The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Announces New Fashion & Retail Management Program to Keep Up with Pittsburgh's Growing Fashion Economy

The Fashion & Retail Management program at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh will offer Bachelor of Science level education across disciplines in business, fashion, and design. This cross-functional focus will allow students to expand beyond traditional fashion design positions and choose among opportunities in manufacturing, retail management, buying and merchandising, fashion publicity, and even business ownership. Complementing the fashion design, retail, and business coursework, the general education programs emphasize strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills. Students will receive a well-rounded foundation in general education to effectively prepare them for the business world. Students will have multiple opportunities to develop real-world projects that are taken from concept to final product.

Graduates will begin their careers with a combination of current design knowledge and business judgment that will prepare them for successful futures in fashion and retail management. Our graduates will be able to effectively work in entry-level positions with fashion designers, in retail and manufacturing markets, presenting themselves with knowledge, confidence, and, of course, creativity. This program also includes Internet and international components that respond to the rapidly changing world of retail.

“The Art Institute of Pittsburgh scrutinizes employment trends and expected graduate outcomes through a lengthy evaluation process with both the State Board of Education and our accreditation agency,” said George Pry , President of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh . “We believe a bachelor’s degree in Fashion & Retail Management will answer a significant employment need, which has always been the hallmark each of our degree programs.”

The Fashion & Retail Management graduates may find work in such organizations as: major department store chains; men’s clothing companies; women’s clothing companies; children’s clothing companies; home furnishings companies; sporting goods companies; jewelry companies; footwear companies. potential entry-level employment opportunities may include, but are not limited to: sales Associate; assistant merchandiser; fashion coordinator; area supervisor; assistant manager trainee; assistant manager; department manager; and retail store manager.

The Fashion and Retail Management program lasts 12 quarters and contains 180 credit hours.