We CU Performing at Centenary University!
Associate of Arts in Fashion
Build a strong foundation in fashion styling, merchandising, and visual presentation while developing creative and professional skills for entry-level roles or seamless transfer into a bachelor’s degree in fashion.
Fashion is an exciting, ever-changing world that combines creativity, business knowledge, an understanding of why customers buy garments, trend forecasting, styling, technology, and even the use of social media
Centenary University is one of only a few schools that combine an innovative Fashion program with a strong liberal arts education. We offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion.
Students may also choose a minor in related fields such as Business, Communication, or Social Media. Our Fashion curriculum covers a wide range of topics including marketing, trend forecasting, styling, technology, and even the use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
Our designers understand merchandising and our merchandisers understand design.
Ready for the job market
Our well-rounded program will help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to break into the fashion industry. Our career development advisors are ready to assist you from the moment you step on campus until after graduation. They will help you identify career choices, build a strong résumé, ace your job interviews and connect with alumni and employers. All fashion students, designers and merchandisers prepare a professional career portfolio to showcase their skills and achievements.
Learn from the Best
Our faculty includes professors who have years of experience in the fashion industry. In addition to teaching you the ins and outs of the business, they can help connect you to a variety of learning opportunities outside of the classroom. As a Fashion student, you will have access to job shadowing experiences and field trips, ranging from working on runway shows and producing merchandising displays in stores to collecting and distributing prom dresses for disadvantaged girls. Our students also have access to internships in New Jersey, New York and even places like Walt Disney World. Students may also spend a semester or summer studying aboard in England, Italy, Ireland or Korea.
Your Future
Academic Advancement:
Next steps include BFA/BA completion, fashion merchandising, business, marketing, costume design, UX/design, sustainability, or retail analytics certificate.
Career Pathways:
Visual Merchandiser, Retail Buyer Assistant, Fashion Stylist Assistant, Apparel Sales Specialist, Showroom Coordinator, E-commerce Product Assistant
Industry Outlook:
Entry-level access credential to the fashion retail and merchandising pipeline. Growth strongest in digital retail, brand styling, and e-commerce merchandising, while traditional brick-and-mortar retail roles continue gradual decline. Stackable pathways into B.F.A. design or merchandising programs significantly improve long-term earnings potential
Regional employers include
Macy’s/Bloomingdale’s corporate and stores; Nordstrom; Ralph Lauren / PVH area offices; Burlington; Saks distribution/retail operations; Newark/NYC fashion-adjacent employers; costume shops; boutique brands.
Salary Outlook:
$32,000 – $52,000
Getting Started
For New Jersey entry-level roles aligned to AA in Fashion, a reasonable starting range is approximately $38,000–$55,000, depending on role, licensure/certification, employer type, and prior experience.
Early Career and Progression
Approx. $65,000 midpoint at about five years, with higher earnings in specialized, licensed, technical, supervisory, or high-demand settings.
Approx. $90,000 average or attainable mid-career benchmark around ten years, especially for advanced credentials, management responsibility, or specialized practice.
*Salary and Outlook Data