Fashion Design: Merchandising, CERT

Associate of Applied Science Degree: (FAD - AAS)

About the Program

The Associate of Applied Science in Merchandising is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the fashion, retail, and product management industries. This program provides a practical foundation in visual merchandising, retail buying, inventory control, trend analysis, marketing, and customer experience. Students gain hands-on experience through classroom projects, industry software, and merchandising labs that simulate real-world environments. With a focus on both the creative and business sides of merchandising, students learn to analyze consumer behavior, develop product assortments, manage retail floor plans, and create compelling visual displays. Emphasis is placed on preparing students for careers in both physical and digital marketplaces, including e-commerce. Graduates are equipped to enter the workforce directly or continue toward a bachelor’s degree in merchandising, fashion marketing, business, or related fields.

This Program Offers:

• Associate of Applied Science: 63 credit hours
• College Certificate: 41 credit hours

Program Goals

• Develop Industry-Ready Skills: Equip students with the practical skills and foundational knowledge required for immediate employment in fashion merchandising and retail environments
• Bridge Fashion and Business: Provide an understanding of the fashion industry’s business side, including marketing strategies, consumer behavior, product planning, and inventory control
• Foster Visual and Analytical Thinking: Teach students how to analyze market trends, visually merchandise products, and make data-informed buying and merchandising decisions
• Support Career Mobility and Lifelong Learning: Prepare students for a range of entry-level positions and promote further educational opportunities in fashion business, retail, or marketing

Program Outcomes

• Identify and interpret current fashion trends and their influence on consumer behavior
• Develop basic retail buying plans and calculate markup, markdown, and profitability
• Design and implement visual merchandising displays that align with brand identity and sales objectives
• Apply marketing and branding strategies to promote fashion products across various platforms
• Understand the fundamentals of supply chain management in fashion retail and its role in merchandising
• Communicate effectively with vendors, team members, and clients using industry-relevant terminology and presentation skills
• Demonstrate professionalism, time management, and collaborative skills in fashion-related workplace settings

Admission Requirements

Students are required to do the following:

• Be 18 years of age or older (unless part of dual enrollment) or must have completed high school or hold a General Education Development (GED) Certificate
• Fulfil all WCCCD admission requirements
• Declare intent to enter the program on WCCCD Admission Application or in the Student Services Office
• Complete an Educational Development Plan (Plan of Work), outlining the student’s plan for program completion
• Fulfill course placement requirements based on the ACCUPLACER assessment