Fashion Business (FAB)

Campus

Newnham

Delivery

Hybrid

Duration

4 Semesters (2 Years)

Study Option

Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

School

School of Fashion

Important: This program is unavailable. Explore Related Programs for more options.

Courses

Delivery: At Seneca, courses are delivered in four formats: online, in-person, hybrid (an online, in-person combination) or flexible (offered in-person and online at the same time).

The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to choose your preferred options when you select classes to build your course schedule. Selection for preferred course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis.

International students: Please review the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery options.

Semester 1

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
COM101 or COM111	Communicating Across Contexts or Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched)	Hybrid Online In-person	Hybrid Online In-person	Hybrid Online In-person
	COM101: This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities. COM111: This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities. COM111 is six hours per week in order to offer students extra language and reading support.
FAB101	Fashion and Trends	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	The objective of this course is the examination of fashion in the future sense. Students will begin to develop their creative eye in evaluating colours, elements and principles of design as used in the creation of fashion. The theory and practice of fashion trend forecasting will be explored as well as the impact of fashion sustainability for the current and future consumer.
FBF100	Business of Fashion	Not offered	Not offered	Flexible
	This subject explores the exciting, dynamic and globalized fashion business industry and uses this framework for examining todays business environment. Students will learn about the history and organization of the apparel industry and how the elements found in the macro-environment impact business decisions in the industry. They will understand how the industry is influenced by and reacts to political-legal (e.g. laws), economic (e.g. competition), socio-cultural (e.g. corporate social responsibility), and technological (e.g. e-commerce) conditions.
FEX100	Fashion Experiences	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	Fashion Experiences is an immersive course that bridges academic study with real-world engagement in the fashion industry. Through curated field trips, interaction with industry professionals, and hands-on activities, students will develop firsthand insight into the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the fashion business. Emphasizing active inquiry, critical reflection, and collaborative learning, the course cultivates diverse observational and analytical skills to help students interpret fashion experiences from multiple perspectives. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of fashion business dynamics, equity, diversity and inclusion, and the sustainable dimensions of the fashion industry.
RBC152	Business Communications I	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	Business communication skills are necessary in todays workplace and this subject teaches students how to communicate in a clear, concise, and effective way with emphasis on the audience, purpose and message. Students will learn principles of business communications and have the opportunity to practice preparing powerful business messages using many different communication channels. They will also complete a professional business report and electronic presentation.
RRM153	Omni Channel Retail Management	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	This subject is an introductory study of retailing as it relates to the Canadian market. Students learn the principles of retail market strategy development including exploration of target marketing and building a competitive advantage. Retail mix variables will be introduced. Students will also learn basic retail mathematics concepts.

Semester 2

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
AMA411	Applied Marketing I	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	This subject introduces students to fundamental marketing concepts that are used by business organizations to develop an effective marketing plan that satisfies targeted consumers.
FDC300	Foundations in eCommerce and Digital Marketing	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	Students will explore eCommerce and digital marketing fundamentals, including digital commerce business models, best practices, and various platforms. They will learn concepts and strategies integrating digital commerce with digital marketing plans for increased engagement and profitability. Students are introduced to digital strategy analytics to support informed business decisions.
FSH200	Evolution of Fashion	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	In addressing fashion from its historical perspective an evolving continuity of styles becomes apparent. Individuals within the fashion industry must understand and recognize the cyclical nature of fashion change. The various historical periods may be recognized, not only through fashion styles, but through art, architecture, furniture, graphics, and font styles. These simultaneously existed with fashion and came to influence and be a reflection of each other. This subject will also explore the manner in which fashion changes as well as the economic, political, social and technological conditions that influence fashion and style changes.
RBC261	Business Communications II	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	This subject will develop the students ability to effectively communicate in a business environment in order to transfer basic oral communication strategies and skills to the fashion and related industries. Students will acquire fundamental principles and techniques of professional oral and written communication and embed these skills through practice in the classroom.
RCS255	Exceptional Customer Experience	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	This subject explores customer journey mapping of customer interactions across different touchpoints both physical and digital. Students will acquire a theoretical base of knowledge in consumer buying behaviour as it relates to fashion consumption. There will also be an emphasis on customer experience strategies that focus on optimizing acquisition and nurturing of the customer relationship with a focus on lifetime value.
REM200	Retail Mathematics	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	This subject deals with the basic knowledge of the mathematical factors involved in profitable merchandising. The topics covered will include invoicing arithmetic and discounts, and the retail method of inventory.
plus: General Education Course (1)

