BS Four-Year Degree Plan: Merchandising and Branding Option
The Fashion Design, Merchandising and Branding major is designed to be completed in four years. This four-year degree plan outlines a path to graduation over eight full semesters (four fall/spring cycles) plus one summer session. Students in the program are encouraged to follow this plan to stay on track for timely graduation.
The four-year degree plan assumes that:
- No remedial coursework is required
- The student earns a grade of C or better in all Fashion Design, Merchandising, and Branding coursework
- The student does not change their major
- The student is willing to complete coursework for one summer semester
Please note that the four-year degree plan does not account for dual credit, AP credit, or transfer coursework that students may have completed prior to admission to the university. Individual timelines may vary based on prior credit and course availability.
Internship Requirement
All Fashion Design, Merchandising and Branding majors are required to complete a minimum of three credit hours of internship experience as part of their degree requirements. Internships provide hands-on, professional experience and allow students to apply classroom learning in real-world industry settings.
The following is a sample schedule for this major - your actual schedule may vary.
The following degree plan, last reviewed 07-09-2024, is based on the 2024-25 catalog and Missouri State general education requirements.
First Semester (Fall)
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Total hours | 15 |
Second Semester (Spring)
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Humanities - General Education | 3 |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Total hours | 15 |
Third Semester (Fall)
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Life Sciences or Physical Sciences (with lab) - General Education | 4 |
| Focus on the Arts - General Education | 3 |
| Total hours | 16 |
Fourth Semester (Spring)
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Life Sciences or Physical Sciences (no lab) - General Education | 3 |
| Total hours | 15 |
Fifth Semester (Fall)
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| General elective to bring total to 120 | 4 |
| Total hours | 14 |
Sixth Semester (Spring)
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| General elective to bring total to 120 | 3 |
| Total hours | 15 |
Seventh Semester (Fall)
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| DFM 401 Internship (should be completed the previous summer) | 3 |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Cultural Competence - General Education | 3 |
| General elective to bring total to 120 | 5 |
| Total hours | 15 |
Eighth Semester (Spring)
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| Public Issues - General Education | 3 |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| Loading... | Loading... |
| General elective to bring total to 120 | 6 |
| Total hours | 15 |
GPA & credit hour requirements
Electives, as needed to bring total credit hours to 120 and upper division hours (300+) to 40.
GPA requirements include a minimum 2.00 Missouri State GPA and a minimum 2.00 combined GPA.