Fashion Merchandising – Entrepreneurship/Buying/Marketing

The Fashion Merchandising – Entrepreneurship/Buying/Marketing Certificate of Achievement prepares students for careers in fashion with a focus on business strategies, retail management, and promotional techniques. Students gain essential skills in managing retail operations, purchasing strategies, brand development, and marketing. Graduates are equipped to pursue roles in fashion buying, marketing, sales, retail management, product development, e-commerce, and brand management, making them competitive in today’s fashion industry. This certificate emphasizes both creative and strategic expertise, opening doors to a variety of dynamic career opportunities in the fashion world.

This certificate is part of the Fashion program which offers a variety of courses that allow students to develop skills to pursue careers in fashion and costume design, fashion merchandising, fashion design technology, fashion merchandising technology, and related fashion careers.

Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution should consult the counseling department and a Fashion faculty advisor for assistance in program planning.

Students who complete the Fashion Program will gain facility with: 

• Communication: Students will have the ability to demonstrate effective communication and critical thinking through oral presentations and written work.
• Technological Awareness: Students will have the ability to use current technology such as computers, peripherals, and software or sewing equipment pertinent to fashion design or merchandising. 
• Global Awareness: Students will have the ability to compare and contrast how various cultures and countries interrelate in the global fashion community.
• Industry Preparedness: Students will achieve a set of skills that keeps them current and allows them to secure employment in the Fashion industry.

Students will be assessed through a combination of performance evaluations, written assignments, and written tests and quizzes.

Career Options – 

Fashion Design: Careers in the areas of fashion design, costume design, technical design, pattern making, draper, sewist, sample maker, merchandising, illustration, textiles, textile and print designer, or tailor.

Fashion Merchandising: Careers in the areas of merchandising, retail management, fashion sales, fashion buying, promotion, visual merchandising, fashion styling, fashion marketing, stylist, manufacturer’s sales rep, piece good, or trim buyer.

This new certificate is expected to have approximately five students complete annually.

The goal of the Fashion Program is to provide students with technical and career skills that allow them to enter the fashion industry with a balance of knowledge, theory, and practical training. We strive to provide students with quality instruction, utilizing current technology and equipment, and relevant curriculum.

This Certificate is a longstanding program that offers more opportunities for employment. The degree is housed in the Fashion program at San Diego Mesa College. This degree fits the mission of San Diego Mesa College by providing this certificate to support the workforce training of students and promote lifelong learning opportunities. This award aligns with statewide educational efforts, such as Vision 2030, ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills for transfer, personal enrichment, and economic mobility. Consistent with San Diego Mesa’s College's mission to offer general education, associate and bachelor's degrees, transfer pathways, certificates, and career technical education, the Fashion program supports students in their journey toward personal and professional growth.