Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What majors and degrees do you offer?

A: FCC offers a Specialized Associates Degree in Fashion Business and Technology or Fashion Design. The College also offers a certificate program in fashion design.

Q: What is the difference between a certificate and a degree at FCC?

A: The Fashion Design Certificate program combines a selection of first and second year courses from the degree program. The objective of the certificate is to help students obtain a basic knowledge of fashion design in the shortest time frame a student can be expected to integrate the information. This program typically caters to those wanting to change careers, while still working full-time.
The degree programs in Fashion Design and Fashion Business and Technology also include courses in general education. The objective of these programs is to help the student attain a fundamental grounding in fashion design and fashion business and technology, including an introduction to the theories and practices related to each area such as design principles, fashion history, merchandising, business principles and practice of design.

Q: How long are the programs?

A: All degree programs last approximately 18 months (considered 2 academic years). The Fashion Design Certificate program lasts approximately 17 months. The Fashion Business and Technology Certificate program lasts approximately 14 months.

Q: Will I be learning what I need to in just 18 months?

A: Absolutely! Because our students begin their classes in their specialized major immediately, they are able to focus on what they are passionate about sooner than at most community and 4-year colleges. This means no more boring classes unrelated to your true passion! You will be on a fast track to your dream career.

Q: Who is FCC accredited by?

A: FCC is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to offer Fashion Design and Fashion Business Specialized Associates Degrees and Certificates in Fashion Design. ACICS is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education.

Q: Where is FCC located?

A: FCC is located in beautiful San Diego, California. It is becoming one of the country’s most exciting retail centers. As the seventh largest city in the United States, San Diego boasts innovative growth and development, yet remains one of the most beautiful and sought after places to live in the world. We are proud to live in a …"big city with a small town attitude."

Q: What are the requirements for admissions?

A: Criteria for entrance to the Degree and Certificate programs are:

1. Completion of application form for admission.
2. Typed educational objectives essay required (we provide the format).
3. Possession of, or candidacy for, high school diploma or GED.
4. A minimum score of 19 on the Wonderlic Test (timed at 12 minutes)
5. Payment of $25.00 (non-refundable) application fee.
6. Interview with an admissions representative.

Q: Are my credits from another college transferable to FCC?

A: If a student wants to transfer credits from another college, an official transcript stating the course(s), credit(s), and grade(s) as well as the college catalog’s class description must be submitted to the Registrar prior to beginning the course(s). The transcript grade must be a C (2.0) or better. The Registrar will compare the relevance of the transferred subject to FCC’s course content. Although the names of the classes may be the same, it is entirely possible the content may differ and not be accepted. The College will accept a maximum of 50 percent of the credits in each of its programs, providing they are from a college that is approved by the state in which the student resides, and accredited by a regional or national accrediting association.

Q: Do I have to complete my general education courses before attending FCC?

A: No. It is not necessary to have taken general education classes prior to enrolling at FCC. It is true that many of our students do have some credits, and even degrees that they have earned at other colleges, but many of our students enroll right after graduating from high school.

Q: Is there a deadline for admission, financial aid, and scholarship applications?

A: All deadlines are determined by the quarter in which you wish to start. It is best to contact the school at 619-275-4700, or toll free at 1-888-322-2999 for specific dates. Deadlines may be different for admissions, financial aid, and scholarships.

Q: When can I start?

* New Degree and Certificate students can start eight times a year:

1. Winter Quarter I – November/ Winter Quarter II – December
2. Spring Quarter I – February /Spring Quarter II – March
3. Summer Quarter I – May /Summer Quarter II – June
4. Fall Quarter I – August/ Fall Quarter II – September

Q: Do you assist students in finding housing?

A: Yes we do! As soon as you are accepted into one of our programs, our housing specialist goes to work immediately to find you the perfect living situation to fit your lifestyle and your budget. We will even have roommate suggestions for you if you need to share a place.

Q: Do I have to know how to draw to attend FCC?

A: No! As a matter of fact, we would rather you not know how so that we can train you to draw like a true fashion sketch artist! Most of our students come in with little or no background in drawing. Thanks to our phenomenal art instructors, even the faint at heart will be able to learn the techniques the pros know.

Q: Do I have to prepare a portfolio?

A: No. FCC does not require entering students to prepare a portfolio as part of the admissions requirement.

Q: Do you offer financial aid?

A: Yes. Our Financial Planning Office has a personal financial plan for you! There are several different programs that will assist in helping fund your education. Click here to go to Funding Your Education.

Q: Do you have any scholarship programs?

A: Yes. FCC does have a scholarship program! Once you apply to the College, you are eligible to submit a scholarship application. Click here to apply to FCC now, or e-mail an admissions representative for additional information.

Q: Can I apply to FCC if I'm an international student?

A: Yes you can. The College offers the M-1 student visa. You do not have to have an official TOEFL score, but will have to pass a personal telephone interview and the Wonderlic evaluation with a score of 19 or better for entrance into the college. Please click here or go to the Foreign Students section for detailed information on how to get to FCC.

Q: What is the career development and placement center?

A: The minute you start at FCC, is the minute you start carving your career path! The Career Center exists to help you develop your resume, obtain job interviewing skills, find internships, establish what career you’re interested in pursuing upon graduation, and find an industry related job while going to school. The Placement Director is there to support you in meeting your career goals.

Q: When can I start using the services in the Career Center?

A: All of the services in the Career Center will be available to you as soon as you become an enrolled student at FCC. If you enroll a month or two before an actual quarter begins, you are more than welcome to come in to meet with the Placement Director to find a part-time job, or get help with your resume.

Q: Can I utilize the services in the Career Center as an alumni?

A: Definitely. The purpose of the Career Center is to help all current and past students find careers in the fashion industry. Our placement services are available to our alumni for as long as they wish to come back.

Q: Should students work while they’re going to school?

A: Yes! We highly recommend that all students work at least part-time in the fashion industry while going to school. Your education at FCC will be enhanced if you are able to apply what you are learning right away in a job. Often, a part-time job can lead into a full-time career opportunity.

Q: Will you help me find internships?

A: Yes. Internships can be found through the Career Center, just like a job. A total of 60 hours of internship is actually required for all degree students before they can graduate.

Q: Does FCC have contacts in the industry?

A: Over the last twenty years, FCC has built relationships with professionals in the industry. When positions become available, many employers contact our Career Center first to recruit our students. Our faculty and staff attend industry trade shows, retail events, and other fashion related events to build new networking contacts for FCC students.