Which Colleges Have Fashion Degree Programs in the Seattle, WA Area?

The Seattle area is home to four colleges offering either certificate programs or associate's degree programs in fashion to prepare you for the industry.

What You Need to Know

Fashion degree programs in and around Seattle are typically offered at 2-year institutions. In fashion or retail merchandising, you might earn a certificate by completing 30-55 quarter credits or a 2-year associate's degree. In the field of design, you could work toward a 2-year associate's degree in apparel design.

Fashion Merchandising Certificate Programs in Seattle, WA

Edmonds Community College

The certificate program at Edmonds Community College could prepare you for entry-level employment. If you wish, you may take classes online as well as on-campus. Examples of program courses include retail management, e-marketing, fashion design and human relations. The program also includes an internship and development seminar.

• Program Name: Fashion/Retail Merchandising Certificate
• Program Length: At least 35 quarter credits
• Tuition and Fees (2018-2019): $4,136 for in-state, and $9,506 for out-of-state
• School Type: 2-year, public; 8,041 students (all undergraduate)

Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom

The certificate program at Pierce College was designed so that you can earn your certificate, gain a job and attain an associate's or bachelor's degree if you desire. You'll study consumer buying behavior, business strategies, trade deficits and fashion information resources. Possible career options after completing the program include marketing assistant, window dresser and retail merchandiser.

• Program Name: Fashion Merchandising Certificate
• Program Length: 53-55 quarter credits
• Tuition and Fees (2018-2019): $3,862 for in-state, and $4,290 for out-of-state
• School Type: 2-year, public; 6,067 students (all undergraduates)

Shoreline Community College

You'll study business math, retail marketing and fashion history while enrolled in Shoreline's certificate program. Other topics of study include merchandising trends, creating buying plans and fashion production. The school also offers a Certificate of Proficiency, which takes 45 credits to complete. It is designed for students who want a longer program covering additional topics such as retail buying and management, professional selling, and how to be a supervisor.

• Program Name: Certificate of Completion in Fashion Merchandising
• Program Length: 30 quarter credits (6 courses)
• Tuition and Fees (2018-2019): $3,873 for in-state, and $6,622 for out-of-state
• Prerequisites: Placement into composition, communications, business mathematics and pre-algebra courses
• School Type: 2-year, public; 5,949 students (all undergraduates)

Fashion Design and Merchandising Associate's Degree Programs in Seattle, WA

Seattle Central Community College

After earning your degree from Seattle Central Community College, you may be ready for a career as a technical artist, pattern grader or an assistant designer. The program also includes several work experience courses in addition to resume and portfolio development courses. Other program highlights include apparel manufacturing, computer applications, business practices and fashion history.

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science in Apparel Design
• Program Length: Two years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees (2018-2019): $3,669 per academic year
• Admission Requirements: Applicants must show intermediate sewing skills and computer competency
• School Type: 4-year, primarily associate's, public; 6,802 students (all undergraduates)

Shoreline Community College

You'll learn about retail marketing, supervision, entrepreneurship and professional selling while enrolled in a fashion merchandising associate's degree program at Shoreline Community College. Your instructors will also teach you about merchandising trends, how to display merchandise and how to run a business. Merchandise planner, marketing specialist and sales representative are a few of the possible careers available to you after attaining this degree.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences in Fashion Merchandising
• Program Length: Two years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees (2018-2019): $3,873 for in-state, and $6,622 for out-of-state
• Prerequisites: Placement into composition, communications, business mathematics and pre-algebra courses
• School Type: 2-year, public; 5,949 students (all undergraduates)

By completing either a certificate program or associate's degree in fashion at one of these Seattle-area community colleges, you will be prepared to take a leading role at retail stores or possibly enter the larger industry.