Bachelor's Degree in Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles is perfect for students with a keen interest in fashion, design, and retail management, offering opportunities to build careers in fashion merchandising, buying, retail management, or product development. This program provides a strong foundation in trend analysis, textile science, and supply chain management, preparing graduates for roles in global fashion brands, e-commerce, and sustainable fashion initiatives.
Program Overview
We blend creativity with business principles to prepare leaders in retail and merchandising industries. A degree that's always in style... Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles (MAT) students explore market trends, retail strategies, supply chains and more across the global marketplace. Our coursework teaches students about industry practices within development, sourcing, marketing, and merchandising of consumer goods and services. Students will gain skills in visual merchandising, sketching and design, buying and sourcing materials, event planning and more. From Paris Fashion Week to small-town storefronts, Google internships to fashion show fundraisers, our Merchandising students receive a wide variety of hands-on experience.
Related Careers
The Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles degree will prepare you for careers in domestic or international markets in the merchandising, apparel, and textile fields, such as:
- Brand manager
- Digital merchandiser/social media specialist
- Entrepreneur
- Fashion merchandiser
- Fashion marketing communication specialist
- Product developer
- Retail manager and merchandiser
- Stylist
- Textile lab supervisor
- Visual merchandiser
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2026
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
The Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles program examines the intersection of fashion, business, and consumer behavior. Students explore areas such as product development, retail strategy, trend forecasting, global sourcing, and sustainability in the apparel industry. The curriculum blends creative and analytical approaches, with hands-on learning in textile analysis, merchandising technologies, and industry-standard tools. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway
This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
View Pathways
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
Attend an Upcoming Event for this Program
These events are designed to answer your questions and give you a glimpse into what it’s like to be a part of our program.
Register NowThis program gave me so many opportunities, from seeing the fashion industry firsthand in New York City, Atlanta, and Italy to teaching me about the science behind merchandising...
Kym Johnson
Merchandising Alum & Google Employee
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
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Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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Live in a community full of others who share your interests in agriculture, food and environment! Community members also gain access to specialized programs that foster relationships, professional growth, and community.
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