This certificate offers the skills necessary for jobs in the retail market. Course work concentrates on fashion coordination, promotion, visual presentation, management, merchandising, retail buying, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
This certificate prepares students for entry-level jobs in retail merchandising, such as department store buyers, boutique buyers, visual merchandisers, sales associates, management trainees, product developers and wholesalers. It also prepares students for self-employment or entrepreneurship.

Student Learning Outcomes
✔ compare and contrast historical garment design to contemporary dress.
✔ conceive and produce a fashion show.
✔ develop visual displays for a window presentation.
✔ draft a six-month retail buying plan.
✔ assess characteristics of various fibers and how they relate to the finished fabric.
✔ draw a flat working sketch and a fashion illustration.
✔ apply principles of time management, cost control, and decision making to managerial responsibilities.
✔ develop a business plan for a fashion related business.
✔ create portfolios of fashion, wedding, and portrait photographs.
✔ analyze and demonstrate the steps of professional selling, including approach, needs assessment, presentation, overcoming objections and negotiating, closing, and servicing of the sale.
✔ describe how the advertising industry operates and produces advertising through the work of advertisers, agencies, media, and suppliers.
✔ explain how retailers use merchandise management decisions to implement their retail strategy, including planning, buying, pricing, branding, and promoting their merchandise.
✔ critique customer buying behavior and how it relates to fashion choices.