Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing

Students examine the strategies, tactics, and impact of social media in the beauty industry. Students develop blogs and evaluate current industry websites to understand the importance of social media as a marketing tool. Case studies and projects are applied to create a marketing plan specific to online customers.

This course provides students with insight into the different categories of the industry, including color cosmetics, fragrance, and skin care. As students gain knowledge of the unique characteristics and business strategies behind each category, they explore this highly competitive and profitable industry. Prerequisite: MMKT 2880

Students analyze the strategies and tactics of in-depth brand development necessary to building successful beauty product lines. They examine the power of image, concept, positioning, and trends as the means of establishing brand loyalty and brand equity, as well as the importance of consumer motivation, perceived quality, association, and delivery to their target market. Case studies and projects are used to analyze existing brands. Prerequisite: MMKT 2880

This introductory class explores the ever-evolving technology of essential oil extraction, the artistry of blending multiple scents, and the growing use of synthetic essences. Students learn to evaluate fragrances as they develop their individual scents, and discover the fascinating history of perfume and its synergy with the world of fashion and beauty. Prerequisite: COSM 2100

In this course, students follow the process of creating make-up and eye, lip, and nail color from concept development, technology, product positioning and packaging to promotion and in-store presentation. The course also explores the influences of the fashion design and entertainment industries on cosmetic product innovation and commercialization. Prerequisite: COSM 2100

Students examine the ways in which the varied techniques of promotion—advertising, public relations, visual merchandising, and special events—contribute to success in the beauty industry. They also gain practical knowledge of these techniques by developing and presenting individual promotional campaigns in class. Prerequisite: COSM 2250

By examining the importance of product development, innovative formulas, market research, product positioning, and product distribution, students acquire a clear overview of the complex, competitive hair-and-body-care marketplace. Prerequisite: COSM 2100

Students gain insight into the current trends taking place in the beauty industry. This course examines the new and highly profitable category of men’s grooming as well as beauty video production. Students analyze the different strategies used to market to men specifically in regards to the grooming industry. Students apply selling and management techniques specifically designed to engage targeted audiences. Prerequisite: COSM 2100

Students gain an understanding of the principles of chemistry and their vital importance to beauty technology. They examine the complex process of product development from raw materials and ingredients to formulations, applications, and finished products. Students then apply what they have learned to actual on-site product development.  They also study the legal, regulatory, and technological standards governing beauty products.

In this course students explore concept development, product positioning, creative adaptation, and technological challenges. Practical applications of these concepts are applied towards a course project. Prerequisite: VCOM 2180

This course educates students in the marketing and business skills that are imperative for managerial advancement. Topics include sophisticated marketing concepts, financial analysis, business theory, international business practices, and management communication. As a result of the course, students gain understanding of the relationship of these components to a successful organization. Prerequisite: MRCH 1700 *Apprenticeship: May be applied if student meets department criteria, and is taken in conjunction with Beauty: Marketing & Finance class.

This course explores the complexities associated with international trade and investment including the global monetary system, business strategies, structure and operations as well as differences in political, economic, and social systems. Students learn to appreciate different countries and cultures as well as ethical issues and dilemmas. Through case studies and international business models, students understand the strategic development and management of a global brand. Prerequisite: COSM 2850

The course closely examines the strategies involved in developing, operating, and controlling a business. Students complete a business plan that includes company goals, marketing strategies, production requirements, financial analysis, and an income statement. Prerequisites: COSM 2350, COSM 2450, COSM 2550

This course explores one of the fastest growing industries in the world—the organic wellness movement and spa industry. Students learn the fundamentals of restoring, renewing, and revitalizing the body, mind, and spirit through proper nutrition, exercising, and developing a spiritual course based on Eastern thought through visualization, meditation, and service to others. Learn how the spa industry has applied current theories borrowed from Eastern, Oriental, Naturophathic, and Osteopathic Manipulative practices and combined them into a successful business model. Required visits to Wellness/Spa environments provide students with experiential education in Mind, Body, Spirit harmony and deepen their awareness of integrating theories into their beauty careers. Prerequisite: COSM 2550

In this process-oriented course, students combine deep, disciplined research with careful writing and revision to produce a thoughtful, creative, and personally meaningful research essay. They learn to formulate focused research questions, identify and investigate credible sources, and synthesize expert opinion with their own insight in support of a clearly defined, complex thesis. The emphasis is on curiosity, exploration, and discovery. As part of the process, students also gain confidence and competency in two primary areas of written expression: organization and mechanics.

