Fashion Design and Merchandising Banner
Career & Academic Pathways >> Business & Hospitality
Contact Information
Edith Schneider (Department Chair)
eschneider@mpc.edu

For Additional Info
• Download our Info Sheet 
 • Visit MPC Fashion website
• Connect with a Counselor

Program Overview

Clothing is a powerful means of expressing personal taste and values, and leading designers can define popular culture. The Fashion Design and Merchandising program prepares students to work in this vibrant field. Students learn basic principles of design and textiles, knowledge of the fashion business, and computer-assisted design. Upon program completion, graduates are prepared to transfer to a university with a fashion design and merchandising program to pursue a career in the global fashion industry. 

Job Outlook

Program graduates have introductory skills they can apply in entry-level roles or use as a foundation for further studies in design and merchandising. With further training, graduates may also pursue careers costuming for performing arts or entertainment companies. Behind the scenes, merchandising, inventory management, and sustainable sourcing are all growing in importance in an increasingly global and online industry.

Potential Careers

Costume Designers

$25,890 - $53,710

Pattern Makers

$27,100 - $96,610

*Fashion Designers
(may require additional training)

$39,030 - $164,870

*Wholesale & Retail Buyers
(may require additional training)

$41,190 - $112,090
*Online Merchandisers
(may require additional training)

 

$51,220 - $87,709

MPC Degrees and Certificates

  • Fashion Design & Merchandising: Associate in Science (AS)
  • Fashion Design & Merchandising: Certificate of Achievement (COA)

Suggested Course Sequence (AS) 

Year 1

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS

ENGL 1A 

 3

ENGL 2

 3

LIBR 50

 1

ECON 2

 3
MATH 16 or 18
 4

FASH 11

 3

FASH 10

 3 Area E
 3
Area C2
 3     BUSI 22 rec.
   US-1 rec.
CSU Elective
 3
 
 
Total Fall Units
 14 Total Spring Units
 15

Year 2

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS

Area A1

 3

FASH 20

 3

FASH 15

 3 Area C1 or C2
 3
Area B1 & B3
 4 Area F
 3
ECON 4
 3    US 2 & 3 (POLS/ETNC 16) rec.
CSU Elective

 3
 Area B2
3

 

   BIOL 31 rec.

  

  CSU Elective
 3

Total Fall Units
 16 Total Spring Units 15

This is a suggested sequence of coursework and is one pathway for students to earn their degree/certificate. This is not an official educational plan. A counselor is able to assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. For more information about counseling and up-to-date program requirements, please visit www.mpc.edu/counseling. 

Testimonials 

Alexis Bollin

MPC has provided me with a clear educational path that allowed me to complete my associate degree while working full time. The instruction I received at MPC helped me feel prepared for upper courses at a 4-year university. Without the faculty and staff support at MPC, I do not believe that I would be transferring to pursue my bachelor’s degree.

Amira Ryce

Learning the foundational information of my major at MPC instilled in me a strong intuition and an even stronger passion that certainly came in handy later on! I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to take advantage of the quality and accessibility of the faculty and resources at MPC.