Contact Information

Contact Information
Division
Liberal Arts
Dean
Patrick Marasso
Associate Deans
Soni Verma, Maria Villasenor
Location
Division Office
W 107, Rocklin Campus

Overview

The Fashion program is designed to provide students with the necessary background for careers in the fashion industry or as a basis for advanced study. An AS degree, Certificate of Achievement and two Skills Certificates may be earned.

Faculty

Diana E. Higashi

Professor, Fashion

B.A., San Francisco State University

Fashion Advisory Committee

  • Buckle, Roseville, CA
  • Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandise (FIDM)
  • Nordstrom, Roseville, CA
  • Rocklin High School, Rocklin, CA
  • Wandering Wardrobe, Colfax, CA
  • Z Gallerie, Roseville, CA

Degrees/Certificates

Associate Degree

Certificate of Achievement

Skills Certificates

Fashion Industries

AS Degree

The Fashion Industries program is designed to provide students with the necessary background for a variety of careers in the fashion industry or as a basis for advanced study. For the degree, students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

Required Courses

FASH 0001Introduction to Fashion3
FASH 0002Fashion Analysis and Selection3
FASH 0003Textiles3
FASH 0004ABasic Clothing Construction3
FASH 0007Fashion Promotion3
FASH 0012Fashion History3
FASH 0015Clothing and Culture3
FASH 0028Independent Study1
or FASH 0095 Internship in Fashion
Select 9 units from the following:9
Fashion Illustration
Buying for the Fashion Industry
Visual Merchandising
Fashion Retailing
Sustainability in Fashion
Fashion Entrepreneurship
Total Units31

Fashion Industries

Certificate of Achievement

The Fashion Industries program is designed to provide students with the necessary background for a variety of careers in the fashion industry or as a basis for advanced study. 

A certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses
FASH 0001Introduction to Fashion3
FASH 0002Fashion Analysis and Selection3
FASH 0003Textiles3
FASH 0004ABasic Clothing Construction3
FASH 0007Fashion Promotion3
FASH 0012Fashion History3
FASH 0015Clothing and Culture3
FASH 0028Independent Study1
or FASH 0095 Internship in Fashion
Select 9 units from the following:9
Fashion Illustration
Buying for the Fashion Industry
Visual Merchandising
Fashion Retailing
Sustainability in Fashion
Fashion Entrepreneurship
Total Units31

Fashion Media

Certificate of Achievement

This certificate is designed to give the students the specific knowledge needed for entering the workforce in the area of fashion social media. Examples of jobs in this area include running social media sites for retailers, creating fashion blogs, and setting up web based fashion businesses.

A certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

AAD 0012Visual Communication (Also COMM 0012)3
AAD 0070Introduction to Digital Design3
AAD 0075Introduction to Digital Imaging (Also PHOT 0075)3
BUS 0282Marketing in the Digital Age3
FASH 0001Introduction to Fashion3
FASH 0002Fashion Analysis and Selection3
FASH 0007Fashion Promotion3
FASH 0008Fashion Illustration3
PHOT 0060ABeginning Photography3
FASH 0019Fashion Entrepreneurship3
Total Units30

Fashion Design

Skills Certificate

Designed to give students basic support knowledge and abilities required to enter the workforce. Focuses on skills relative to the fields of fashion design, fashion consulting, alterations, wardrobe styling and personal shopping. This is a specialty skills certificate designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

FASH 0002Fashion Analysis and Selection3
FASH 0003Textiles3
FASH 0004ABasic Clothing Construction3
FASH 0004BIntermediate Clothing Construction3
FASH 0008Fashion Illustration3
Total Units15

Fashion Merchandising

Skills Certificate

Designed to give students basic support knowledge and abilities required to enter the workforce. Focuses on skills relative to the fields of fashion retail, fashion merchandising, wardrobe styling and personal shopping. This is a specialty skills certificate designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

FASH 0001Introduction to Fashion3
FASH 0002Fashion Analysis and Selection3
FASH 0013Buying for the Fashion Industry3
or FASH 0017 Fashion Retailing
FASH 0007Fashion Promotion3
FASH 0014Visual Merchandising3
Total Units15

Courses

Understanding course descriptions

FASH 0001. Introduction to Fashion

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Exploration of the diversity and complexities of the fashion business. Career opportunities and qualifications are studied. The relationship between the fashion world and the public, including sources of fashion, influences on fashion, and fashion prediction and promotion, are addressed. (CSU)

FASH 0002. Fashion Analysis and Selection

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Consideration of the psychological, sociological, and physical factors which have an impact on dress. Principles of design as they relate to clothing and appearance. Consumer issues related to the selection and use of clothing. (CSU)

