Fashion Design and Merchandising (2024)

Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI

Updated 06/9/2023

Welcome | Fashion Design and Merchandising Degree Program | Admission | Registration | Degree Requirements | Additional FDM Graduation Requirements | Helpful Reminders | Program Expectations for FDM Majors | Additional Educational Opportunities | What’s my future in Fashion? | Useful Websites | Student Academic Support Services | Minor in Merchandising |FDM Course Descriptions

Aloha!

Welcome to the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS). We are pleased you are considering or have chosen the Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) program. FDM is a comprehensive undergraduate program whose mission is to prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed for career positions in apparel and fashion-related industries.

FDM graduates have successful careers as fashion buyers, managers, visual merchandisers, business owners, textile and fashion designers, fashion forecasters, and costume curators. Strong academic backgrounds enable graduates to move into other fields including other businesses and education.

Join Fashion Art & Business (FAB)and Phi Upsilon Omicron, a national honor society, for fun and fellowship as you team with other students in professional and community activities that introduce you to the profession and to the people with whom you will work with following graduation.

This bookprovides you with a general overview of the FDM program and its degree requirements. Please consult with an academic advisor about program admission requirements, transfer, appropriate course sequencing, graduation requirements, and other academic information.

Fashion Design and Merchandising Degree Program

The FDM curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for career positions in apparel- and fashion-related fields. Students learn fashion industry operating methods; develop buying and merchandising plans; study textile fibers and fabrics; create fashion apparel lines; examine Hawaiian, Asian, and western costume artifacts; analyze the effects of social, political, and economic conditions on local, national, and global industry operations and consumer needs; and study current concerns relating to social responsibility, ethical issues, and environmental impacts as these relate to fashion businesses and consumers.

Courses cover these and related topics:

• Fashion sketching
• Textile properties
• Apparel design and construction
• Retail buying and merchandise management
• Fashion promotion and fashion show production
• Costume history
• Social and cultural aspects of dress
• Fashion computer-aided design
• Fashion forecasting and marketing
• Branding
• International trade issues

Admission

New students who apply to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) as first-year students may apply directly to the program by specifying Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) as their major on their application form. Students transferring from another institution who have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better may apply directly to the program by specifying Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) as their major on their application form. Please visit the Office of Admissions website for details about applying.

Students wishing to transfer from another UHM program into FDM are required tocontact the CTAHR Advising Office at ctahradv@hawaii.edu to request a change of major. Acceptance into the FDM program will be based on a minimum cumulative UHM grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

Registration

Students register for courses online through STAR GPS Registration. STAR GPS Registration is an easy-to-navigate registration system that shows courses students need to graduate in a timely manner and allows students to personalize their academic plan to fit their unique college experience. STAR GPS Registration allows students to do the following:

• Register for classes that count directly into their degree/requirements so they don’t go off track
• A visual calendar of the classes students are choosing and how they fit together
• Direct integration of students’ class schedule into their Google calendar
• Easily switch classes using the add/drop options
• Search for classes at any UH campus
• View transcript

For help about STAR, students can meet with an academic advisor or visit the HELPwebsite. Registration dates and times are published on theRegistration Timetable.

Degree Requirements

The Fashion Design and Merchandising program sheet and four year plan can be found at theBachelor Degree Program Sheet and Sample Four Year Academic Planswebsite. Please scroll down the page to the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Accepted students who have set up their UH username and password may also find their requirements on their STAR GPS Registration page. Log onto your STAR Account by visiting theSTAR GPS Registrationwebsite.

Additional FDM Graduation Requirements

• FDM majors will develop a professional portfolio and make a formal presentation
• Completion of a minimum of 120 credits
• Minimum of 45 credits in upper division courses
• 2.0 GPA in major courses

Faculty will assist students nearing graduation with determining the content of their portfolios, will provide opportunities for students to develop appropriate materials in their classes, and will offer guidance in oral and written presentation techniques. Transfer students may include in their portfolios some materials developed in their previous program.

