A designer explains some of her hat designs at a fashion show

Fashion and Interior Merchandising

Program Overview

Program Overview

Study fashion and interior merchandising at the center of the action in Nashville, where the fashion industry is burgeoning. Local businesses are an extension of our classrooms. We have faculty experts and industry connections who will help you develop your skills and experience. Engage yourself in a close-knit, spiritually-minded fashion community. You'll have access to our historic archive including Halston, a world-renowned designer. And our collection includes historic garments from every decade since 1890 — including designer clothes.

Search through our scrapbooks and hundreds of clothing patterns (think Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Liza Minnelli and more) for inspiration. Take part in fashion shows. Study abroad opportunities include a two-week fashion course in Florence, Italy, along with a one-week New York study tour. Whether you see yourself as an entrepreneur or in a corporate career, we will set you up for success.

Courses

Courses


 

Internship

Become more competitive in the job market with an internship related to your interests. You’ll gain experience and boost your exposure. An internship will also help you learn whether you’ve chosen a career you’ll enjoy.

Job placement

With a top-tier university education on your resume, you’ll be in high demand, whether you choose to launch your career or begin graduate school. Most of our programs have a placement rate of at least 90 percent within six months of graduation.

Expert faculty, small class sizes

Learn from award-winning, experienced faculty who actually care about you. Our small class sizes allow us to get to know you personally. We lead an approachable community within our respective programs. Our faculty connections are the experts on their subject matter, too.

Our Faculty

  • Sissy Simmons headshot

    Sissy Simmons

    Assistant Professor and Department Chair

    Sissy Simmons received her M.Ed. from Belmont University. She has been sewing and designing since she was a child, and to this day she enjoys learning new sewing skills and...

    Meet Sissy Simmons

Career Paths

Fashion Designers

Fashion designers create original clothing, accessories, and footwear. They sketch designs, select fabrics and patterns, and give instructions on how to make the products they design.

Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents

Buyers and purchasing agents buy products and services for organizations to use or resell. Purchasing managers oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents.

Related Programs

A model in a green and black dress prepares to turn at the end of the runway

Fashion Design

A female student sits at a work table and uses a sketch pad and colored pencils to draw an image

Visual Art

Students in a school production dance and jump around another student singing a solo

Theatre