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What is Fashion Design?

Fashion design is the study of clothing and lifestyle accessories through the lens of art.  Current fashion design can be segmented into two primary categories: ready-to-wear and haute-couture.  Ready-to-wear collections are standardized sizes that are fit for large production runs.  Two well-known subsets of ready-to-wear collections include designer collections and confection collections.  Designer collections are typically high quality pieces with unique designs.  Confection collections, on the other hand, are designed by stylists for a mass public and not intended to substantially add to a distinct vantage point on fashion.

Haute-couture is a collection that is dedicated to a core set of private customers.  As such, the haute-couture is customized to fit these customers by taking exact measurements of size to be cut and sewn accordingly.  With limited runs and exacting quality, haute-couture is expressly designed to add substantively to current fashion.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$76,480

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

51.54%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

19,230

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Fashion Design Schools

Cornell University offers a top ranked Fashion Design degree program for qualified students.  It provides unique emphasis on the fashion design process and design methods with innovative technologies. Students will also learn to integrate conceptual design thinking with apparel skills. They have a Collections studio sequence where students develop individual vision of fashion. 

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Sam Fox School’s Fashion Design program at Washington University in St. Louis is built on design and art. This program offers opportunities to explore a variety of aspects of design. Students in this program are expected to develop an intellectually rich and relevant narrative about clothing and fashion. They will develop creativity and innovation in fashion design ranging from the personal to the industrial. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Maryland – College Park offers an undergraduate course in Fashion and Consumer Culture. This introduces major theoretical works in the study of consumer behavior to the emerging fashion and consumer culture theory. Students will examine a variety of phenomena through theoretical lenses. Each student is required to create a research project that results in a final paper as part of their standard coursework at UM. 

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

In the Fashion Design major at Syracuse University students learn each facet of the trade including fashion design concepts and hand and computer-generated drawing techniques. They will also master the garment construction. Over the course of their student’s college career, they will have the chance to have their designs be featured in various fashion shows. In the final year, they also do senior collection shows. 

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Marist College Park’s Fashion Design degree is fast-paced, challenging and competitive. This program adapted the diverse and exciting fashion industry. Students at Marist are prepared to enter the world of fashion and pursue a career that is related to this field, it can be in product development, fashion promotion or event production. 

Acceptance Rate

49.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

As part of the Apparel Design and Product Development Degree, students at Baylor University must complete an internship. Their students get credit through study tours each summer. In spring, they conduct a departmental fashion show where students will apply what they learned in the classroom. Alumnus of this degree found jobs as fashion designers while others textile designers and wholesale buyers. 

Acceptance Rate

45.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Fashion Institute of Technology has been a part of the fashion industry since 1944. This School is located at New York’s Seventh Avenue that is also known as Fashion Avenue. The faculty they hired are seasoned professionals that can open doors to the industry. Students are helped by top designers in creating outfits for on-campus exhibitions or the annual student runway show that they conduct. 

Acceptance Rate

53.89

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Fashion Design in Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising is the only college in the West Coast that can offer a reality-based Fashion Design program. They are also known for being career-oriented. Their students are trained and ready to be a leader in the fashion industry worldwide. Upon graduation, students have with them the collection of their unique vision. 

Acceptance Rate

36.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Fashion Design major at Moore College of Art and Design teaches how to apply design thinking to construct, develop, design and create a high-quality original apparel collection. Students here learn how to employ both flat pattern and draping techniques in creating garments. They will develop professional behavior and at the same time utilize appropriate industry terminology. Upon graduation, they will be able to successfully create concept and design boards, and technical drawings.

Acceptance Rate

46.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Purdue University offers a major in Retail Management with Apparel Design and Technology. Here, students are able to gain real-world experience because they are required to have a retail or design internship. They can also attend a program abroad, in Hong Kong Polytechnic Institute or in the London College of Fashion. Students can earn their associate’s degree in New York as they spend their junior year in FIT.

