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The Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) program at Illinois State University showcases your creations on the catwalk, links you with industry experts across the country, and provides comprehensive instruction in all facets of design and merchandising through professional-grade Design Studio and Textile Lab facilities. You'll be motivated by the extensive Lois Jett Historic Costume Collection, featuring over 2,000 pieces. As an FDM student, you can take part in our yearly Fashion Show, where aspiring fashion professionals gain hands-on experience in producing, designing, and managing a completely student-organized event. The program additionally arranges educational trips both domestically and internationally, with past destinations including corporate headquarters and manufacturing sites from New York to California, as well as locations in Europe and Asia. This Family and Consumer Science major equips students for careers in textile and apparel industries, covering product development, distribution, and retail. The curriculum examines the apparel supply chain with emphasis on design, merchandising, product development and evaluation, along with valuable business competencies sought by employers.