Fashion Design B.A.

B.A. in Fashion Design curriculum

Students must complete at least 40 credit hours of coursework, including the CASE Requirements and the following:

  • SOAD-A 100 Pathways: Introduction to Art, Design and Merchandising
  • SOAD-F 202 Introductory Textile Science: Laboratory
  • SOAD-F 203 Materials for Fashion Design and Merchandising

  • SOAD-F 207 Fashion Studio I
  • SOAD-F 213 Fashion Design I: Research and Illustration
  • SOAD-F 217 Fashion Design II: Ideation
  • SOAD-F 303 Fashion Studio II
  • SOAD-F 305 Fashion Studio III
  • SOAD-F 328 Experimental Fashion Studio: Digital Applications
  • SOAD-F 340 History of Fashion
  • SOAD-F 417 Fashion Design III: Presentation and Analysis

  • One (1) Experimental Fashion Studio course at the 300--400 level selected from:
    • SOAD-F 306 Experimental Fashion Studio: Tailoring
    • SOAD-F 325 Experimental Fashion Studio: Shape and Foundation
    • SOAD-F 326 Experimental Fashion Studio: Accessories
    • SOAD-F 408 Experimental Fashion Studio: Draping
  • One (1) Dress Studies course at the 300--400 level selected from:
    • SOAD-F 301 Dress Studies: Topics in Cultural Analysis
    • SOAD-F 311 History of Dress
    • SOAD-F 352 Dress Studies: Aesthetics Analysis
    • SOAD-F 402 Collection Management for Historic Textiles and Costumes
    • SOAD-F 406 Dress Studies: Theory and Analysis
    • SOAD-F 411 Dress Studies: Behavioral Analysis
    • SOAD-F 485 Advanced Special Topics in Fashion Design
  • One (1) additional course at the 300--400 level selected from:
    • Primary list above (Experimental Fashion Studio)
    • Secondary list above (Dress Studies)

Complete 1-3 below (these courses are not counted toward the hours required in the major):

  1. Grade of C– or higher in MATH-M 118, M119, or equivalent. Higher courses may be substituted.
  2. Six (6) credit hours in Studio Art courses (complete list can be found in Bulletin).
  3. Six (6) credit hours in Art History (ARTH) courses.

Is it for you?

The Fashion Design B.A. degree attracts students from a variety of backgrounds and interests. They typically possess some of the following qualities:

  • Artistic ability in areas such as sewing, drawing, painting, textiles, ceramics or jewelry design
  • Creative thinking and a gift for expressing the vision of their designs
  • An interest in developing computer skills, including computer-aided design (CAD) programs and graphics editing software
  • Organizational and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to work well with others
  • Product development skills, to understand how to build a clothing line from start to finish
  • Ability to adapt to fast-changing circumstances and work environments

If you are creative and detail-oriented, enjoy working with your hands, and have an aptitude for learning new technical and digital skills, the Fashion Design degree may be a good fit for you.

Learn how to create as a fashion designer

You learn about materials used to make garments, gaining knowledge of fibers, weaves, and finishes. You will develop your own creativity in the process of designing and constructing garments—learning various techniques like pattern development, draping, and tailoring along the way.

You also learn relevant industry technologies while studying the cultural, theoretical, and aesthetic history of fashion design.

A student and models wearing pink and cream clothing she designed.
A group of people stand in front of a rack with hangers.

Work productively in teams of artists + designers

Creative collaboration is a skill that takes years to master. You will have the ability to respect, understand, and critically evaluate work across the disciplines of art, design, and merchandising. And you will gain a thorough understanding of the skills needed to solve problems unique to the industry.

Many students begin exploring internship opportunities as early as after their sophomore year. Qualified students may earn academic credit for summer internships. Consult your academic advisor to learn more.