Associate in Science, Fashion Merchandising

The Associate in Science Degree, Fashion Merchandising focuses on fundamental apparel development and technical skills preparing students for an entry-level position in the field of fashion buying, merchandising, product development, sourcing, production, retail sales and management, and fashion promotion.  This foundational course of study introduces technology throughout the merchandising and planning process and explores sourcing and the global supply chain.  The degree may provide undergraduate requirements necessary for students wishing to transfer to a college or university in fashion design or related majors. 

• Create an environment that promotes critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, soft skills, multicultural and global awareness that provides career opportunities in fashion.

• Analyze fashion trends and textiles, apply retail merchandising and buying principles, and obtain technical skills for apparel development.

The department expects 6 students to complete each year 

The Fashion Merchandising program is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the fundamentals of apparel development and technical skills preparing students for an entry-level position in the field of fashion buying, merchandising, product development, sourcing, production, retail sales and management, and fashion promotion.  Fashion is the second largest share of creative industry jobs in L.A. County, contributing nearly 1 in 5 jobs of the creative industries’ total employment in the County. LBCC’s location between Los Angeles and Orange County gives our students meaningful opportunities for employment.  L.A. county is the “denim capital” of the United States known for its finishing and detailing methods.  An emphasis is placed on learning to collaborate across multiple disciplines and creating a balance between creative and technical skills.  

Los Angeles County’s creative industries generate 864,958 jobs, $77.9 billion in labor income, and $207.8 billion in annual output.  Of the 864,958 total jobs, 414,945 are workers directly employed in the creative industries and 450,013 are jobs indirectly generated by the industry. In total, both the direct employment generated by the County’s creative industries and the indirect employment they create through multiplier effects constitute 19.7% of Los Angeles County’s total employment.  Apparel Wholesalers jobs increased 5,124 jobs between 2010-2017.  In the last 5 years, there has been a notable uptick in brands showing their lines in Los Angeles County.  The Fashion Merchandising program prepares students for entry-level jobs within the merchandising, wholesale, planning, sourcing, textiles, retail and manufacturing sectors.  Creative occupations often require high levels of education or skills training, so an Associate degree or Certificate in Merchandising is an important part of making our students market ready.

The LBCC Fashion program provides a learning environment that promotes critical thinking, creativity, multicultural awareness, sustainable practices, hands-on learning, work experience and industry networking opportunities. Our students learn from faculty who have worked in the fashion industry and bring their experience and industry connections to the classroom.  Located in one of the country’s largest fashion hubs, the LBCC Fashion program prepares its diverse community of students for careers in fashion and offers specialty classes such as swimwear construction and textile surface design. 

There are no requested faculty or facilities for this program, as the program already exists. The LBCC Fashion program serves to meet the labor market and educational needs of students and professionals seeking employment in the fashion industry. Our program is vetted by an Advisory Board comprising experts in the field of apparel design, buying, merchandising, styling, product development, technical design, and marketing, which allows us to tap into the needs of the local labor force, and align our Fashion Program to sync with industry needs.

Course	Course Title	Units	Sequence
Complete the following courses:
	FD 3	Intro to Careers in Design/Merchandising	2	Yr 1 Spring
	FD 5	Product Development	2	Yr 1 Spring
	FD 9	Clothing Selection	3	Yr 1 Fall
	FD 10	Textile Fibers and Fabrics	3	Yr 2 Fall
	FD 20	Introduction to the Fashion Industry	3	Yr 1 Fall
	FD 23	Fashion/Merchandise Buying	4	Yr 2 Fall
	FD 24	Fundamentals of Apparel Construction	3	Yr 1 Fall
	FD 32	History of Fashion	3	Yr 2 Spring
	FD 45	Digital Fashion Illustration	3	Yr 1 Spring
	FD 46	Advanced Digital Fashion Illustration	1.5	Yr 2 Spring
	FD 200	Trend Forecasting	1	Yr 2 Spring
		TOTAL	28.5
RECOMMENDED but not required:
	COSA 1	Computer Information Competency	1	Yr 1 Fall
	FD 271WE	Work Experience - Fashion Design	1-4	Yr 2 Fall
	IBUS 20	Export-Import Business Practices	3	Yr 2 Fall

There are similar programs at LBCC: a Certificate of Achievement, Fashion Merchandising: Buying and Certificate of Achievement, Fashion Merchandising: Product Development.

There are similar programs at neighboring community colleges, including Santa Ana College, Orange Coast College, Saddleback College, Santa Monica College, El Camino, Fullerton College, Mt San Antonio College and Pasadena City College.

150-200