Proper regional accreditation insures your degree.
Graduating from an accredited fashion college puts clout behind your degree. Though your chosen institution may not be name recognized, proper accreditation adds its own level of prestige. By adhering to standardized educational requirements, accredited facilities are better able to transfer credits between participating institutions. Earning an education at an unaccredited school puts the student at risk for receiving an unrecognized degree within their field. Without accreditation a degree is viewed, in most academic circles, as little more than a sheet of paper.
Coursework
Fashion merchandising is a hands-on trade. Prior to enrolling, discuss with an admissions adviser how technical skills such as Visual Display will be taught and evaluated without a live classroom format. Some online colleges offer the benefit of local work experience and internships. This real world immersion transitions students from college into the workforce.
Online fashion merchandising programs include studies in Visual Merchandising to train future merchandisers for window dressing and merchandise display; Fashion Promotion to prepare students for special events marketing; Consumer Behavior to provide an understanding of consumer buying habits and motivations; and courses in Textiles and Fashion History.
The ease of scheduling study hours around a work schedule makes internet learning ideal for employed students wanting to upgrade their skills or earn a degree.
Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates
Various fashion merchandising degrees are available through the internet. Numerous colleges offer Associates, Bachelors and Masters level training. Degree programs are most impacted by their college's accreditation status. Because degrees are academic achievements, check the school's official catalogue for their accreditation status prior to enrolling.
Diplomas are typically issued by vocational trade schools. Fashion merchandising as a vocational trade has multiple diploma programs offered through distance education. To learn entry level skills associated with this career, a diploma program may be an excellent choice. If you want to transfer your educational training and later earn a degree, this may not be the best route.
Certificates usually signify specific training in one skill. Often upon completing a single class or training session, a certificate is offered to document training. A visual merchandising certificate indicates the singular skill of visual display. Certificates also can designate specifics, such as a typing certificate validating a typing speed.
Official Accrediting Bodies
The official regional accrediting bodies are as follows: Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS), which accredits Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia based colleges and universities; WASC, or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, accredits institutions in the western region of the United States including California, Hawaii and Guam. The Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU) accredits schools based out of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
An online fashion merchandising degree earned at any college accredited by one of these associations will be as valid as a degree from any State sponsored University or community college. State Universities and Community Colleges are the benchmark for accreditation. Accrediting bodies continually spring up. Be aware that these newer entities have varying academic standards and sometimes, questionable reputations.
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