FASH 0003. Textiles

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the study of characteristics and uses of natural and synthetic fibers and fabrics. Emphasizes evaluation and selection of textile products. (CSU, UC)

FASH 0004A. Basic Clothing Construction

Units: 3
Hours: 108 (27 lecture, 81 laboratory)
Techniques of garment construction; use of commercial patterns, pattern alterations, and fitting techniques; comparison of construction techniques and costs between ready-to-wear and custom-made clothing; the social and psychological aspects of clothing selection, with emphasis on basic design principles. (CSU)

FASH 0004B. Intermediate Clothing Construction

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of FASH 4A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 108 (27 lecture, 81 laboratory)
Intermediate and advanced techniques of garment construction. Designed for individuals with basic knowledge of sewing principles. Development and improvement of skills in working with designer patterns; techniques of handling specialty fabrics, including knit fabrics; use of sergers. (CSU)

FASH 0007. Fashion Promotion

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Emphasis on the role of promotion in the selling and advertising of fashion goods. All avenues of fashion promotion explored and evaluated including: advertising, publicity, special events, fashion show production, direct marketing and target market research. Promotion skills developed through the planning and promotion of special events. (CSU)

FASH 0008. Fashion Illustration

Units: 3
Hours: 108 (36 lecture, 72 laboratory)
Illustration techniques with emphasis on figure proportions used in the fashion industry. Various media used to communicate fashion and apparel details. Illustration software presented with focus on technical drawings. (CSU)

FASH 0012. Fashion History

Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of ENGL N with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
Fashion and adornment through the ages to the present. Emphasis on the historical flow and how fashion themes are reinterpreted or influence designs in later periods including the present. Provides a basis for understanding and appreciating fashion as well as how the times and environment affect styling, colors, fabric and details. Field trip may be required. (CSU)

FASH 0013. Buying for the Fashion Industry

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Examines the roles and responsibilities of fashion industry buyers and merchandising managers that must balance the needs of retailers, objectives of vendors, and preferences of consumers. The roles of trend forecasting, inventory analysis and assortment planning are discussed as they relate to the fashion industry. Introduction to domestic and international fashion markets and market weeks. Prepares students for fashion industry careers as vendors, buyers, or retailers of fashion goods and services. (CSU)

FASH 0014. Visual Merchandising

Units: 3
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Introduces contemporary display techniques, equipment, and materials for designing three-dimensional product presentations within the retail environment. Emphasis is placed on fashion items and includes the use of mannequins and dress forms. Students complete a window display on campus. Field trips required. (CSU)

FASH 0015. Clothing and Culture

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Study of clothing and its relationship to culture, society, and the individual. The psychological and sociological influences of dress, the physical aspects of appearance, and the influences of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and class on the development of personal identity are explored through the study of style in traditional cultures, popular culture and everyday life. (CSU)

FASH 0017. Fashion Retailing

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Explores store and non-store fashion retailing formats, structure, purpose, as well as the challenges impacting the ways retailers interact with today's consumers. Students gain an understanding of the retail industry from a fashion-oriented perspective. Methods of franchising, licensing, branding, and retail terminology are introduced. Students will also gain an understanding of merchandise planning and management, promotional strategies, brand image, human resource management, store layout, and customer service. (CSU)

FASH 0018. Sustainability in Fashion

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Exploration of the tenets of sustainability and social change in fashion. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice are analyzed in product development, operations, and promotion of fashion. Fashion brand strategies to decrease the environmental impact of fashion products. Longevity of use, supply chain transparency, regulations, and media coverage all along the fashion process are addressed. (CSU)

FASH 0019. Fashion Entrepreneurship

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Examines the skills needed to conceive, finance, open, and operate a successful fashion business. It addresses the creation of a small business specific to fashion retail or apparel design and manufacturing. Topics include recognizing and creating business opportunities, as well as marketing and selling techniques. A model business plan is developed by exploring resources necessary to be a successful entrepreneur in the fashion industry. (CSU)

FASH 0028. Independent Study

Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU)

FASH 0095. Internship in Fashion

Units: 0.5-4
Designed for advanced students to work in an area related to their educational or occupational goal. Provides new on-the-job technical training under the direction of a worksite supervisor, allowing students to expand knowledge and skills in the chosen field. Mandatory orientation session and faculty approval to determine eligibility. One unit of credit is equal to 54 hours of work. Students may earn up to a total of 16 units in internship courses (any course numbered 95 and PDEV 94). (CSU-with unit limitation)

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

  • Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of fashion design and merchandising.
  • Create elements of fashion merchandising and design that reflect creative expression.
  • Critique elements and principles of design in Fashion design and merchandising.
  • Develop skills in teamwork through group projects.
  • Use computer skills to work with fashion industry software.