Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Course Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Course Catalog

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Fashion Styling, Certificate

Location(s): Ankeny



Fashion styling is a profession that has become an important part of the fashion industry. In the last decade this segment of the industry has moved from behind-the-scenes to the spotlight. In this fast paced and exciting industry, professionals work in a consultative environment to create looks for personal image, photo shoots, film shoots, fashion shows, and special events.

The curriculum has been designed with the help of professional stylists and other fashion industry experts. Students completing the Fashion Styling Certificate will have opportunities to work with local and national businesses who are seeking professional stylists. Careers upon completion could include fashion stylist, personal stylist, personal shopper, editorial stylist, runway stylist, bridal stylist, film and television stylist, blog stylist, and merchandiser. The local fashion scene is growing each year, and with that new fashion job opportunities. The certificate might also be attractive to working industry employees seeking styling skills to add to their portfolio. The certificate has the ability to stand alone or work as an enhancement to the Fashion/Design AAS degree.

Instruction is led by industry experts who will provide essential hands on learning opportunities to develop styling skills. Course work is based on lectures, labs, speakers and a variety of field study experiences in the styling profession. These activities offer the student a chance to interact with key industry professionals and develop an invaluable employment network.

The styling program would be run as a certificate program that includes seven courses to complete. Students can begin the certificate in either the fall or spring semesters. Ideally a student would complete the certificate in as little as a year.

Program Details


Pathway: Design, Media, & the Arts


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start any semester


Graduation Requirements


To earn a Fashion Styling Certificate a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Semester 2


Option 1 - Select 3 Credits


Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 24


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$185.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1 Semester 2
Visual Lab Cost   50
Camera 500  
Books 750 750

Approximate total for the program: $6,490**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate costs.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Fashion stylists can work freelance or can be employed by advertising agencies, publishing companies, event coordination businesses, retail stores, or individual clients.
  • There are career opportunities in all of the following areas:
  • Personal styling:  Advising and selecting clothing and accessories for clients that flatter their figure and suit their lifestyle.
  • Commercial styling:   Selecting wardrobe items for models, actor/actresses/entertainers/politicians, etc.  for advertising ads or commercials and may then coordinate a photoshoot.
  • Editorial styling:  Concepting and organizing studio photoshoots for media publications.
  • Merchandise /Catalogue styling:  Working with businesses on developing promotional materials such as product catalogues or creating displays of product in a retail store.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Good understanding and eye for design elements and principles
  • Work effectively in a team to execute a successful styling brand
  • Good organizational skills
  • Photography skills/implementing basic studio concepts
  • Flair for fashion/fashion trends/fashion terminology
  • Illustrator and Photoshop computer software skills
  • Self- directed motivation
  • Fashionable image
  • Good communication and networking skills

What Else Should I Consider about this Specialist Certificate?


  • This certificate is a great enhancement to the Fashion Diploma or the Fashion/Design AAS degree . Three of the required courses in the Styling certificate fit into the AAS degree and two of them fit into the Diploma.
  • Career opportunities are currently booming with most of the opportunities in a freelance position.
  • Pay is usually earned as a per project or job completion or an hourly fee.  Entry level is $150-200/day.
  • Average yearly salary of $30,000/year http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Fashion_Stylist/Hourly_Rate

Program Competencies


  1. Demonstrate functional knowledge of technology relative to look book development, photography, & marketing
  2. Analyze data for use in making calculations that support business decisions
  3. Employ the elements & principles of design to create aesthetically pleasing projects
  4. Articulate fashion industry knowledge in oral & visual forms
  5. Utilize the unique aspects of fashion marketing to develop strategic promotional plans in print, visual displays, online marketing, & events
  6. Demonstrate appropriate use of fashion industry resources to make informed and creative decisions
  7. Discuss the history, theory, & cultural roles of fashion from a global perspective
  8. Illustrate the fashion styling process from design concept to editorial presentation

AY2022

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/pathways/.(2021)