Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design - Merchandising University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Overview

The Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design - Merchandising programme at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a robust academic foundation for students aiming to excel in the global apparel industry. This curriculum integrates technical expertise with business acumen to prepare graduates for the complexities of modern retail and manufacturing environments.

Students engage with the entire lifecycle of textile products, from initial conceptualisation and sourcing to final promotion and distribution. The programme emphasises the social, cultural, and economic influences that shape human behaviour and fashion trends across different societies.

Through a combination of theoretical study and practical application, learners develop essential skills in visual communication, trend analysis, and merchandise mathematics.

Why Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design - Merchandising at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln provides a distinctive learning environment within the College of Education and Human Sciences. Students benefit from specialised facilities including visualization studios and textile testing laboratories that mirror professional industry standards.

A key feature of the programme is the mandatory experiential learning component, which requires students to participate in either a professional internship or a study tour. These opportunities allow for direct engagement with major fashion hubs such as New York City, London, Paris, and Milan.

The curriculum is further enhanced by a required business minor, ensuring that graduates possess the commercial knowledge necessary for management roles. This interdisciplinary approach combines creative design theory with rigorous business training and professional communication skills.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 30330 per year
• National fee: USD 30330 per year
• Local fee: USD 11100 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Computer Basics for TMFD
• Apparel Analysis & Construction
• Clothing and Society: You Are What You Wear
• Design Theory and Criticism
• Technical Design & Color
• Visualization Studio
• Textiles
• Product Development for the Apparel Industry
• Merchandising: Textile and Apparel Industry
• Advanced Textiles
• Textile Testing and Evaluation
• History of Dress
• Body, Dress and Identity
• Product Development: Trend Analysis & Product Conceptualization
• International Textile and Apparel Sourcing
• Merchandising: Merchandise Buying and Control
• Textiles and Apparel Merchandising and Promotion
• Textiles, Technology and Culture
• Merchandising: Textiles & Apparel Merchandise Development & Retail Strategies

Careers with Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design - Merchandising

Graduates from this programme pursue diverse roles within the fashion and soft goods sectors. Common career paths include becoming assistant buyers, visual merchandisers, specialty shop managers, and production assistants for major retail organisations.

Alumni have secured positions at prominent companies such as Nordstrom, Gap, Inc., JCPenney, and Von Maur. Others find success in creative direction, freelance styling for international magazines, or managing boutique operations and catalog navigation.

The skills acquired also prepare students for roles in global sourcing and product development. Many graduates leverage their expertise to work in major commercial centres, contributing to the strategic growth of both domestic and international fashion brands.