Fashion Merchandising Program

The fashion merchandising program at Western Illinois University prepares the student for careers as fashion merchandisers, buyers, visual merchandisers, sales representatives, and vendor relations specialist in retail or wholesale settings. The program focuses on promoting product line/brands, organized promotional campaigns at the wholesale level to attract retailer interest, wholesale purchasing, and supply contracts. Program courses include: evolution of fashion, fashion-trend forecasting, fashion media, fashion promotion, wholesaling, wholesale advertising, selling, and customer relations. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer fashion merchandising program.

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Western Illinois University

1431 N. Claremont, Chicago, IL

Western Illinois University provides a variety of program options for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Macomb, IL and publically funded. Around thirteen thousand students enroll at Western Illinois University per year.

A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

• Security And Protective Services
• Liberal Arts And Sciences
• Education
• Communications And Journalism
• Biological And Biomedical Sciences

Students applying for admission are asked to submit an application, school records, test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the school. Most students at Western Illinois University scored in a range of 18 - 23 on the ACT. 66% of applicants are accepted to Western Illinois University, of which 31% choose to enroll.

Tuition & fees at WIU are different for in-state and nonresidents. In-state tuition costs close to $11,000 per year with out-of-state tuition costing $15,000 for the year. On-campus housing is available for students, and generally costs around $5,700 per year. Some students at Western Illinois University may qualify for financial aid, which is generally provided as scholarships, grants, and loans.

The mascot for Western Illinois University is the "Leathernecks", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include:

• Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Football (NCAA Division I-AA)

Contact information, tuition information, programs, and much more may be viewed on school's website at http://www.wiu.edu.

Students Enrolled in the Fashion Merchandising Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Western Illinois University offers a bachelor's degree program in fashion merchandising.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Description

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, wholesale and retail buyers, except farm products employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 3
  • Average Hourly Rate: $30.96
  • Average Annual Salary: $64400
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 90
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.67
  • Average Annual Salary: $49230
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 620
  • Average Hourly Rate: $29.01
  • Average Annual Salary: $60330

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Description

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.4% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 45
  • Average Hourly Rate: $35.53
  • Average Annual Salary: $73900
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Hourly Rate: $34.75
  • Average Annual Salary: $72280
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 6
  • Average Hourly Rate: $36.17
  • Average Annual Salary: $75240

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).