Curriculum
The following are the required courses for this major. Students who attend Orientation and meet with the Education Department can obtain personalized academic counseling to complete the program. Transfer credits, changes in curriculum, and other factors may affect the academic plan for individual students. The FIDM Education Department can provide additional information.
Prerequisite:
A prior Associates degree or 45-60 semester units (67-90 quarter units) of transferable academic coursework. Students entering the program with fewer than 60 semester units (90 quarter units) will have additional coursework to complete.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A)
Creative Industry Studies, Merchandising & Marketing Core
BUAD 2850
Entrepreneurship
UNITS: 3
This course explores what it takes to launch a new venture, both as an entrepreneur and an employee. Students develop a business plan, including identifying opportunities and establishing objectives, matching customer profile to site locations, analyzing competitors practices, and developing a competitive marketing mix. Students also learn the necessary business establishment requirements and financial projections to secure capital or financing to initiate their business venture.
Prerequisites: COSM 2380, COSM 2450, SMED 2750
BUMT 3100
Ethics in Business+
UNITS: 3
This course addresses the importance of ethical issues and the financial impact on business performance and ownership. The costs and consequences of failing to act ethically are explored. Students learn strategies to solve real life dilemmas. Students explore the importance of ethics as a dimension of social responsibility and business ethics in the global economy.
BUMT 3820
Business Law+
UNITS: 3
Students develop an understanding of corporate formation and procedures, limited liability companies and special business forms. This course examines social, ethical, and political implications of law and its application to business transactions as well as intellectual property law.
BUMT 4100
Small Business Management+
UNITS: 3
A study of how small businesses can manage the unique challenges they face and how they can achieve and maintain a competitive advantage, this course involves feasibility analysis and addresses issues of small business ownership and management, strategic planning, financial planning, marketing for competitive advantage, the economics of pricing, and break-even analysis. Prerequisite: BUMT 4200 or BUMT 4230
BUMT 4130
Financial Literacy+
UNITS: 6
Students will develop an understanding of the role of financial management in the strategic planning process, and demonstrate an understanding of financial statements through financial ratio analysis. They will examine cash flow management techniques and their application to financial planning and Analyze financial risk and return fundamentals, and develop an understanding of capital budgeting techniques and valuation.
BUMT 4910
Creativity in Business+
UNITS: 3
This course explores all of the elements that are necessary to succeed in a business venture. An advanced overview focusing on the business plan, the organization and support team, the marketing plan, process management, cash planning and working capital management, quality, service and ethics, and growth strategies.
Prerequisites: BUMT 4100
GNST 2530
Principles of Kinesiology+
UNITS: 3
The emphasis of this course is to scientifically examine the musculoskeletal and physiological systems of the body in motion and at rest. The principles of biochemical, pulmonary, and circulatory systems related to movement and exercise and the contemporary issues of neuromuscular health are investigated.
GNST 2530L
Principles of Kinesiology Lab+
UNITS: 1
This lab includes field excursions, observation journals, and interviews with practitioners in the field of kinesiology, including physical therapists, sports medicine physicians, and professional trainers.
GNST 3200
Consumer Social Behavior
UNITS: 3
Students examine the process of creating consumer demand through case studies and focus groups.
GNST 3400
Social Psychology+
UNITS: 3
A course that examines social psychology and how the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions of individuals are created and modified by the social and cultural conditions in which they live. Issues of social influence, cooperation and conflict, conformity, perception, change, and leadership are explored.
GNST 3500
Professional Presentation+
UNITS: 3
A course in effective organizational communication, with emphasis on advanced oral communication skills, including interviewing. Students examine the dynamics of individual and group communication as preparation for full-scaled, business-specific informative and persuasive speeches, in which they use computer technology, visual aids, and statistical data to enhance the impact and clarity of their presentations.
GNST 3600
Future Trends in Society
UNITS: 3
Students explore the demographic trends, shifts in technology, and varied communication avenues of the current socioeconomic landscape as a means of anticipating the cultural expectations, values, and practices that will give rise to new products, methods of marketing/communication, and business trends. Prerequisite: GNST 3400
GNST 3700
Multicultural Perspectives Through the Short Story++
UNITS: 3
Through the literary vehicle of the short story, students examine issues of coexistence, integration, and assimilation in the international arena. In considering diversities such as race, ethnicity, class, family, gender, and language, they gain the tools for evaluating, with new awareness, their own identity and value system within a multicultural context.
GNST 3750
Mapping Your World: Introduction to Global Production
UNITS: 3
This geographical survey of the worlds major regions covers population distribution, natural resources, and relationships between different regions in reference to trade and environment, with a focus on current geo-political issues.
GNST 3800
Icons of Culture: The Context of Meaning
UNITS: 3
Students explore universal design concepts underlying the applied arts, the decorative arts, and architecture/architectural form. Using the language of aesthetic analysis, they relate formal elements of color and structure, pattern and motif, and icon and symbol to the origins, development, and diffusion of a wide range of designed objects from many cultures and historical periods. In the process, they gain insight into the durability, adaptability, and resonance of concepts and images that have achieved iconic status in the world of design.
GNST 3900
Issues in Contemporary Society+
UNITS: 3
A General Studies capstone course addressing current issues in social diversity, globalization, business ethics, and civic responsibility. Students combine critical analysis, scientific inquiry, and technological skill to research and prepare a clear written and oral presentation on a challenging, advanced question of their own choosing.