The portfolio consists of evidence that the student has achieved Student Learning Outcomes #1 through #7 of the FDM instructional program. These outcomes concern mastery of fundamental knowledge and skills regarding the construction and quality of apparel and textile products; the design and merchandising of those products; and the historic, social, cultural, and economic significance of those products, as well as knowledge and skills in research methods; written and oral communications; problem solving; and human relations.

Portfolio development: The portfolio contains selected examples of assignments, projects, papers, examinations, and other materials the student has completed over the course of their studies. Students are responsible for retrieving their assignments, projects, and other class materials at the end of each term, and for keeping their class work in a secure place in anticipation of the final exit portfolio submission. The portfolio will be developed from those materials, and students will be guided in selection of appropriate materials and in developing the portfolio in FDM 495 Capstone Portfolio.

The oral presentation is a formal address to the FDM faculty and others in which the student discusses one or more issues related to the textiles and apparel field and/or to their studies. The presentation is evaluated as evidence that the student has accomplished Student Learning Outcome #10 of the FDM instructional program and concerns mastery of presentation skills. Presentations are made at the end of the semester in which FDM 495 Capstone Portfolio is completed, and are scheduled for the last Friday preceding final examinations. The presentation and the portfolio are evaluated by a team of faculty and, where possible, include evaluation by the internship work supervisor. Families and friends of students in the internship class are welcome to attend the presentations.

The internship assessment is an evaluation of the student’s success in meeting the requirements of the internship course, and in accomplishing Student Learning Outcomes #8 and #9 of the FDM instructional program. These outcomes concern global skills in communication, analysis and problem-solving, business management and human relations skills, and in understanding and practicing professional and ethical behaviors. The internship assessment is conducted by the internship faculty and other program faculty at the end of the semester in which the student is enrolled in the FDM 492 Internship class.

Helpful Reminders

• Be sure to meet with any of the CTAHR academic advisors prior to registration.
• Prior to registering for classes, students should check the UHM catalog for complete information about prerequisites for courses in other departments.
• Take FDM 101, FDM 200, FDM 205, and FDM 221 as soon as possible; they are prerequisites to advanced courses.
• FDM Design trackmajors should take the following design courses in the sequence listed:

• Students interested in showing collections in the annual fashion show must register forFDM 420. However, registration does not guarantee participation in the fashion show.
• Take either HDFS 380+L Research Methodology or NREM 310 Statistics in Agriculture and Human Resources. This is a CTAHR graduation requirement.
• It isrequired to takeFDM 492 Internship before taking FDM 495 Capstone Portfolio.
• Total credit requirements: 120 credits, including 45 upper division credits.

Program Expectations for FDM Majors

All FDM majors are expected to attend class on the first day of instruction, and to attend class regularly throughout the term.

All Students enrolled in FDM courses are expected to exhibit integrity with regard to all of their university-related work. Cheating and/or plagiarism may result in suspension or expulsion from the University.

• Cheating includes, but is not limited to, giving unauthorized help during an examination, obtaining unauthorized information about an examination before it is administered, using inappropriate sources of information during an examination, altering the record of any grade, altering an answer after an examination has been submitted, falsifying any official UH Mānoa record, and misrepresenting the facts in order to obtain exemptions from course requirements.
• Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, submitting, to satisfy an academic requirement, any document that has been copied in whole or part from another individual’s work without identifying that individual; neglecting to identify as a quotation a documented idea that has not been assimilated into the student’s language and style; paraphrasing a passage so closely that the reader is misled as to the source; submitting the same written or oral material in more than one course without obtaining authorization from the instructors involved; and “dry-labbing,” which includes obtaining and using experimental data from other students without the express consent of the instructor, utilizing experimental data and laboratory write-ups from other sections of the course or from previous terms, and fabricating data to fit the expected results.

View UHM campus policies and student conduct code at the Student Conduct Code Policies web page.

Additional Educational Opportunities

FDM students are encouraged to participate in educational opportunities nationally and abroad through programs such as the National Student Exchange and the Fashion Institute of Technology (New York City) Visiting Student Program. Other programs in London and Paris are also available. Tours to fashion centers on the mainland, in Europe and in Asia are offered on occasion by FDM faculty.