An introductory study of the principles and elements of color and design theory. Students critique aspects of a visual representation by analyzing the components of design and the use of color by the artist.

An application course focusing on mathematical concepts used in everyday life. Students integrate computation and analysis with authentic learning in graph analysis, Venn diagrams, analytical geometry, statistical measures of central tendency and variation, and financial mathematics. Prerequisites: To register for GNST 1450, you must successfully pass the math placement test or pass GNST 450.

A course in oral communication designed to give students poise, speaking confidence, and the ability to develop and produce a focused, well-organized speech that holds the audience’s attention through effective delivery methods. Presentational skills and audience-centered communication are emphasized.

Designed to foster independent thinking, this course strengthens students’ capacity to reason clearly, critically, and creatively, including the ability (1) to analyze the arguments of others, (2) to synthesize effective arguments of their own, and (3) to solve problems skillfully. Students also gain experience in reading closely and conducting purposeful, imaginative research—skills essential to the examination of demanding social, moral, political, and personal issues. Prerequisite: GNST 1040

A survey of art, architecture, and design from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Art movements such as Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Abstraction, and Surrealism are studied. Particular emphasis is placed on the artists’ role in society and the effect of society on art.

A survey of American history from 1930-2000. Emphasis is on the political and economic features, both domestic and foreign, that contributed to the emergence of the welfare state and the nation’s rise to global leadership after World War II. The course provides an understanding of the Great Depression, the Second World War, the Cold War, America’s eventual emergence as the world’s only superpower, and the interrelation of all these factors.

To become more self-reliant and enterprising in the job search, students investigate career opportunities and the career path, personal traits, job responsibilities, and qualifications necessary to be competitive and promotable. Students build research tools that enable them to develop a plan of action, conduct informational interviews, practice interviewing skills, and produce a digitized professional resume, biographical statement, and cover letter for immediate submission to prospective employers.

A course that examines the sociological and psychological variables that shape the consumer decision-making process. Students explore a variety of techniques for changing attitudes and maximizing satisfaction and consumer loyalty. Prerequisites: MMKT 2880, MMKT 1550

An examination of micro- and macro- marketing strategies involving the four parts of the marketing mix (product, price, promotion, and distribution). Students learn how environment, lifestyles, and buying behavior influence the marketing/merchandising approach and they work in teams to create, develop, and present a marketing plan for a new product.

This course explores store and non-store retailing formats, structure, purpose, as well as the challenges and integration of retail channels. Students gain an understanding of the retail industry and are exposed to today’s global environment. They are introduced to franchising, licensing, branding, and pertinent retail terminology. Career paths and opportunities in the fashion industry are further defined and explored.

A mathematical applications course using percentages, mark-ups, and profit formulas in retail situations. Students also learn pricing principles, tracking inventory, and writing purchase orders. Prerequisite: GNST 1450

This course introduces students to the methodology behind tracking and forecasting trends for the fashion and design industries. Students analyze key movements in design and the wider cultural events influencing them from the late 19th century through the 21st to develop an understanding of what drives consumer behavior and how design professionals track trends.

This course introduces the formal elements of line, shape, color, texture, and composition as well as the principles of design— balance, repetition, scale, emphasis, repetition, and unity. This course integrates image and type use to communicate meaningful concepts for visual presentation. Prerequisites: VCOM 2180, VCOM 2350

An introduction to Adobe Illustrator as a design and rendering tool. This course provides students with hands-on experience using the computer to create graphic collateral, fixture diagrams, and store layouts.

An introductory computer graphics course in which students learn PC applications of Adobe Photoshop, analyze problems of visual thinking, design, and graphics, and present creative solutions. Prerequisite: VCOM 2180