Jun 07, 2025  
2025-2026 UH Mānoa Catalog 
  
2025-2026 UH Mānoa Catalog

Fashion Design and Merchandising, BS


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Admissions: Freshmen = Open / Transfer = Min. Criteria

Process: Declaration

Min. Total Credits: 120 (64 in core & major + 56 in electives)

UHM General Education Core Requirements


Foundations


Written Communication (FW)


(3 credits)

Quantitative Reasoning (FQ)


Note: This requirement changed in Fall 2018. If you entered the UH System prior to that, please see your college/school advisor.

(FQ; 3 credits) replaces Symbolic Reasoning (FS; 3 credits) effective Fall 2018

Global and Multicultural Perspectives (FG)


(FGA, FGB, FGC; 6 credits)

  • Group A (FGA) courses cover the time period prehistory to 1500
  • Group B (FGB) courses cover the time period 1500 to modern times
  • Group C (FGC) courses cover the time period prehistory to modern times

Diversification


* See degree, college and major requirements for courses that can also fulfill these.

Arts (DA), Humanities (DH), and Literatures (DL)


(6 credits from 2 categories)

  • Arts (DA*)
  • Humanities (DH*)
  • ​Literatures (DL*)
Diversification Arts (DA)

Natural Sciences


  • Biological Science (DB*; 3 credits)
  • Physical Science (DP*; 3 credits)
  • Laboratory (science) (DY*; 1 credit)
Physical Science (DP)

Social Sciences (DS)


(DS*; a total of 6 credits from 2 different departments)

UHM Graduation Requirements


Focus


**The STAR Degree Check indicates Focus classes by “E,” “H,” “O,” and “W.” Class Availability indicates Focus sections with “ETH,” “HAP,” “OC,” and “WI.”

Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific Issues (H)


(H or HAP**; 1 course, any level)

Contemporary Ethical Issues (E)


(E or ETH**; 1 course, 300- or 400-level)

Oral Communication (O)


(O or OC**; 1 course, 300- or 400-level)

Writing Intensive (W)


(W or WI**; 5 courses, at least two of which are at the 300- or 400-level)

Hawaiian Or Second Language (HSL)


  • The Hawaiian or Second Language requirement is not required for students admitted to the Fashion Design and Merchandising program.

Credit Minimums


  • 120 total applicable
  • 30 UH Mānoa credits
  • 45 upper division (300+ level) credits

Grade Point Average


  • 2.0 cumulative or higher (Note: Other GPAs may be required)
  • Good academic standing

CTAHR Required Set of Interrelated Courses


Credit Minimums


  • 120 total applicable

Note


This was prepared to provide information and does not constitute a contract. See below for major requirements. Meet regularly with your major advisor.

Major Requirements for BS in Fashion Design and Merchandising


  • Admission: Open
  • Application: NA
  • Min. major credits: 38-39
  • Min. exit GPA: 2.0 in the major

Requirements


Fashion Design and Merchandising Support Courses (Student selects 4 courses minimum: one each from A, B, and C; and one course from any category) (12-13 credits)


Notes


CTAHR Academic Advising Office: Gilmore Hall 1st floor; Email: ctahradv@hawaii.edu | Advising Appointments: please visit cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/ugstudies to schedule an appointment.

CTAHR Office of Academic and Student Affairs: Gilmore Hall 119; asao1@hawaii.edu; (808) 956-8183/(808) 956-6733; cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/academics/asao

4-Year Plan


This is a sample academic plan. Students should meet with an academic advisor prior to registration to formulate their own plan.

Year 1


Fall


Credits 15

Spring


Credits 16

Total Credits 31


Year 2


Fall


  • Credits: 3 (DP)
  • DH or DL Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
Credits 15

Spring


  • DB Credits: 3
  • DY Credit: 1
  • FG (A/B/C) Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 2
Credits 15

Total Credits 61


Year 3


Fall


Credits 15

Spring


Credits 16

Total Credits 92


Year 4


Fall


Credits 13

Spring


  • Support Course 4 Credits: 3
  • Elective 300+ Credits: 3
  • Elective 300+ Credits: 3
  • Elective 300+ Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
Credits 15

Total Credits 120


Notes:

Students must incorporate all Focus requirements into this plan. Focus designations (i.e., W, E, O, H) are CRN specific & semester specific.
Minimum 45 upper division (300+ course) credits are required. Minimum 120 total credits.
Some courses in FDM electives may not be upper-division.
Lighter courseload is recommended during the FDM 492 - Internship and Capstone Portfolio  semester.

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