Study Visual Merchandising: Online Degree, Major & Certificate Program Info

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What will you learn in a visual merchandising program? Read about degree requirements, the pros and cons of a certificate bachelor's degree and potential careers.
  • At a Glance
  • Certificate
  • Bachelor's

Visual Merchandising Certificate and Bachelor's: Degrees at a Glance

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Visual merchandising is a creative field related to interior design. Professionals in this field are aesthetically trained to create displays of various products, such as artwork or retail merchandise. This can involve creating a display design plan, building display props and arranging objects. Positions in visual merchandising are available in a wide range of settings, including department stores, museums and art galleries. Note that a certificate or degree in visual merchandising will generally not qualify you for a career in interior design; professionals who specialize in interior design typically hold at least bachelor's degrees in the discipline and, in some cases, licensure.

Certificate Bachelor's
Who is this degree for? Individuals interested in merchandising or display design careers People interested in upper-level or management merchandising positions
Common Career Paths (with approximate 10th to 90th percentile salaries) -Display designer ($43,000-$83,000)*
-Visual merchandise manager ($31,000-$82,000)*
Visual merchandiser ($24,000-$61,000 with 1-4 years of experience)*
-Visual merchandising assistant ($31,000-$44,000 with 1-4 years of experience)*

-Career paths for the bachelor's are similar to those of the certificate, although bachelor's-holders may have greater advancement opportunities.
-Exhibit designer ($33,000-$71,000)*
-Visual merchandising director ($45,000-$134,000)*
Time to Completion One year Four years
Common Graduation Requirements -Around 9-12 courses
-Practical component, such as an internship or experience course
-About 40 undergraduate courses
-Practical component, such as an internship or field experience
Prerequisites None None
Online Availability Yes Similar programs are available

Source: *Payscale.com (January 2013 figures).

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  • At a Glance
  • Certificate
  • Bachelor's

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