Skip to Content


Fashion

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Fashion Design

This degree offers the skills necessary to coordinate original fashion design concepts with manufacturing, marketing, and merchandising practices. Course work includes basic apparel construction, pattern drafting, draping, textiles, historic and current fashion trends, hand and computer illustration, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
FASHN 300 Introduction to the Fashion Industry 3
FASHN 310 Fashion Analysis/Clothing Selection 3
FASHN 320 Textiles 3
FASHN 330 History of Western World Fashion 3
FASHN 342 Fashion Illustration I 3
FASHN 344 Fashion Illustration II 3
FASHN 357 Apparel Construction I 3
FASHN 358 Apparel Construction II 3
FASHN 374 Pattern Making and Design 3
FASHN 378 Advanced Pattern Making and Design 3
FASHN 379 Draping 3
FASHN 382 Collection Design and Production 3
FASHN 398 Fashion Entrepreneur 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
FASHN 359 Knitwear Construction (1.5)
FASHN 362 Tailoring Techniques (3)
FASHN 363 Fashion Accessories and Embellishments (1.5)
FASHN 380 Computer Patternmaking (3)
FASHN 381 Couture Draping for Eveningwear (3)
Total Units: 42

The Fashion Design Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local ARC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • identify and evaluate opportunities to start a design business in the fashion industry.
  • analyze fashion fundamentals, fashion trends, fashion marketing, and global influences, as they relate to changes within the fashion industry.
  • identify characteristics of various fibers, yarns, finishes, and fabrics as they relate to garments.
  • communicate an idea or concept through a flat sketch or illustration utilizing free-hand and computer-generated techniques.
  • utilize draping techniques to create original garment designs.
  • construct patterns by computer generation and the flat pattern method.
  • conceive designs, construct patterns, and sew garments to be shown in a fashion show.
  • describe fashion and style features of historical and contemporary periods.
  • create sample constructions utilizing basic apparel sewing skills.
  • construct a garment with appropriate embellishment applications.
  • research and identify apparel details, styles, and elements of design.

Career Information

This degree prepares students for entry-level jobs in apparel production companies, apparel manufacturing plants, designer workrooms, and custom sewing workrooms. It also prepares students for self-employment or entrepreneurship. Examples of careers in Fashion Design include Assistant Designer, CAD Technician, Computer Digitizer, Costing Engineer, Customer Services, Designer, Design Room Assistant, Fashion Illustrator, Fashion Stylist, First Pattern Maker, Grader, Manufacturer's Sales Representative, Marker Maker, Operation Manager, Piece Goods Buyer, Product Specialist, Production Manager, Production Pattern Maker, Quality Controller, Quick Response Manager, Sales Manager, Sample Maker, Sewing Room Supervisor, Showroom Assistant, Tailor, Textile Colorist, Textile Croquis Painter, Textile Designer, Textile Researcher, Textile Tester, and Trim Buyer.


A.A. in Fashion Merchandising

This degree offers the skills necessary for jobs in fashion coordinating, promotion, visual presentation, management, merchandising, retail buying, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
FASHN 300 Introduction to the Fashion Industry 3
FASHN 310 Fashion Analysis/Clothing Selection 3
FASHN 320 Textiles 3
FASHN 330 History of Western World Fashion 3
FASHN 342 Fashion Illustration I 3
FASHN 344 Fashion Illustration II 3
FASHN 393 Fashion Promotion 3
FASHN 395 Visual Merchandising 3
FASHN 397 Fashion Retail Buying 3
FASHN 398 Fashion Entrepreneur 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ARTPH 370 Fashion, Wedding, and Portrait Photography (3)
MGMT 362 Techniques of Management (3)
MKT 310 Selling Professionally (3)
MKT 312 Retailing (3)
MKT 314 Advertising (3)
Total Units: 33

The Fashion Merchandising Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local ARC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • compare and contrast historical garment design to contemporary dress.
  • conceive and produce a fashion show.
  • develop visual displays for a window presentation.
  • draft a six-month retail buying plan.
  • assess characteristics of various fibers and how they relate to the finished fabric.
  • draw a flat working sketch and a fashion illustration.
  • apply principles of time management, cost control, and decision-making to managerial responsibilities.
  • develop a business plan for a fashion related business.
  • create portfolios of fashion, wedding and portrait photographs.
  • analyze and demonstrate the steps of professional selling, including approach, needs assessment, presentation, overcoming objections and negotiating, closing, and servicing of the sale.
  • describe how the advertising industry operates and produces advertising through the work of advertisers, agencies, media, and suppliers.
  • explain how retailers use merchandise management decisions to implement their retail strategy including planning, buying, pricing, branding, and promoting their merchandise.
  • develop an awareness of image projection and the impact of silent communication.

