The Fashion Design and Merchandising program offers an analytical study of concepts and their application related to the design, production and merchandising of textiles and apparel. Basic knowledge from the physical and social sciences, technology, aesthetics and business is applied to the principles of the design, production, manufacturing and merchandising of textiles, apparel and accessories. Graduates enter a wide spectrum of careers in such positions as a fashion designer, fashion buyer, fashion merchandiser, fashion stylist, product developer, quality assurance coordinator/manager, technical fashion designer, production manager, textile designer, material developer, showroom manager, retail manager/owner, fashion journalist, sales representative/executive, museum curator, creative director, inventory planner and costume designer.<br><br>The Fashion Design and Production Option offers foundational knowledge for fashion design to prepare students to be professionally ready for jobs in the fashion industry. Fashion design and production combine the creative expression of design with the precision of apparel production in fashion and technical and functional areas for students to learn to generate design concepts and guide them through production.