Life is too short to not learn about something you love, so why not pretend that everyday is New York Fashion Week? As a fashion major you will develop your knowledge in clothing design, textiles, fabrics, history, trends, marketing, and business. Build up your portfolio and gain knowledge about the industry in a hands-on and creative environment. These undergraduate programs will provide you the best education needed to give you a head start on achieving your dream career! This article will focus on covering:
- Benefits of Attending A Fashion College
- International Fashion Colleges
- U.S Based Fashion Colleges
Benefits of Attending A Fashion College
Similar to other majors, attending an undergraduate program in Fashion is vital to ensuring that you will become more familiar with the technical aspects of design, construction, and production. While it is easy to know when a piece of clothing is beautiful, it is also significant to understand the process of why that is. Attending a fashion focused college also enhances your chances of networking with like-minded individuals, which is impactful when it comes to accelerating your chances at obtaining an internship or future jobs.
Being in a space that provides state-of-the-art equipment and software is vital in ensuring that your ideas are truly limitless. If you enjoy being creative, standing out in a crowd, and value the concept of self-expression, then this might be the perfect place for you! In a career path that is highly flexible and expands more globally by the day, it’s hard to pass up on the opportunity to become a Fashion major.
International Fashion Colleges
University of the Arts London-Central Saint Martins
Located in London, Central Saint Martins is often recognized for offering one of the most prestigious programs for those interested in fashion design and art. What makes this program so unique is how CSM’s curriculum has changed over the years in order to address the ways in which fashion has made a global impact when it comes to climate change, consumerism, and lack of biodiversity due to resourcing.
Not only does this program allow for students to understand fashion history but it also contextualizes the importance of building a sustainable future in the industry.
Here are a few undergraduate programs CMS offers:
- Textile Design
- Jewelry Design
- Fashion Design (Print)
- Fashion Design (Womenswear/ Menswear)
- Fashion Design (Knitwear)
With a baseline tuition of $14k and an acceptance rate of 6%, getting into CSM is no small accomplishment. However, the reputation and level of education you will receive here is nearly priceless.
The École supérieure des arts et techniques de la mode-ESMOD
With locations in cities such as Lyon, Paris, Bordeaux, and Roubaix, ESMOD is known for its extensive fashion design programme that also includes pattern making. ESMOD offers two different career paths that center around design or fashion business marketing. Established in 1841, ESMOD has continuously made a name for itself and produced well known alumni such as Reem Acra and Franck Sorbier. One of the vast benefits of attending this institution is the fact that its student body is extremely diverse with international and domestic attendees. With 20 different campuses, being at ESMOD provides great network opportunities.
Here are a few undergraduate programs ESMOD offers:
- Fashion Design
- Head of Marketing & Communications Strategy in Fashion Industry
- Manager of International Development in Fashion and Luxury Industries Postgraduate Degree
- VAE “Creative Director” Post Graduate Program
- VAE “Fashion Designer” Post Graduate Program
- Summer programs (Design and Business)
- Short programs (training and evening classes)
ESMOD has a baseline tuition of $13,000 but has a higher acceptance rate than CSM at 66% However, with ESMOD’s diverse curriculum options, it truly has something that will fit every fashion lover’s needs!
Ente per le Arti applicate alla Moda e al Costume-Polimoda
Located in Florence Italy, Polimoda prides itself on curating a unique fashion program centered around the unique capabilities of each student. Polimoda’s program is extensive and covers various topics from designing, to teaching students how to carry themselves professionally when it comes to business and marketing. Faculty members are vital in carrying out Polimoda’s mission, as most of them are well-known professionals that have previously worked in the industry themselves.
Polimoda recognizes the creativity of each student and advocates for new ideas and styles that allow for undergraduates to truly stand out post-graduation!
Here are a few undergraduate programs Polimoda offers:
- Fashion Design
- Fashion Business
- Fashion Styling
- Fashion Communication
- Fashion Technology
- Luxury Business
Polimoda’s baseline tuition starts at $11,000 for EU students and $18,000 for non-EU students. This institution has a 9% acceptance rate, and students are permitted on a case by case basis with portfolios and previous academics being the determining factor in most cases.
U.S Based Fashion Colleges
Parsons School of Design
Parsons School of Design is a private art and design school located in Greenwich Village New York. Immerse yourself in the creative and fashion focused land that is New York, and you will not be disappointed by the limitless amount of inspiration you’ll discover. Similar to CSM, Parsons advocates for sustainable fashion to promote environmentally friendly practices while celebrating the timelessness of design.
Students, prior to graduation, have the opportunity to show off their skills in a graduating student exhibition that allows them the opportunity to network and give them a head start on making a name for themselves in the Big Apple. With industry collaborations with luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, your fashion dreams have never seemed so achievable!
Here are a few undergraduate programs Parsons offers:
- Fashion Design (BFA or AAS)
- Integrated Design (BFA)
- Strategic Design and Management (BBA)
- Fashion Marketing and Communication (AAS)
However, living in New York does come at a high fee and Parsons is no exception. With a baseline tuition of $47,000 per year, it can be difficult to afford. But with an acceptance rate of 35% the experience and opportunities can be well worth the price. When it comes to the high cost of fashion colleges, it may be helpful to look into available student loan options!
Drexel University-Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is often praised for the wide variety of unique programs that it offers for all kinds of majors. Antoinette Westphal’s mission is to celebrate the “creative heart” of each individual student while simultaneously coming together in order to build a strong community of talented individuals. Faculty admires the work of their students and even allows for those enrolled as a Fashion Design major to be a part of a fashion show at the end of the academic year. This exciting project not only encompasses what this vibrant school has to offer but also truly allows for students to apply the skills they have learned in the classroom.
Here are a few undergraduate programs Antoinette Westphal offers:
- Fashion Design
- Design and Merchandising
- Retail and Merchandising
- Fashion Project Management
Despite the baseline tuition averaging around $59,000, Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design also offers a wide array of scholarships and financial aid to help cut down the cost. With an acceptance rate of 77% Antoinette Westphal has some options that are definitely worth exploring!
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
Last, but certainly not least, is The Fashion Institute of Technology located in Manhattan New York. Often referred to as one of the best fashion schools in the U.S, FIT is partnered with the Board of Education of the the City of New York in order to allow for its state of the art facilities to be more financially accessible to incoming students. Similar to other programs, FIT is known for its hands-on method of education as well as promoting skills that help interpersonal development.
Here are a few undergraduate programs FIT offers:
- Textile Development and Marketing
- Fashion Design
- Fashion Business Management
- International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries
- Fabric Styling
- Advertising and Marketing Communications
With an acceptance rate of 59% and baseline tuition cost of $7,000 (NYC residents) or $22,000 (out of state), FIT is one of the most affordable fashion colleges to attend!
Why does a degree in fashion matter?
As an individual trying to figure out the perfect career, the options can seem overwhelming and daunting at first. However, it is important to explore the wide variety of majors and colleges that exist in order to ensure that you are making the decision that feels right for you! Whether you feel like going international and exploring new places, or enjoy learning from where you currently live, there is no limit to what you are academically capable of achieving!
