Certificate of Proficiency (Untranscripted): Fashion Assistant

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.

This certificate curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry level design assistant positions in the apparel industry. All classes offer sections availble online.

Apply their creative abilities to support their future design careers.

Utilize various software related to designing garments.

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 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 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 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.

          Second Semester

          4-7 units
          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
          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.