Career Information

This degree prepares students for entry-level jobs in retail merchandising, such as department store buyers, small boutique buyers, visual merchandisers, sales associates, management trainees, product developers and wholesalers. It also prepares students for self-employment or entrepreneurship.

Certificates of Achievement

Fashion Design Certificate

This certificate provides the skills necessary to coordinate original design concepts with manufacturing, marketing, and merchandising practices. Course work concentrates on apparel construction techniques, pattern drafting, historic and current fashion trends, hand and computer illustration, textiles, and entrepreneurial opportunities as they relate to the fashion industry.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
FASHN 300 Introduction to the Fashion Industry 3
FASHN 310 Fashion Analysis/Clothing Selection 3
FASHN 320 Textiles 3
FASHN 330 History of Western World Fashion 3
FASHN 342 Fashion Illustration I 3
FASHN 344 Fashion Illustration II 3
FASHN 357 Apparel Construction I 3
FASHN 358 Apparel Construction II 3
FASHN 374 Pattern Making and Design 3
FASHN 378 Advanced Pattern Making and Design 3
FASHN 379 Draping 3
FASHN 382 Collection Design and Production 3
FASHN 398 Fashion Entrepreneur 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
FASHN 359 Knitwear Construction (1.5)
FASHN 362 Tailoring Techniques (3)
FASHN 363 Fashion Accessories and Embellishments (1.5)
FASHN 380 Computer Patternmaking (3)
FASHN 381 Couture Draping for Eveningwear (3)
Total Units: 42

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • identify and evaluate opportunities to start a design business in the fashion industry.
  • analyze fashion fundamentals, fashion trends, fashion marketing, and global influences, as they relate to changes within the fashion industry.
  • identify characteristics of various fibers, yarns, finishes, and fabrics as they relate to garments.
  • communicate an idea or concept through a flat sketch or illustration utilizing free-hand and computer-generated techniques.
  • utilize draping techniques to create original garment designs.
  • construct patterns by computer generation and the flat pattern method.
  • conceive designs, construct patterns, and sew garments to be shown in a fashion show.
  • describe fashion and style features of historical and contemporary periods.
  • create sample constructions utilizing basic apparel sewing skills.
  • construct a garment with appropriate embellishment applications.
  • research and identify apparel details, styles, and elements of design.

Career Information

This certificate prepares students for entry-level jobs in apparel production companies, apparel manufacturing plants, designer workrooms, and custom sewing workrooms. Examples of careers in Fashion Design include Assistant Designer, Customer Services, Designer, Design Room Assistant, Fashion Illustrator, Fashion Stylist, First Pattern Maker, Manufacturer's Sales Representative, Piece Goods Buyer, Product Specialist, Quality Controller, Sample Maker, Sewing Room Supervisor, Tailor, Textile Colorist, Textile Croquis Painter, Textile Designer, and Trim Buyer.


Fashion Merchandising Certificate

This certificate offers the skills necessary for jobs in the retail market. Course work concentrates on fashion coordination, promotion, visual presentation, management, merchandising, retail buying, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
FASHN 300 Introduction to the Fashion Industry 3
FASHN 310 Fashion Analysis/Clothing Selection 3
FASHN 320 Textiles 3
FASHN 330 History of Western World Fashion 3
FASHN 342 Fashion Illustration I 3
FASHN 344 Fashion Illustration II 3
FASHN 393 Fashion Promotion 3
FASHN 395 Visual Merchandising 3
FASHN 397 Fashion Retail Buying 3
FASHN 398 Fashion Entrepreneur 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ARTPH 370 Fashion, Wedding, and Portrait Photography (3)
MGMT 362 Techniques of Management (3)
MKT 310 Selling Professionally (3)
MKT 312 Retailing (3)
MKT 314 Advertising (3)
Total Units: 33

