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Colorado State University’s Merchandising program in the Department of Design and Merchandising is considered among the top 5 percent nationally, according to the latest rankings by Fashion-Schools.org.

In addition to gaining the top ranking for the Southwest region and the state of Colorado, national rankings for 2016 include Merchandising as fifth among the top fashion merchandising programs at public schools and colleges in the U.S.

“We are pleased to be recognized again for our exceptional academic programs, faculty and students as one of the top fashion schools in the nation,” said Nancy Miller, head of the Department of Design and Merchandising. “The department is actively engaged with industry and strives to provide students with innovative opportunities for successful careers in design, production and merchandising.”

In addition to the high rankings for Merchandising, CSU’s Fashion Design program was rated second in the Southwest, eighth among public schools and colleges and 17th nationally.

“It came as no surprise to me that CSU’s Department of Design and Merchandising is fifth in the nation, due to the professors’ first-hand experience with the industry,” said senior Hope Jeffers. “Real world experience is instilled in every class. When I was making my college decision, the reputation of the Design and Merchandising Department at CSU was a factor.”

Methodology 

According to Fashion-Schools.org, the 2016 rankings were based on academic reputation; admission selectivity; geographic location; depth and breadth of the program and faculty; and value as it relates to tuition and indebtedness.

In CSU’s program, students have the opportunity to work with more than 20,000 artifacts and view collections at the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising. Special collections include designer garments from Calvin Klein, James Galanos, Carolina Herrera, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino and Versace, as well as ethnographic holdings representing the culture and dress of many countries.

In addition to access to the Avenir Museum, students have the opportunity to participate in the internship program, Semester at Sea, and study abroad opportunities. Past students have studied in Italy, France, Peru, England, Denmark, and Australia. Students have completed internships with major companies and brands such as Marchesa, Vera Wang, Theory, Jonathan Simkhai, Anthropologie, The Row, Rag & Bone, Patagonia, Levi Strauss, Spyder, Pearl Izumi and major retailers Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Buckle and Sierra Trading Post.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in the annual CSU Fashion Show, Interior Design Industry Connections, and domestic and international study tours of New York, Hong Kong, Thailand, India and England.

The Department of Design and Merchandising is in the College of Health and Human Sciences