College of Alameda > Academic Programs > Apparel Design and Merchandising

Apparel Design and Merchandising

The Apparel Design And Merchandising (ADAM) Program offers fundamental and advanced training in fashion design from collection development through production.  Our affordable, industry-driven curriculum meets current trends and technology in an ever-expanding field. Many classes reach maximum enrollment early. Register now so you can get the classes you need for your degree.

To analyze and identify current trends and trend forecasting, ADAM students receive a free, digital subscription to WWD (Women’s Wear Daily), the leading business publication for the fashion and beauty industries.

Whether you’re interested in becoming a fashion designer or just want to take a class and meet other creative people, this is the program for you. ADAM offers an affordable education and the opportunity of a creative and financially stable career. You can earn your AA degree in Fashion Design or Certificate in about 2 years. Many of our classes are also transferable to 4-year state universities.

  • Students will acquire the basic skills and knowledge needed to obtain, compete, and sustain gainful employment within the vast global field of the fashion industry
  • Students will be able to communicate and present oneself effectively and with confidence in the multi diverse fashion industry.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) may be assessed using:

  • surveys
  • questionnaires
  • review of collected data
  • other methods

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges to disclose a variety of information for any financial aid eligible program that “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. The information provided in the link(s) below describes the graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information regarding gainful employment for the latest completed academic year (as of July 1). Full-time status is defined as a student that enrolls in 12 units for both the fall and the spring semesters of a given academic year.

https://web.peralta.edu/ge-assiciate/Apparel-Design-and-Merchandising.html

Our alumni are successfully employed in the Bay Area fashion industry working as:

  • senior designers – assistant designers – creative directors
  • senior bridal wear designers – assistant bridal wear designers
  • senior directors – senior product developers – business owners
  • creative consultants – stylists
  • garment technicians – technical designers – pattern makers
  • research and development fabric and finish technicians
  • textile conservationists
  • tailors
  • costume designers
  • fit specialists
  • fashion illustrators
  • project managers – production coordinators
  • instructors
  • handbag designers – accessory designers
  • sample sewers – graders – cutters and more

Alumni Success