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • compare and contrast historical garment design to contemporary dress.
  • conceive and produce a fashion show.
  • develop visual displays for a window presentation.
  • draft a six-month retail buying plan.
  • assess characteristics of various fibers and how they relate to the finished fabric.
  • draw a flat working sketch and a fashion illustration.
  • apply principles of time management, cost control, and decision making to managerial responsibilities.
  • develop a business plan for a fashion related business.
  • create portfolios of fashion, wedding, and portrait photographs.
  • analyze and demonstrate the steps of professional selling, including approach, needs assessment, presentation, overcoming objections and negotiating, closing, and servicing of the sale.
  • describe how the advertising industry operates and produces advertising through the work of advertisers, agencies, media, and suppliers.
  • explain how retailers use merchandise management decisions to implement their retail strategy, including planning, buying, pricing, branding, and promoting their merchandise.
  • critique customer buying behavior and how it relates to fashion choices.

Career Information

This certificate prepares students for entry-level jobs in retail merchandising, such as department store buyers, boutique buyers, visual merchandisers, sales associates, management trainees, product developers and wholesalers. It also prepares students for self-employment or entrepreneurship.

Certificates

Apparel Construction Certificate

This certificate includes an introduction to the fashion industry and its job opportunities. It also provides the necessary background in fabrics, design elements, and sewing skills needed to enter the job market.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
FASHN 300 Introduction to the Fashion Industry 3
FASHN 310 Fashion Analysis/Clothing Selection 3
FASHN 320 Textiles 3
FASHN 357 Apparel Construction I 3
FASHN 358 Apparel Construction II 3
Total Units: 15

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • identify names and characteristics of various fibers and how they relate to the finished fabric.
  • choose appropriate fabrics, notions, and tools for individual projects.
  • create sample constructions utilizing basic and advanced sewing techniques.
  • assemble and sew a garment using a commercial pattern.
  • apply basic alterations to commercial patterns.
  • utilize the elements and principles of design as they relate to fashion.

Career Information

This certificate prepares students for entry-level jobs in apparel production companies, designer workrooms, and custom sewing workrooms.


Fashion Entrepreneur Certificate

This certificate consists of four core fashion courses that explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the fashion industry. Topics include an introduction to the fashion industry, the creation of visual displays, retail buying, and development of a business plan. Students also choose 6 units from courses that include advertising, selling professionally, and fashion photography.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
FASHN 300 Introduction to the Fashion Industry 3
FASHN 395 Visual Merchandising 3
FASHN 397 Fashion Retail Buying 3
FASHN 398 Fashion Entrepreneur 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ARTPH 370 Fashion, Wedding, and Portrait Photography (3)
FASHN 393 Fashion Promotion (3)
MKT 310 Selling Professionally (3)
MKT 312 Retailing (3)
MKT 314 Advertising (3)
Total Units: 15

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • research various entrepreneurial opportunities in the fashion industry.
  • plan and coordinate promotional activities through a visual display.
  • research current trends, formulate stock plans, and calculate market purchases.
  • formulate a business plan that relates to a specific fashion business.
  • compare and analyze the technical, economic, and global influences on fashion marketing.

Career Information

This certificate prepares students to become an entrepreneur in the fashion industry. It addresses the creation of a fashion-oriented business. Career opportunities exist in visual merchandising, retail buying, Internet-based businesses, and small boutiques.


Fashion Illustration Certificate

This certificate provides the skills to be a fashion illustrator. Utilizing the elements and principles of design, topics include the awareness of apparel details and styles, drawing flats and fashion illustrations, and the creation of a personal style. Both freehand and computer illustration techniques are utilized.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I 3
ART 304 Figure Drawing I 3
FASHN 310 Fashion Analysis/Clothing Selection 3
FASHN 342 Fashion Illustration I 3
FASHN 344 Fashion Illustration II 3
Total Units: 15

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze the elements and principles of design and apply them to drawing fashion figures.
  • produce a fashion figure drawn with correct proportions and planar structure.
  • examine apparel details, styles, and elements, and apply them to a flat or illustration.
  • develop a flat sketch or illustration utilizing computer software.
  • create an illustration using fashion trends and target customers as inspiration.

Career Information

This certificate prepares students for entry-level jobs in the following areas: Assistant Designer, Design Room Assistant, Fashion Illustrator, Textile Colorist, Textile Croquis Painter, and Textile Designer. It also prepares students for self-employment or entrepreneurship.