Acceptance Rate

59.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Fashion Accessories Design degree program is available at College for Creative Studies. This program provides head-to-toe preparation in the industry. They train students in developing a broad set of skills in the vital areas of vision, craft and business. Students will learn how to forecast trends, market designs and manage a fashion brand. 

Acceptance Rate

43.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Fashion and Textiles Program at SUNY College at Oneonta gives stress on the relationship of textiles and clothing to the physical, psychological, economic, social, aesthetic, cultural needs of people. Majors can choose to specialize in fashion merchandising or fashion design. Fashion Merchandising courses include emphasis on merchandising, promotions, marketing, economic analysis and fashion journalism. Fashion design courses focus on apparel design, apparel construction, pattern making, illustration, Computer Assisted Design and wearable art.

Acceptance Rate

56.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Fashion Design Curriculum in Pratt Institute fosters individual’s identity development.  The faculty that will guide the students are professionally active and accomplished. Through the experience that the students will gain in this curriculum, they will be able to seek beyond the conventional. This Department is willing to support international exchange and intensive summer study programs that are conducted in other countries. 

Acceptance Rate

55.5

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Fashion and Modernism degree is offered at Bennington College. In this course, various movements such as Fauvism, Constructivism and Surrealism are introduced and reconsidered. Students will learn through the lens of fashion. They will be encouraged to investigate the various agendas and ideologies that are deployed. 

Acceptance Rate

60.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Howard University offers a major in Fashion Design BFA for qualified students.   Here students are taught with the overview of the fashion industry. They will know the role of the consumer and give focus on the product development. Howard University has a foundation in art and design coursework and mastered the interdisciplinary approach to students.

Acceptance Rate

36.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Apparel and textiles in Michigan State University is a program that emphasizes both creativity and experimentation that pairs design with art. Students develop the ability to create garments which reflects the understanding of global issues. They will acquire skills in combining couture, fine art and technical design. The foundation of this program is aesthetics and creativity.

Acceptance Rate

71.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Fashion Design Department gives a unique interdisciplinary experience that will make the students bring an artistic and theoretical approach to the work. They will be provided with rigorous artistic and professionally oriented training. Their undergraduate fashion core pathway curriculum provides a firm foundation in draping, garment construction, drawing, and pattern making. They also offer a Master of Design in Fashion, Body and Garment program which is committed to a final, distilled collection of work.

Acceptance Rate

57.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Students are invited to discover the world of fashion design at the University of Delaware. They instill in their students that fashion design isn’t just about great designs. When a student decides to study Fashion Design, he/she is also expected to explore and address the challenges in the apparel industry. A more sustainable model can only be built through a deep understanding of the complexities of the industry. 

Acceptance Rate

71.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The design degree at Brigham Young University is an exceptional academic pathway for qualified students to pursue.  The broad-based design major allows students to take a historical perspective of design and meld that with contemporary aesthetics.  Courses available within this degree program are designed to provide both depth and breadth for any design major.  Classes will typically include history of design, design thinking, drawing, illustration, graphic design, and a series of labs to keep students engaged.  

Acceptance Rate

67.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

BFA in Fashion Design is offered in The New School. Here, the fundamentals of fashion design are inculcated in the students. Through the guidance of the professors, students will hone techniques while their creative visions are refined. Students will create purposeful design and innovative thesis projects.

Acceptance Rate

57.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Fashion Design major at Thomas Jefferson University is modeled on the fashion industry. Students who enroll here must be prepared to immerse in the world of fashion. They provide hands-on experience that will help the students transform into a fashion design professional. Students can expect to receive a strong foundation in design and technical courses.

Acceptance Rate

65.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Lipscomb University offers a degree in Fashion Design that gives educational experience that prepares the students for success. This program places strong emphasis on textiles for apparel and interior design. Their students experience personal growth with the help of a faith-based community. In-depth knowledge and skills can be expected in this program.

