Look at what you are wearing right now. All apparel must be created by someone who
has knowledge of color, fabric and style and can visualize the design, construct the
finished garment and bring it to the market in order to entice someone like you to
purchase it.
You can be a part of the exciting and creative fashion industry through Harper's Fashion
Studies Program. We offer two distinct associate degrees — Fashion Design and Fashion
Merchandising — covering the creation, promotion and sales of today's hottest looks.
With courses in sewing, construction, pattern making, textiles, illustration, visual
merchandising, and trend forecasting, you'll learn how fashion is made, how the materials
are selected and sourced, and how fashion is displayed to be sold.
Program highlights
Get insightful, supportive and constructive feedback from experienced, caring faculty.
Meet your instructors
Show your work at Harper's Annual Student Fashion Show, staged by fashion merchandising students with looks provided by students in fashion
design program.
Gain real world experience at Studio V, a professional, student-run boutique offering locally designed work, jewelry, fashion
items, accessories, sculpture, art and original pieces.
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Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
Degree programs
Harper's Associate in Applied Science—Fashion Design offers training you need to become a professional fashion designer. The degree offers
two areas of specialization: Fashion Design, for those interested in apparel design and construction, and Fashion Entrepreneurship, for those interested in managing a fashion business, apparel line or production operation.
The Associate in Applied Science—Fashion Merchandising will prepare you for the business and promotional side of fashion, from market research,
to purchasing, marketing, and displaying apparel.
To make transferring to a bachelor's program in fashion studies as easy as possible,
Harper College has developed transfer agreements with area universities. To learn
more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.
Certificate programs
Harper's fashion certificate programs are designed to give you an introducton to the
fashion industry or add new skills. Many of the courses you take for fashion certificate
programs can also be applied to the Fashion Studies AAS degrees.
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Fashion Studies degree/certificate programs.
Each career profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including salaries,
open positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Fashion Studies Careers page.
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark
and cut fabrics and apparel.
Core tasks:
Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts,
drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.
Draw details on outlined parts to indicate where parts are to be joined, as well as
the positions of pleats, pockets, buttonholes, and other features, using computers
or drafting instruments.
Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.
Quick facts:
Fashion Designers
Fashion Designers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Fashion Designers career profile for most current data.
$45,320 Median Salary
8.2% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
67 Job Postings
Description:
Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
Core tasks:
Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications
such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers
at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze
past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine
value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to
contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new
products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers
of nonfarm products.
Core tasks:
Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.
Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity,
specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness.
Recommend mark-up rates, mark-down rates, or merchandise selling prices.
Quick facts:
To learn more about starting your fashion studies degree at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
