Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Fashion Design

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The certificate curriculum in fashion design provides the basic aesthetic concepts and technical skills necessary for immediate employment in the fashion related fields of design. The program prepares students for entry-level positions in apparel design for custom clients, theater costuming, and manufacturer’s operations. Completion of the certificate enhances ability to obtain a position and advance in the fashion design field.

Apply their creative abilities to support their future design careers.

Formulate design ideas verbally, visually, and digitally.

Utilize various techniques related to drafting, draping, and constructing garments.

Design visual materials in both physical and digital formats.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

12 units
FDM 100
Introduction to the Fashion Industry
Introduction to the development, structure, and interrelationship of the global fashion industry, including: Consumer characteristics, product design, textile and apparel production, retail merchandising, brand marketing, distribution, and promotion. An introduction to apparel business organizations, their commercial processes and career opportunities. Oral, written, and multimedia reports on current topics relevant to the fashion industry.
    FDM 105A
    Beginning Sewing
    Apparel garment construction techniques including seam finishes, edge finishes, manipulating garment fullness, and applying closures. Students will construct three full-sized garments and a compilation of construction techniques. Students will conduct and document garment fittings, alter patterns, and apply fitting alterations to the sewn projects.
      FDM 111A
      Fashion Illustration Techniques
      Application of the basic techniques of drawing fashion and garment flat trade sketches, graphic art prints, and all-over repeat tile prints. Emphasis on current fashion industry design software Adobe Illustrator with some Photoshop and 3D software. Pencils, markers, and watercolors are also incorporated.
      *Fall Course Only
        FDM 114
        3D Design
        This course will teach students how to create 3D garments in Clo3D/Marvelous Designer. This course will take students with no knowledge of 3D software to developing designs, doing fittings, and creating renders. By the end of the course, students will also develop a portfolio of several projects.

          Second Semester

          12 units
          FDM 108
          RTW Apparel Quality and Construction Analysis
          An analysis of ready-to-wear apparel for quality evaluation of materials, construction, design, fit, care, and pricing related to consumer buying expectations. Introduction and application of garment industry manufacturing processes using production equipment to mass produce consumer products. Includes Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), retail math, and Product Data Management (PDM) training. Students will learn how to take design concepts through the sourcing, costing, and production process to create a specifications/technical package. Includes concepts of sizing and principles of fit.
          *Spring Course Only
            FDM 109
            Flat Pattern Techniques
            Students learn to pattern draft garments using 3D software and also export their patterns to paper to be cut and sewn into fabric samples. Includes development of the basic body sloper, collars, necklines, skirts, waistlines, sleeves, panels, and yokes. POM (Point of Measurement) specifications are discussed in relation to both pattern development and finished garments.
              FDM 105B
              Intermediate Sewing
              Follow-up of Fashion Design Merchandising 105A, Beginning Sewing. Coordination of woven fabrics and pattern fitting in construction of class projects such as pants, dress shirts, and unlined jackets. Includes intermediate sewing technique samples such as tailored plackets, various fly zipper applications, bound buttonholes, and welt pockets.
              • Recommended Preparation: FDM 105A - Recommended preparation includes being able to name and sew a minimum of six different types of seams and hems without having to look them up or completion of Fashion Design Merchandising 105A, Beginning Sewing.
              FDM 215
              Intermediate Computer Fashion Illustration
              Intermediate computerized fashion illustration is taught using computer software. Software programs include Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, embroidery software, and 3D software. Emphasis on the design of a garment collection and textile print designs using intermediate software illustration techniques and the pen tool. Recommended to take FDM 111A beforehand, or have strong knowledge of Adobe Illustrator's pen tool.
              *Spring Course Only
              • Recommended Preparation: FDM 111A - Suggested to take FDM 111A before taking this class

              Third Semester

              11.5-14.5 units
              FDM 080
              Embroidery
              Applied techniques of embroidered decorative embellishments using embroidery software and machinery.
              *Fall Course Only
                FDM 081
                Screen Printing
                Application techniques of artistic designs and patterns using screen printing techniques. Course includes digital application of artwork and preparation for printing one-color designs. Course covers care, use, and safety precautions in operating and cleaning the silkscreen unit. Recommend some Adobe Illustrator knowledge prior to taking this course.
                  FDM 103
                  Fashion Selection
                  This course will examine the interrelatedness of socio-psychological, economic, and political/religious influences on dress. Cross-cultural analysis and interpretation of Western and non-Western clothing behavior. Apparel selection is based on historical perspective, culture, and fashion trends. The fashion professional uses this information to better design, produce, and select products to meet the needs of a culturally diverse consuming population.
                    Plan 1: 7A. Lifelong Understanding
                    FDM 104
                    Textile Fibers and Fabrics
                    This course is a study of textile fibers and fabrics, their production/development, environmental impact, selection, use and care of wearing apparel and home furnishings. The course also covers current and future textile production and how appropriate performance characteristics are incorporated into materials and products.
                    *Fall Course Only
                      FDM 299
                      Work Experience - Fashion Design
                      This work experience course of supervised employment is designed to assist students to acquire desirable work habits, attitudes and skills in a field related to the students' major so as to enable them to become productive employees. This course also provides students with career awareness for jobs. 54 hours of work equals one unit of course credit. Student repetition is allowed per Title 5, Section 55253. Students may earn a maximum of 14 units of credit for work experience.
                      • Recommended Preparation: Recommended Preparation: 12 units of Fashion Design Merchandising courses completed with C or better.