Online Classes for Fashion Merchandising Students

Online fashion merchandising classes are offered as part of many postgraduate degree and certificate programs and some Master of Fine Arts degree programs. Classes are also offered as part of career diploma programs.

Fashion Merchandising Classes Overview

Fashion merchandising students take classes that teach them how to market, promote, buy and manufacture fashion merchandise, including clothing, jewelry and furniture. Online fashion merchandising classes are aimed at undergraduate and graduate students pursuing an associate's, bachelor's or master's degrees in the field. Most classes are geared towards students hoping to work in the fashion industry. Students with fashion merchandising degrees often find work as buyers, boutique owners, visual merchandisers or illustrators.

Course Requirements

Students are required to have Internet access for online classes, and some universities specify the use of certain Web browsers. Many classes also require word processing access and proficiency. Some classes ask students to have access to scanners or digital cameras.

List of Fashion Merchandising Classes

History of Fashion

This online class traces the history of Western fashion from ancient times to the present. Students may also study the history of Western beauty ideals. Recurring trends, such as classic or romantic clothing, are discussed along with such fashion influences as the entertainment industry, politics and literature.

Visual Merchandising

Students are introduced to the techniques involved in visually organizing and setting up merchandise in a retail location. They create their own sample displays using fixtures, mannequins and lighting after learning about eye appeal and consumer buying patterns.

Fashion Buying

This class teaches the basics of the retail buying process, covering sales, inventory planning and profitability. Some courses put an emphasis on international buying, discussing government regulations and ethical considerations.

Fashion Marketing and Promotion

This online class covers the promotional strategies that are specific to the fashion industry. Students learn to target their marketing efforts based on product, audience and price. Coursework may involve the development of a promotional marking campaign that utilizes public relations, personal selling, direct mail or social networking. Some courses focus on the international market, discussing cultural sensitivities and legal issues.