Fashion Design Program

About the Fashion Design Program
As a Fashion Design student, you will work hands-on alongside seasoned industry professionals who make up our faculty. Build a foundation in the history of fashion, global fashion trends, color theory, and preliminary sketching. Advance your knowledge and skills with courses in design, technical flat sketching and illustration, pattern drafting, sewing, draping, garment production, and more. You will also learn how to use Adobe Creative Suite and CAD software.
Your classroom is a real-world workshop, where you will sketch garments, cut patterns, source fabrics and materials, and construct sample garments for your own line. These pieces become part of your ever-expanding body of work, which you will compile into a portfolio to help you transition to a 4-year fashion program 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 Design graduates for their motivation, focus, and dedication to their craft.
Design a creative career fueled by your passion.
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. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Degrees and Certificates
Associate in Science Degree - Fashion Design
40 units + General Education Requirements
Certificate of Achievement - Fashion Design
40 units
Fashion design students develop skills in design communication, including preliminary sketching, technical flat sketching, illustration, and usage of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and CAD software. Skills in draping, pattern-drafting from draping and body measurements, and basic sewing skills to advanced construction are developed in order to create sample garments for production and sales.