Prepare for a career in fashion, transfer to a four-year college or university or update your skills. College of DuPage offers:

• Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry experience and certification.
• Instruction in top-notch facilities and on cutting-edge equipment.
• Flexible course schedules with day, evening and online learning.
• Practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom-based studies. 
• Affordable programs that get you on the fast track to success without breaking the bank.
• An annual fashion show and other industry events.

Fashion Design, A.A.S.

A Fashion Design degree allows a student to learn the skills and techniques used in making a fashion product from concept to completion. Careers can range from starting their own clothing line to entry level jobs in the industry. Many of our students go on to receive a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution. This degree requires a minimum of 63 credits in program requirements, program electives, and general education in the courses listed below.

Fashion Design, Certificate

The Fashion Design Certificate provides a technical foundation in Fashion Design for the student who has an existing degree. The certificate requires 15 semester credit hours in Fashion Design concentrating in technical classes and 15 credits in program electives for a total of 30 credits.

Fashion Entrepreneurship, Certificate

The students earning a Fashion Entrepreneurship Certificate often have the goal of becoming small business owners. Fifteen credits in required courses focus on the fundamental functions related to a small, creative startup. Nine credits in electives to focus on their career goals.

Fashion Merchandising, A.A.S.

As a Fashion Merchandising major, emphasis will be on both the business and visual side of the fashion industry. Students can choose a course of study that is adapted to specific interests and job opportunities for learning the necessary skills to assume positions in the industry or transfer to a four-year institution.

Fashion Merchandising, Certificate

The Fashion Merchandising Certificate introduces students to the various facets of the business side of the fashion industry. Students will choose a course of study that is adapted to specific interests and job opportunities for learning the necessary skills to assume positions in the industry or transfer to a four-year institution.

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

• Fashion Design, Associate of Applied Science
• Fashion Merchandising, Associate of Applied Science
• Fashion Design Certificate
• Fashion Entrepreneurship Certificate
• Fashion Merchandising Certificate

Fashion Design

Students taking fashion design courses will:

• Formulate a strategy to launch or expand a fashion product.
• Recognize consumer behavior trends and their influence on sales and marketing plans.
• Distinguish between retail and wholesale channels.
• Develop a marketing plan using price, distribution, promotional strategies, and networking opportunities.
• Create a preliminary prototype.
• Assemble basic financial statements.
• Effectively communicate ideas through written, verbal, and presentation methods.
• Consider global effects when solving design problems.
• Demonstrate neat and understandable sketching techniques to effectively communicate creative ideas in a digital or non-digital format.
• Use their developing artistic voice and learned creative techniques to design items by means of the process of research, analysis of trend information and understanding of apparel markets.
• Use learned knowledge of fabrics, drafting, draping, sewing & embellishment to make their creative work.
• Present visually pleasing finished work in sketch or fabric form using industry vocabulary to describe their creative process and market expectations. 
• Understand the retail and wholesale business of fashion and importance of schedules, markets and sales in the retail industry of brick and mortar & online.
• Determine the time frame needed for completion of projects that recognize their creative potential to its fullest.

Fashion Merchandising

Students taking fashion merchandising courses will:

• Understand fashion trend reports, and their effect on current and historical markets.
• Promotion via social media, event planning or fashion shows.
• Knowledge of the interaction between wholesale and retail markets.
• Demonstration of visual merchandising techniques.
• Understand the need for strong computer, math and problem-solving skills as needed for buyers and wholesale sales.
• Identify clothing fabric and construction as a determination for quality level.
• Be able to demonstrate styling and merchandising knowledge.

College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in fashion studies. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.

For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.

Articulation Agreements

College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or Advising Services to stay on track.

• Fashion Studies- Merchandising
• Columbia College Chicago, AAS Fashion Design to BA in Fashion Studies- Product Development
• Dominican University, AAS in Fashion Design or Merchandising to Fashion Design and Merchandising

Transfer Guides

Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.

A degree in fashion may be the right fit if you have a strong eye for trends, are organized yet adaptable, and bring creativity and artistry to your work. Successful fashion students thrive under pressure, work quickly and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

To succeed in fashion, you’ll need a solid understanding of garment construction, strong technical abilities and sketching skills, along with knowledge of textiles and garment fit.

With experience, advancement opportunities increase. Entry-level design team roles can lead to positions such as designer, trend director, technical designer, or print and color designer. Other career paths include quality control management, freelance work and self-employment.

Graduates with fashion merchandising degrees typically pursue roles in visual merchandising, fashion styling, retail buying and fashion marketing. Students begin networking with industry professional through classroom experiences and campus events, leading to job and internship opportunities.