MMKT 2080
Brand Management Strategies
UNITS: 3
Students gain an understanding of basic brand principles through exposure to classic and contemporary branding strategies, applications, and case studies. Students explore key brand identity elements, positioning and leveraging brand equity.
MMKT 2420
Marketing Communications
UNITS: 3
Through the written word marketers evoke images that resonate with the target market. This course explores traditional and new media communication methodology. Students acquire a wide variety of writing skills to effectively communicate across traditional and new media platforms.
MPDV 2100
Fashion Merchandising & Assortment Planning
UNITS: 3
An in-depth study of the financial planning process for the apparel industry. Students are introduced to pricing principles, the purchasing process, methods of analysis, and calculating profitability. Utilizing Excel, a six month financial plan and unit plan are created by each student in a series of classroom exercises. Prerequisites: GNST 1450, MRCH 1950, TSCI 1440
MRCH 1750
Merchandising Strategies
UNITS: 3
This course gives students insight into the complexity of decision making for buying and planning merchandise assortments and product development. Emphasis is also placed on the application of technology to solve business problems. Students develop problem-solving skills through the analysis of current business practices in merchandising, including buying, assortment planning, pricing, inventory control, and timing the purchase timing. The importance of customer service and developing strategic partnerships with vendors and suppliers is examined.
Prerequisites: MRCH 1100, MRCH 1550
MRCH 1820
Trend Analysis & Styling Concepts
UNITS: 3
This course is an introduction to the methodology of tracking and forecasting trends in the fashion industry. Students examine how world economy, popular culture, visual arts, runway collections, and retail and street fashion combine in varying degrees to shape current styles and determine future trends. A culminating styling project challenges them to synthesize what they have learned in an informed prediction about future trends for a specific brand and target market. Prerequisite: MRCH 1420, TSCI 1500
MRCH 1950
Excel for Business Applications
UNITS: 3
This course is designed to assist the student in developing a facility with electronic spreadsheets in support of effective business management. Students develop a working knowledge of computerized spreadsheet and chart functions as applied to business management concepts with related mathematical formulas and operational requirements.
MRCH 2420
Global Supply Chain & Logistics
UNITS: 3
A thorough exploration of international sourcing, production, and distribution strategies current in the textile and apparel industries. Students gain practical understanding of global supply chain management and import/export regulations and a heightened awareness of the legal, ethical, economic, and social implications of sourcing decisions. Prerequisite: TSCI 1500
MRCH 2640
Buying
UNITS: 3
In this course, students combine quantitative analyses and financial planning with creative merchandising strategies to curate a dynamic assortment for their target consumer. Through market and trend research, the integration of business acumen with aesthetic principles is covered in order to create the optimal customer experience. Prerequisites: MPDV 2100, MRCH 2760
MRCH 2660
Data Insights & Fashion Analytics
UNITS: 3
In this course, students explore the current concepts of customer analytics and their application to business practices in the retail industry. They analyze data collection methods and implement best strategies for their chosen case study company. Guidelines for practices in the field of Artificial Intelligence and the use of large datasets are reviewed. Prerequisite: MRCH 2760
MRCH 2690
Product Development
UNITS: 3
In a highly competitive retail environment where product differentiation is key, students will propose a new private label initiative for an existing brand in a pop-up location after analyzing consumer demand, studying the history of private label, and examining the process of product development. Prerequisite: MRCH 2760.
MRCH 2760
Advanced Business Applications
UNITS: 3
This advanced technology course prepares students for a variety of advanced Excel applications as required in todays business sector.
Prerequisite: MRCH 2250
MRCH 2770
Case Studies in Retail Strategies
UNITS: 3
In this capstone course, students analyze the current business practices of a prominent retailer with special attention to the organizations present strengths and weaknesses, the challenges it faces in todays global economic climate, and the impact of current trends in consumer purchasing behaviors on its financial health. Through research, the student assesses the organizations current value and makes informed recommendations for maximizing future growth. Prerequisite: SMED 2750
MRCH 2810
Sustainability & Social Responsibility
UNITS: 3
Introduces students to the concept, history, and science of sustainability and its relationship to the business of ethical fashion. Coursework topics focus on the development of eco-friendly materials, responsible manufacturing and distribution, and how companies are integrating social responsibility for the environment into their corporate philosophy and business practices. Prerequisites: COSM 2380, MMKT 2460, MPDV 2400, MRCH 2420, SMED 2750
MRCH 2860
Merchandise Planning & Allocation
UNITS: 3
Students apply previously learned merchandising concepts with new analytics to measure common retail metrics. Using analysis of past and current performance, students identify trends and develop financial plans and learn various allocations methods used in the retail buying industry.
Prerequisites: MRCH 2640, MRCH 2760.
SMED 2750
E-Commerce Marketing
UNITS: 3
Students learn how to create a successful online business. Through class lecture and industry speakers students learn how to navigate e-commerce applications including document automation, domestic and international payment systems, online banking, and shopping cart software.
Prerequisites: MRCH 1950, MPDV 2820
TSCI 1500
Textiles & Product Analysis
UNITS: 3
Students in this course identify and select fabrics and fabric finishes to fulfill specific customer needs relating to garment structure, design aesthetic, performance, and care across divergent target market groups. Students also master the precise textile terminology essential to effective communication with designers, manufacturers, and marketers. Prerequisite: MRCH 1100
Total Units of Credit: 91
+ Available as an online (distance learning) course
++ Periodically offered as an online (distance learning) course