What’s my future in Fashion?

As an FDMstudent, you will learn to:

• Plan, develop, and merchandise apparel product lines and evaluate their quality;
• Recognize the global impact of fashion trends on production and distribution of apparel;
• Understand the role of dress and fashion in society; and
• Master the tools needed for career positions in fashion industries and related fields.

FDM graduates have successful careers as fashion buyers, managers, visual merchandisers, business owners, textile and fashion designers, fashion forecasters, and costume curators. Strong academic backgrounds enable graduates to move into other fields including other businesses and education.Schedule a meeting with a career counselor in Mānoa’s Career Center for more information onprofessions to enter after graduation.

FDM alumni business and leadership roles:

• Fashion designers & apparel production managers: Kenneth Cole, Diesel, Quicksilver, Local Motion, Town & Country Surf
• Fashion buyers and retail executives: Macy’s, Gucci, Chanel, Neiman Marcus, Ferragamo, Hermes, Cartier, Tiffany, Pier 1 Imports, Sears, Gap Kids, Banana Republic
• Owners, Hawaii garment manufacturing
• Companies and retail stores: Acid Dolls, You & Me Naturally, Puamana, Global Village
• Costume designers, stylists, model management, and wardrobe consultants for
• TV, film and advertising
• Fashion support services: Freelance visual merchandiser; President, Retail Merchants of Hawai‘i (trade association)

Useful Websites for Students Entering into the University of Hawai'i

• University of Hawai'iHome page

All information for students covering how to apply, academic calendar, financial aid, catalog, transfer credit search, new database, on-campus activities, housing (dorms), parking, etc.

• UH Mānoa General Catalog
• UH Academic Calendar

• My UH Services

MyUH Services is a mobile-optimized, one stop shop for UH business tasks, form, apps and more. It includes one-click access to services customized for students, faculty and staff across our 10-campus system.

• STAR

STAR for students is the online degree tracking system for UH. You can view your degree requirements, register for classes, search for scholarships, and view your transcripts through STAR.

• College of Tropical Agriculture and Human ResourcesHome Page

Select “Academic and Student Affairs” will open all the programs up for students interested in all that CTAHR has to offer for Undergrad and Graduate Programs, financial aid/scholarship information, course requirements and information on who we are, Department, Faculty and Staff as well as publications and research projects.

• College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Academic Advising

Use this website to make an appointment with our academic advisors. Advisors can assist you with developing a degree plan and making sure you’re taking the appropriate classes for graduation.

• Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS)

This web site shows the different programs, courses and resources available within the FCS department as well as general information about each.

• General Education

UH Core requirements and class listings.

• Transfer of Credits, Admissions

This website shows information onhow your credits transfer into UH Mānoa.

Student Academic Support Services

Access to student academic support services is important to ensure your success while a student at the University of Hawaiʻi. Below is a listing of some of these services that can also be foundin theUH Manoa Catalogalong with appropriate contact information:

