About the Fashion Merchandising Program
Fashion merchandisers select, purchase, promote, and sell clothing and accessories. As a Fashion Merchandising student, you will study fashion trends, learn about trend forecasting, and visit manufacturers and merchandise markets to gain real-world experience in the field. Your classroom simulates an industry office. You will work in teams and play various roles: manager, buyer, advertiser, display department, and sales representative.
Learn how to coordinate promotional activities, including marketing campaigns and fashion shows. Fashion merchandising offers advanced career options across marketing, purchasing, merchandising, and sales. In this program, you will build a diverse portfolio designed to help you transition to a 4-year institution or enter directly into the fashion industry.
We provide opportunities to visit design houses and manufacturers, as well as hear from retailers, merchandisers, and stylists. Top fashion schools and employers value Santa Monica College Fashion Merchandising graduates for their motivation, focus, and creativity.
Your dream of working in the fashion industry is within reach.
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Program Paths
Fashion Merchandising
Associate in Science
Certificate of Achievement
Fashion merchandising students learn and experience each step of the development, promotion, and sales of fashion and lifestyle product lines. Fashion trends are identified and analyzed in order to understand the direction of product development, the positioning in the marketplace, the importance of proper sales representation via visual presentation, advertising, public relations, and social media in the fashion cycle from initial concept to brick-n-mortar and e-commerce sales.
Career Opportunities
Our Fashion Design program is designed to have students career ready. Consider scheduling
an appointment with a career advisor with knowledge of the fashion design profession to discuss internship and jobs as well as steps you can take to become job ready.
Resources and Transfer
Student Resources
We know college isn't always easy. We are here to help as you navigate through your SMC journey. This resource connects to information about Financial Aid, Tutoring Services, the Center for Wellness and Wellbeing and much more!
LA Mode
Each year Fashion Design and Merchandising students combine talents to plan, promote and produce a fashion show featuring student designs on the runway. LA Mode is a highly anticipated event for students and industry insiders.
Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university.