Acceptance Rate

63.11

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Fashion is the fusion of design and business at Miami University – Oxford. The Fashion degree they offer gives emphasis to creativity and experimentation. Students will receive opportunities to develop a broad set of basic skills in design language and fashion business. They make sure that each student acquires fundamental skills needed for employment in the fashion industry. A chance for an applied international fashion experience and a study away from New York City will also be given to the students. 

Acceptance Rate

80.39

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Indiana University – Bloomington offers a top rated Fashion Design degree program for qualified candidates.  This program educates students in the philosophy, process, art, theory, and product of fashion design in the 21st Century. Their curriculum is designed to provide an aesthetic and intellectual environment. They also offer a minor in Fashion design suitable for students who are majoring in other subjects.

Acceptance Rate

77.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Mount Mary College offers a Fashion bachelor’s degree program. It had been the very first four-year fashion degree program in their nation. Their students are privileged to work closely with experienced faculty with connections to prominent brands. They maintain small class sizes to ensure that each student get the attention and mentorship that they need. 

Acceptance Rate

57.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

History of Fashion Design

The history of fashion design officially began in the 19thcentury when Charles Frederick Worth, an English clothing designer, began to place his name on clothing produced by his fashion house in Paris. The termcouturier,women's clothing designer, was invented to describe Worth. The date typically given by historians for the start of the fashion industry is 1858. Prior to that date, fashion was dictated by the buyers, typically the aristocracy, who would instruct dress makers in what styles they wished to be fitted.

With the advent of fashion design, designers such as Charles Frederick Worth and the many that came after him, were able to affect what is deemed fashionable. In the case of Worth, he was able to determine what his clients would wear, offering suggestions to his clientele.

It was also around this time that clothing companies began to use illustrations of designs to market their clothing. Rather than going through the expensive and time consuming habit of producing a sample dress to be modeled for potential clients, now designers would produce painting of potential outfits from which interested clients could choose and approve, after which production would begin on that particular set of clothing.

Top Fashion Degrees

The number of college fashion programs can be dizzying for most students.  Students can quickly find fashion schools in New York to Los Angeles that have an array of programs for prospective students to consider.  For example, degree programs can be offered as certificates, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or master's degree.  Likewise, students can select between on-campus programs or online fashion designing courses.  Students also may have the opportunity to select specializations at fashion school in areas such as:

As a result of these varied options in fashion design, we have assembled an overview of each type of degree to help you focus on a few choices in the field of study.  To learn more about a specific design school, fashion degree program, or fashion design major you can  simply connect with any number of accredited colleges via our expansive digital library.

Fashion Design Certificate Programs

Online certificate programs in fashion design and online diplomas in fashion design are available from a number of accredited institutions around the country.  Undergraduate certificate programs in fashion design are for individuals with no or little prior experience in fashion design.  On the other hand, graduate certificate programs in fashion design are created to provide professionals and qualifying students with high-level skills and industry-specific knowledge in a defined area of study.

Undergraduate on-site or online certificates in fashion design is a focused program designed to provide students with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to begin a career in the field.  Career examples may include a fashion merchandiser, marketing, communications, public relations, styling, or similar entry-level positions.

Fashion Design Associate's Degrees

An associate degree in fashion design is conferred as an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Fine Arts (AFA), Associate of Science (AS), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) depending on the course design and school accreditation requirements.  An associate degree provides students with a series of core classes along with general education courses such as English composition, math, philosophy, and psychology to help provide a well-rounded way of thinking.

Core classes in the associate degree track can include the following: fashion design essentials, design, conceptualization, draping, drawing, production, sewing, patternmaking, tailoring, haute couture, communications, and specialty design.

Fashion Design Bachelor's Degrees

A bachelor degree in fashion design is typically a 4-year program of full-time study that can be conferred as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or a Bachelor of Science (BS).  Students will be provided a larger number of general education courses and core courses when compared to an associate’s degree.

Core classes in the online bachelor’s degree in fashion design can include programs such as: advanced design, structural drawing, graphic design, human dynamics, garment construction, digital photography, visual imaging, theory of design, kinesiology, chemistry, design trends, multicultural design, and contemporary design issues.

Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree will be prepared to assume roles in public relations firms, design companies, merchandising organizations, marketing firms, or continue forward into a graduate degree program.

Fashion Design Master’s Degrees

An online master’s degree in fashion design is a 1-2 year program with a focus on a specific area of study in fashion design or related area of study.  Some schools offer a dedicated fashion design program while other accredited colleges integrate fashion design with digital media, graphic design, social media, merchandising, or various MBA programs.

Degrees can be conferred as a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or a Master of Science (MS) depending on the focus of the program and associated coursework.  With a deep understanding of fashion through the lens of practice, theory, object, image, text, and concept, students will be able to thoughtfully create with a unique worldview.

This worldly perspective will include an intimate understanding of fashion connected to social identity, geography, and cultural implications.  Graduates from a mater’s program will be equipped to launch careers in business management, museum administration, media, art historian, consulting, journalism, teaching, and/or gallery management.

Educational Requirements for Fashion Designers

A degree in fashion and apparel design will teach students to sketch figures, fabric and garments, utilize theories and historic perspectives, create original designs, use new technologies and understand the fashion and textile industries. Students interested in fashion and apparel design can obtain an associate, bachelors or masters degrees.

Currently a doctorate degree in fashion design is only offered by Cornell University. During the application process some schools may require or suggest that applicants submit a portfolio. If you are pursuing a bachelor's degree you may be required to obtain an associate's degree prior to entering a two year bachelor's program and may have students take design and/or sewing tests.

Course work for fashion and apparel majors is varied and may include:

  • Illustration
  • History of Fashion
  • Graphic Design
  • Shoe Design
  • Business & Operations Management
  • Creative Writing
  • Journalism
  • Clothing Design Software Specialist
  • Marketing & Advertising
  • Computer Applications
  • Textiles
  • Multimedia
  • Costume Construction
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Outlook and Fashion Designer Salary

The fashion industry can be lucrative but it is a small growth industry with a large barrier to entry. Though the average wage for a fashion designer is $74,500, the starting wages are much lower until a designer can become established within the industry. Additionally, fashion designers in New York City and Los Angeles will average greater wages on average than those working in the heartland of America. Like most vocations, geography can plan an important function in net salaries.

The stratification and hierarchy in place can be difficult to surmount when attempting to have a career as a fashion designer. Often individuals will work in a variety of positions under more experienced or notable designers in order to glean information about production and design.

Some potential jobs for fashion and apparel design graduates include:

  • Assistant Designer
  • Fashion Illustrator
  • Assistant Buyer
  • Designer
  • Photo Studio Specialist
  • Design Consultant
  • Assistant Manager
  • Designer
  • Event Coordinator
  • Fashion Specialist
  • Marketing Assistant
  • Pattern Maker
  • Fashion Coordinator

Fashion Design Careers

The best opportunities for those pursuing a career in fashion can be found in the film industry, shoe manufacturing, and wholesale. Those with more advanced degrees will find they can fan out into other areas of fashion, such as market research, management, or become more specialized in their focus, such as working leather or designing clothes for children. Additionally, a master's degree will allow the degree holder to teach as well. The amount of experience one manages to gain in the fashion industry, the more likely he or she is to find steady work.

Achieving notoriety has many piece-parts that include networking, diligence, skill, talent, and luck. No one thing alone will provide an individual the breakthrough needed in order to establish a name in the industry, though some changes to the system are occurring through digital connectivity.

The internet can help designers disseminate of designs and evolve ideas. Fashion blogs are able to focus on the famous as well as the undiscovered. Deep insights allow for a brand or design to garner wide exposure for starting designers, as well as sales and custom work through personal sites. Individuals wishing to enter into fashion design today would do well to educate themselves in the art of internet usage and advertising.

List of Fashion Design Associations

If you are interested in finding a fashion design college near you, simply leverage our school finder tools for campus based programs or online fashion schools. Students fascinated by the fashion and apparel design degree track may also want to consider a degree in fashion merchandising, art studies,illustration or fashion management.

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