An exciting future awaits students within the Fashion Studies department.  The department offers the following degree programs: the BA in Fashion Design, BFA in Fashion Design, and BA in Fashion Business. Each program offers a pragmatic approach to the many aspects of the fashion industry. Students experience and explore the dynamically creative, real world of fashion through a wide range of collaborative and interdisciplinary courses.

The BA in Fashion Design comprises a 42 credit hour course of study in the major, leaving ample room for students to pursue interdisciplinary course options, a minor, or a double major. The Fashion Design curriculum offers the creative foundation from which students can grow as artists and acquire skills related to the profession.

Students who successfully complete this program should:

• demonstrate an understanding of design concepts and solutions in written/verbal/visual/sensorial format;
• apply materials, techniques, technology, concepts to the vocabulary/terminology relative to desired end product and solution;
• critically contextualize and analyze ideas and work in relation to dress and fashion history;
• apply all of the above referenced skills and abilities in conjunction with creative problem solving in design and across disciplines;
• describe, analyze, interpret, and contextualize their work;
• develop and maintain effective, ethical, professional and sustainable work habits;
• develop and present a cohesive body of work; and
• work in collaboration to propose and execute solutions in the fashion industry.

Fashion is a complex field of study and ultimately reflects the aesthetic taste, social status, political mood, economic condition, and technical achievements of society through the personal expression of dress. Fashion as an industry requires skills in research, production, merchandising, and marketing. This curriculum gives students the opportunity to explore creativity and practicality. It is the foundation for a successful career in the fashion industry. The BA and BFA programs enable students to excel in this ever-evolving profession. Students participate in a true fashion experience throughout their education with exposure to recognized guest designers, industry leaders, and accomplished alumni, and through fashion competitions, presentations and exhibitions.

A grade of “C” or better is required in all major coursework.

For students who have already earned a Bachelors degree, a Second Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design is available.

Program Requirements  

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