Semester 3

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
FAB421	Fashion Styling and Merchandising	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	This subject looks at the importance of styling and visual merchandising as a means to communicate visually with customers. The student will apply the elements and principles of design, conduct research and learn brainstorming techniques to develop creative concepts for merchandise presentation. A series of creative projects will allow a hands-on exploration of styling, merchandising and creating marketing collateral while developing a concept for a fashion brand throughout the course of the semester.
FTX300	Textile Fundamentals	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	Textile Fundamentals is an introduction to the study of textiles. Through workshops, hands-on activities and lectures, the student will embark on this preliminary tour through the multi-faceted and complex subject of textiles. Viewed through the fashion prism, the focus of this entry level course is on the characteristics and the environmental impact of the four main elements of a textile: fibre, yarn, fabric construction, and finish. The principles of textile end use, suitability, and performance will be introduced, but will be explored in much greater depth including more sustainable alternatives in FTX400. FTX300 will provide the student with a basic foundation upon which to add future study.
RMC300	Fashion Marketing Communications	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	This subject examines the planning and management of an integrated marketing communications mix. Components of the plan which include media advertising, direct response communications, interactive communications, sales promotions, public relations, and sponsorships, and alternative marketing will be explored. Branding and the role it plays in marketing communications will also be examined.
RSO354	Omni Channel Retail Operations	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	This subject implements the theories learned in many other subject areas in the practical atmosphere of The Boutique@Seneca. The students will participate in a store learning environment, practicing all management functions and learning the interconnections of those functions.
RSO364	Boutique Work Experience	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	This capstone course offers hands-on experience in an omni-channel retail lab, where students act as Sales Associates, refining customer service skills aligned with business goals through teamwork and individual efforts. Emphasizing interpersonal communication and professionalism, students engage with customers to enhance their effectiveness in a retail environment.
RSO454	Applied Omni Channel Retail Operations	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	This is a capstone subject that provides students with firsthand experience in operating a small fashion retail enterprise. It is intended to develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills needed for leadership roles. As team members working towards strategic goals, students will grow their interpersonal skills.
plus: General Education Course (1)

Semester 4

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
CAM400	Career Management	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	This course is designed to prepare students for a successful career launch in the Fashion Business industry. In addition to exploring skills and qualifications essential to obtain a position in their chosen career, students will develop career strategies in goal setting, networking, job search and professional development planning. Students will master techniques for effective communication with potential employers including resume writing, portfolio development, interviews and follow-up.
FCA454	Fashion and CAD	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	This course will introduce Fashion Business Management students to the process of using CAD and digital imaging software for fashion product development. Students will explore the various stages of product development and design. Colour stories, swatch boards, seasonal information, and inspiration boards will be created to support the products developed. Research will focus on targeting specific consumer demographics within the marketplace, and creating garment lines that will appeal to that target customer.
FPD451	Product Development for a Circular Economy	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	This subject explores the process of product development from concept through to the production stage. It involves the study of fashion forecasting, colour theory, design principles, sourcing, costing and creating specification sheets. Students will apply the theory through a shopping report, fashion journal and seasonal storyboard presentation.
FTX400	Textiles for Sustainable Fashion	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	Textiles for Sustainable Fashion builds on the knowledge developed in Textile Fundamentals by further exploring fibres, fabrics, textile performance, and responsible material selection within the fashion industry. Students examine specialty fibres, textile labeling regulations, recycling challenges, sustainability impacts, and greenwashing practices, while also exploring the cultural and business importance of textiles, leather, and fur within the Canadian fashion industry. The course further examines fabric properties, end uses, consumer care practices, and the impact of chemicals and treatments on consumers and the environment. Through lectures, discussions, workshops, and applied activities, students develop a stronger understanding of textiles, circular fashion, and responsible material choices for garments and brands.
NLS410	Live Styling	TBD	TBD	TBD
	The art of display goes beyond the props utilized. This course is all about styling, on and off figure, with the added excitement of live styling. Students will be asked to look beyond the product by considering positioning, accessories, hair, and make-up.
RFB353	Fashion Buying	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	This subject offers the students practice in the mechanics of buying with the completion of a six-month merchandise budget, an economic and competitive analysis and an investment summary budget. Study also includes creating model stock plans, selecting vendors through analysis and negotiation skills. Students will use Excel to create and analyze buying budgets and reports.
plus: General Education Course (1)

Program Learning Outcomes

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Archived Program & Course Information

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