• The Office of Civic and Community Engagement assists UH Manoa students and community organizations find ways to partner together to tackle important issues in the community by matching students’ passions and interests with the needs of community non-profit organizations through service.
• First Year Programs and ACE ease the transition of new students into the academic and social communities at UH Manoa. First-Year Programs provide the opportunity to develop personal relationships with faculty and other students, enhance active involvement in the educational process, and build connections to UH Manoa. In addition, First-Year Programs familiarize students with the array of resources and programs available at UH Manoa.
• Honors Program provides opportunities for talented and motivated undergraduates to excel in their academic studies. Students complete a challenging inquiry-based curriculum that encourages learning through independent research and creative expression. They enjoy intimate and personalized educational experiences within the setting of a large research university through small classes, dedicated advising, peer mentorship, and faculty guided projects.
• International Student Serviceshas the responsibility for meeting University federal compliance with regard to international students.ISS strives to support international student success through the following endeavors:
  • • Advising students on immigration regulations that affect their status in the U.S.
    • Providing programs that help promote cross-cultural adjustment
    • Serving as a resource to the campus and international student communities
    • Advocating for international students and international education
• Kokua Program (Disability Access Services)is UH Mānoa’s primary campus unit responsible for providing disability access services to students with disabilities toward equal opportunity.
• Learning Assistance Center provides tutoring, workshops, Supplemental Instruction (SI), and one-on-one appointments in which students learn appropriate study strategies and problem solving skills to achieve their academic goals.
• Mānoa Advising Center is an advising office for exploratory students who have not yet declared a major. MAC assists exploratory students with their major selection process by presenting options and providing general education advising.
• Mānoa Transfer Coordination Center is to help students transfer smoothly from a UH community college to UH Manoa and provide advising support throughout the transfer process, including the Ka‘ie‘ie Degree Pathway Program.
• Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center is a walk-in resource for students interested in law, medicine, and other health fields (dentistry, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy, etc.). PAC advisors help students explore and clarify their career goals, plan appropriate course work, find opportunities to gain experience, apply to professional programs, review personal statements and résumés, provide mock interviews, and hold workshops throughout the year.
• Student Athlete Academic Services is the academic support program for student-athletes at UH Manoa. Working closely with instructional faculty, coaches, and campus resources, academic advisors assist students in formulating and meeting their academic goals while participating in intercollegiate athletics.
• Student Success Center in Sinclair Library offers students a welcoming and convivial place to study and to learn, and provides them the information and skills they need to be successful in their academic career and beyond. The center provides seating that facilitates collaborative learning, is open long hours, and permits students to bring their own snacks, all in a space that has natural light and air.
• Student Support Services is a federally funded TRIO program that provides academic advising and planning, special courses, financial aid advice, graduate and professional school advising, tutoring, mentoring, and academic enrichment activities to program students enrolled at UH Manoa. Students are selected to participate based on a combination of income and financial aid eligibility, parents’ level of education, and potential to benefit from program services.
• Mānoa Writing Center is a pedagogical space that supports writing and research at UHM. Our primary service is one-to-one writing consultations provided free of charge to all students, faculty, and staff affiliated with the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa. Our writing consultants are trained to help writers working in different disciplines at every stage of the writing process and with various writing projects (i.e., essays, research papers, resumes, letters, creative work).

• Do not hesitate to discuss your needs with your academic degree advisor who can help refer you to the appropriate resource.

Minor in Merchandising

(Not available for FDM Majors)

Merchandising/retailing is the largest private employer segment of Hawaiʻi’s business community, and it is hungry for educated retailers. The merchandising minor gives students from other disciplines the opportunity to gain the required theory and applied skills to understand the merchandising/retailing function. Students will learn to skillfully employ techniques that encourage consumers to interface with products and services in both local and international marketplaces.

The minor requires a minimum of 24 credits. Please see break down of required courses below.

Prerequisites:

• 2.0 GPA or higher

Required Courses in FDM (12 credits):

• FDM 101 Introduction to the Fashion Industry
• FDM 221 Textiles I
• FDM 371 Retail Buying and Merchandising*
• FDM 375 Merchandise Planning/Control*

*Students must request an override from the instructorto register for course.

Merchandising Elective Courses (12 credits minimum):

Minimum of one 300-level course, two 400 level courses, and one 300-400 level course. Must achieve C or better in all courses. Choose from the following and check catalog for prerequisites:

• One of the two courses: Either 1) FDM 338 2D/3D Computer Aided Design or 2) FDM 339 3D Retail Store Design
• Three of the four courses: 1) FDM 301 Fashion Forecasting/Marketing, 2) FDM 411 Product Lifecycle Management, 3) FDM 437 Small Business Start-Up, 4) FDM 471 International Apparel Trade Issues

FDM Elective courses chosen from above:

• FDM (300 level)
• FDM (400 level)
• FDM (400 level)
• FDM (300-400 level)

Advising:

Interested students should contacta CTAHR Academic Advisor for more information and details on how to declare the minor on their STAR system. Minor courses cannot double dip with major requirements.

FDM Course Descriptions

Viewable online attheUH Manoa Catalog.