Fashion Retailing Certificate

This certificate consists of three core fashion classes and a management class. Topics include an introduction to the fashion industry, product and apparel line development, retail management, and retail buying. Students choose an area of concentration that includes textile knowledge, fashion promotion, or retailing strategies.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
FASHN 300 Introduction to the Fashion Industry 3
FASHN 342 Fashion Illustration I 3
FASHN 397 Fashion Retail Buying 3
MGMT 362 Techniques of Management 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
FASHN 320 Textiles (3)
FASHN 393 Fashion Promotion (3)
MKT 312 Retailing (3)
Total Units: 15

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • research various career opportunities in fashion retail.
  • assess the primary retail management functions, including time management, cost control, and decision making.
  • evaluate the process of successful apparel product development.
  • identify and define a target retail customer.
  • describe the characteristics of various textile fabrications in relation to their use in textile items.
  • assess the role of various advertising media as related to the fashion industry including newspaper, television, radio, and the internet.
  • compare and contrast various retail locations, including shopping centers and malls, central business districts, and nontraditional locations, such as airports and hospitals.

Career Information

This certificate prepares students for entry level jobs in fashion retailing, including department store manager trainees, small boutique associate managers, sales associates, assistant buyers, and image consultants.


Patternmaking and Draping Certificate

This certificate is intended for students who have completed the Apparel Construction Certificate and need to obtain a higher skill level in the field. It explores draping and advanced apparel construction techniques, and develops beginning, advanced, and computer patternmaking skills. It offers students the necessary sewing and patternmaking skills to enter the job market.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
FASHN 374 Pattern Making and Design 3
FASHN 378 Advanced Pattern Making and Design 3
FASHN 379 Draping 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
FASHN 320 Textiles (3)
FASHN 362 Tailoring Techniques (3)
FASHN 370 Pattern Adjustment and Clothing Alterations (3)
FASHN 380 Computer Patternmaking (3)
FASHN 381 Couture Draping for Eveningwear (3)
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • create samples for a technique book.
  • identify appropriate fabrics, notions, and tools for a given project.
  • examine basic pattern alterations and apply them to commercial and custom patterns.
  • develop patterns using flat-pattern or draping methods.
  • construct a garment utilizing basic or advanced sewing construction techniques.
  • analyze basic fitting techniques and apply them to ready-to-wear and custom apparel garments.

Career Information

This certificate prepares students for entry-level jobs in apparel production and manufacturing companies, designer workrooms, and custom sewing workrooms. It also prepares students for self-employment or entrepreneurship. Examples of careers in fashion design include Assistant Designer, CADD Technician, First Pattern Maker, Production Pattern Maker, Sample Maker, Sewing Room Supervisor, and Tailor.


Runway Design Certificate

This certificate is intended for students who have completed the Patternmaking and Draping Certificate and need to obtain a higher level of competency in the field. It explores the social, cultural, and environmental influences of fashion trends on fashion design. It develops freehand and computer illustration techniques commonly used in the fashion industry. Apparel construction techniques are combined with patternmaking and draping skills to create couture quality garments. This program provides the necessary skills to create a garment for the runway, as well as explore entrepreneurial opportunities.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
FASHN 342 Fashion Illustration I 3
FASHN 344 Fashion Illustration II 3
FASHN 382 Collection Design and Production 3
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
FASHN 362 Tailoring Techniques (3)
FASHN 380 Computer Patternmaking (3)
FASHN 381 Couture Draping for Eveningwear (3)
FASHN 398 Fashion Entrepreneur (3)
Total Units: 15

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze and sketch style variations and interpret them in fabric.
  • design and organize a fashion apparel line.
  • recommend appropriate sewing equipment, supplies, and techniques for a given project.
  • research entrepreneur opportunities and market segments in the fashion industry.
  • create original patterns using flat pattern methods, draping techniques, or computer patternmaking software.
  • construct a garment from an original pattern utilizing advanced sewing construction techniques.

Career Information

This certificate prepares students for entry level design-related jobs in apparel production companies, designer workrooms, and custom sewing workrooms. It also prepares students for self-employment or entrepreneurship. Examples of careers in Fashion Design include Assistant Designer, Designer, Design Room Assistant, Fashion Illustrator, Fashion Stylist, First Pattern Maker, Sample Maker, Sewing Room Supervisor, and Tailor.