Program Information
Learn more about the Fashion program.
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Course Sequence
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Field of Interest
The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Alteration Specialist is designed to prepare students for employment in alterations for the apparel industry. Students will develop skills in advanced clothing construction, tailoring and couture techniques appropriate for a variety of fabrics and designs, and fitting techniques for all types of apparel. They will develop the ability to select appropriate fashion fabrics, interfacing, and lining materials for specific items of apparel. Students completing this certificate will be able to alter and repair ready-made garments in entry level positions in the alteration profession for retailers, dry-cleaning industry or their own alteration establishment. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Fashion Design is also available.
Details
Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:
- Field of Interest
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Type
- Certificate of Completion (CCL)
- Academic Plan
- Alteration Specialist (CER)
- Academic Plan Code
- 5556
- Total Credits Required
- 19-27
- Catalog Year
- 2024-2025
- Effective Term
- Spring 2021
- Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
What You’ll Learn
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Identify job opportunities available in the needle trades.
- Choose and explain the basic alteration process that should be applied to a particular alteration problem.
- Select fashion fabric, lining, interfacing, patterns, and notions appropriate for constructing, altering or repairing specific garments.
- Apply advanced construction techniques correctly on samples and garments.
- Operate a serger.
- Describe properties, use, and care of major textile fibers.
- Construct and alter a tailored or couture garment using techniques, equipment, and supplies required for the tailoring process.
- Perform assigned career duties in a work setting.
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
$28,441 Show expanded career information for Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Option 1 Sequence
This option may include variable full-time (12 to 18 credits per semester) and/or part-time (11 credit hours or less per semester) status by term due to course prerequisites and scheduling. Speak to an academic advisor for details.
Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC110 | Basic Sewing Skills | Critical course Gateway course OR Permission of Program Director | 0–3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC111 | Clothing Construction | Critical course OR Permission of Program Director | 0–3 | |
| TEC130 | Alteration of Ready Made Garments | 3 | ||
| TEC222 | Textiles | 3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC122 | Sewing with Knits | 3 | ||
| TEC124 | Advanced Apparel Construction | 3 | ||
| TEC129 | Sewing with a Serger | 3 | ||
| TEC277++ | Any Alteration Internship Course | 1–3 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC223 or TEC227 |
Tailoring or Couture Sewing | 3 |
Option 2 Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC110 | Basic Sewing Skills | Critical course Gateway course OR Permission of Program Director | 0–3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC111 | Clothing Construction | Critical course OR Permission of Program Director | 0–3 | |
| TEC130 | Alteration of Ready Made Garments | 3 | ||
| TEC222 | Textiles | 3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC124 | Advanced Apparel Construction | 3 | ||
| TEC129 | Sewing with a Serger | 3 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC122 | Sewing with Knits | 3 | ||
| TEC223 or TEC227 |
Tailoring or Couture Sewing | 3 | ||
| TEC277++ | Any Alteration Internship Course | 1–3 |
Ready to get started?
Follow one of the options below to get started on your personal career pathway.
Become a Student
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Program Information
Learn more about and find contact information for the Fashion program.
General Help
Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.
Course Area Key
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet with an academic advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=167121).
Previous Catalog Years
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.
Previous catalog years for Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Alteration Specialist