByondXR Virtual Showroom Platform. This course applies cloud-based virtual software that students will use to create virtual showrooms for wholesale and retail brands. Students will apply their skills to merchandise collections, plan and allocate product, and create visual merchandising presentations, all in a virtual setting.

FM 305
The Business of Building a Fashion Brand
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00

The Business of Building a Fashion brand explores concepts and skills in creating and launching a fashion brand. Students utilize classroom activities to simulate the business activities and strategies relevant to brand development, including concept development, understanding target audience, manufacturing decisions, digital marketing and trademarking, pricing, and profit strategies. Prerequisite(s): EN 121 or ES 129 or equivalent

FM 326
Circular Economy for Sustainable Fashion Business
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2,757.00

The circular economy is the future of business, and this class discusses and emphasizes the Triple Bottom Line (People, Planet, Profits/Prosperity) as we transition from a linear (take/make/dispose) economy to one where we extend the lifecycle of our garments as long as possible. The business case for sustainability is discussed.

FM 330
Fashion Analytics and Data Insights
2.0 credits
In state $598.00 Out of state $1,808.00

Explore the strategic application of artificial intelligence (AI). Leverage the power of AI and predictive analytics to apply data insights that will guide strategic product and pricing decisions for optimal revenue and margin. Social media databases and technology platforms are used to understand and quantify consumer sentiment.

FM 341
Computer-Aided Product Development I
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2,757.00

This course examines how technology is used to create, merchandise, and communicate during each phase of the product development process. It focuses on the creative and analytical phases of product development, including trend research, data analytics, sourcing for color, silhouette, and patterns, and assortment planning.

HP 201
Introduction to Home Products
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

Students are familiarized with the wide range of home products, both soft lines (textile) and hard lines (nontextile), that comprise the home furnishings industry. Product development and merchandising within each category are emphasized. Many sessions take place at retailers and industry showrooms throughout the city.

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HP 231
America at Home: Product Styles from 1900 to Contemporary
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00

Introduces the elements of design, color, and theory in the decorative arts that comprise the home products industry. Emphasis is on the contemporary approach to product development and design. Students explore the influence of historical, cultural, and social perspectives on products for the home. (G6: Arts)

IN 313
International Business Transactions
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2,757.00

The management of international trade transactions is introduced, with emphasis on agency, distributorship, franchising agreements, import/export, and licensing. Students learn the theory and practice of conducting international negotiations and how to apply the self-regulatory standards used in international trade. The use of the internet and business-to-business e-commerce websites to transact international business is also examined.

IN 322
Global Marketing
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2,757.00

Introduction to the research techniques and implementation strategies practiced in global marketing by the fashion and related industries. Students examine the major trends revolutionizing international marketing, the evolution of international companies into global firms, and the expanding role of e-commerce. The role of intercultural communication and negotiation styles in global marketing strategies is studied in detail.

IN 342
International Corporate Responsibility
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2,757.00

Students study the sustainability movement, and how ethical, social, and environmental issues are being addressed by multinational corporations. Through the review of current case studies, the course examines the role of fashion businesses in creating socially responsible and eco-friendly global supply chains and their effect in international trade policies.

IN 423
Global Marketing of Luxury Brands
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2,757.00

Through case studies, business articles, and position papers, students learn how international luxury brands are affected by globalization, how they compete for emerging markets and use elements of sustainability and social responsibility in their competition strategies. Students explore the concept of the global consumer and the impact of this consumer on marketing strategies. Prerequisite(s): IN 322 or approval of instructor

MA 311
Mathematical Modeling for Business Applications
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2,,757.00

To instill the value of mathematics as a tool for modeling real-life situations, this course focuses on an analytical approach to business decision-making. Topics covered include finance, cash flow, probability, linear programming, and the business applications of basic equations. Microsoft Excel is used. Prerequisite(s): mathematic proficiency (see beginning of Mathematics section)

MA 321
Data Analysis for Business Applications
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2,757.00

This course covers intermediate statistics topics with applications to business. Students graph, manipulate, and interpret data using statistical methods and Microsoft Excel. Topics include data transformations, single and multiple regression, time series, analysis of variance, and chi-square tests. Applications are from the areas of retail, finance, management, and marketing. Prerequisite(s): MA 222

MA 322
Statistics, Machine Learning, and Data Mining
3.0 credits
In state $897.00 Out of state $2,712.00
Online: In state $942.00 Out of state $2,757.00

This is an introduction to statistical techniques for machine learning and data mining. It emphasizes mathematical methods and computer applications related to automated learning for prediction, classification, knowledge discovery, and forecasting in modern data science. An appropriate programming language such as R or Python will be used. Prerequisite(s): MA 222 and mathematic proficiency (see beginning of Mathematics section)

MG 242
Principles of Accounting
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

This introductory course covers the accounting cycle leading to the creation of a business' financial statements. Topics include double-entry accounting, adjusting and closing entries, trial balances, inventories, bank reconciliation, specialized journals, accounts receivable, bad debts, and depreciation. Partnership and corporation accounting are also covered.

TS 110
Product Elements and Principles Laboratory
2.0 credits
In state $440.00 Out of state $1,322.00
Online: In state $470.00 Out of state $1,352.00

This course is the lab component for FM 110. This course focuses on the understanding of textiles (knit and woven), and the details to consider when building a product in the Men's, Women's and Children's apparel businesses. Corequisite(s): FM 110

TS 131
Textile Principles for the Fashion Designer
3.0 credits
In state $660.00 Out of state $1,983.00
Online: In state $705.00 Out of state $2,028.00

A survey course in textile principles specifically structured for students majoring in fashion design. The course of study defines basic elements of textile development from fibers through yarn, fabric formation, color, prints, and finished goods. The course introduces students to the concepts of sourcing textiles globally. The laboratory portion introduces methods for the basic identification of textile materials and fundamental analysis.

TY 101
Introduction to Toy Design
1.5 credits
In state $330.00 Out of state $991.50

This introductory course is designed for students interested in exploring the area of toy design. Students learn the design and invention process, as well as effective ways to visually communicate concepts for toy products. Some drawing skills are needed.

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