Earning a degree in fashion entails more than simply creating outfits and accessorizing them, although, of course, that is an essential part of the job. A good fashion degree program will equip students with technical skills, such as knowledge in color feasibility and fabric combinations, as well as necessary art principles. Aside from possessing an eye for art, the program will develop the ability to study different fashion trends, on top of leadership skills to oversee production processes.

There are several degrees available in this field, such as a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, and Fashion Marketing, among others. It is possible to earn a degree online, however, there is an advantage in the hands-on experience that enrolling in a good fashion school can give you.

Prerequisites

Although different schools will have different requirements, applicants to a fashion degree program are usually required to submit a portfolio of sketches, or other proof of ability. They are expected to have completed basic coursework in art and design, as well as in anatomy, mathematics, and psychology.

Areas of study

               The fashion industry is one of the most lucrative and dynamic in the field today, bringing in billions of dollars every year. Enrolling in a good fashion degree program will depend on your chosen emphasis of study, as students are given the freedom to choose an elective in the program. For example, fashion design will focus largely on principles and technicalities of design, as well as how to work with the latest fashion design software, while becoming a professor in fashion will lean towards subjects on merchandising and public relations, on top of basic fashion principles. Many schools also offer specialized courses in fashion, such as Art and Design Technology, and Retail Management, to name a few.

Course subjects

               The program offers an array of subjects relevant to a student’s chosen field of study. Basic subjects include manual aspects of fashion, such as hand drawing, sewing and tailoring, as well as computer-aided design. The program also offers technical lessons, teaching students how to balance colors, textiles and moods, operate fashion show productions and promotions, and know the essential fashion and textile terminology. There are also subjects on fashion and art history, consumer trends, fashion media, and even basic human anatomy. Coursework is usually overseen by industry professionals versed in design, as well as in merchandising and marketing of fashion apparel.

Career paths

               Several job opportunities exist for degree holders in fashion. There is a rising need for qualified fashion professionals, resulting in intense competition in the playing field. Formal schooling is a big plus, as better chances of employment exist for those with higher education in their course, not to mention great imagination and creativity. Popular career paths include visual merchandise designers, fashion designers, set designers, and interior designers. Recent studies show a higher employment growth rate for professionals specializing in graphic design. Other lucrative opportunities include designing costumes for film and theater productions, applying as personal stylists for private clients, or modeling.

The New School/Parsons The New School for Design The New School is a member of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and is accredited by the New York State Board of Regents and by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

The New School is legendary progressive university comprising eight schools bound by a common goal: to prepare and inspire its more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students to bring about positive change in the world. During the decades of rapid far-reaching change since it founding, The New School has remained at the center of social activism, artistic experimentation, intellectual freedom, and educational innovation. Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Marketing Parsons The New School for Design in New York City is a renowned international school of design. It's highly regarded Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Fashion Marketing is a professional degree program offering an intensive course of study for motivated students who want to launch new careers, advance in their fields, or start their own businesses. The program's curriculum provides the foundation in international marketing, merchandising, and retailing that you need to enter the fashion industry. The online degree option in Fashion Marketing enables people who can't come to New York, who work full-time, who need to study from home, and/or who want to study part time to complete this comprehensive degree program entirely online from anywhere. The Associate in Fashion Marketing requires 65 credit hours to complete. Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Marketing

McKinley College McKinley College is an accredited member of DETC, the Distance Education and Training Council.

Our innovative programs allow you to maximize the value of your education. All of your classes relate to your desired profession. Your textbooks are customized by industry professionals to best prepare you for the workplace. And you may take one to three courses at a time, so you can always fit your studies into your daily schedule. We consider our student services department and our faculty involvement to be our best attribute. Our dedicated representatives and our expert faculty are on hand year-round to offer their help and answer any questions you may have. Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Merchandising Earn up to $55,000 a year. The McKinley College Fashion Merchandising Program has been designed by experts to speed you toward a career in the growing field of Fashion Merchandising. The fashion world generates a steady demand for the skills you will learn at McKinley College. Some of the training you will receive includes: Principles of Retailing; Global Buying; Consumer Behavior; Marketing Principles; and Fashion Design. The skills you learn here can become the cornerstone for a long and successful career. Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Merchandising

US Career Institute Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council.

U.S. Career Institute is one of the largest distance-learning institutions in the nation. For over a quarter of a century, we have trained thousands of men and women for exciting and rewarding careers. Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Merchandising Earn up to $55,000 a year. The U.S. Career Institute Fashion Merchandising Program has been designed by experts to speed you toward a career in the growing field of Fashion Merchandising. The fashion world generates a steady demand for the skills you will learn at U.S. Career Institute. Some of the training you will receive includes: Principles of Retailing; Global Buying; Consumer Behavior; Marketing Principles; and Fashion Design. The skills you learn here can become the cornerstone for a long and successful career. Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Merchandising

Strayer University Strayer University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

Strayer University offers students a quality education that's affordable, convenient, and supportive. Our flexible academic programs make it possible for you to earn a competitive MBA or your associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree on your schedule, without interrupting your personal or professional life. Established in 1892, Strayer University was designed to meet the educational needs of working adult students. To do this, we offer flexible class formats that allow you to balance a college education with your other responsibilities. Our programs include accounting, business, criminal justice, information systems, management, public administration, health services administration, and education. Bachelor of Business Administration - Retail Management The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) prepares graduates for a wide range of managerial positions in business, government, and non-profit organizations. Business administration students acquire fundamental as well as practical and professional skills in all phases of business, including decision-making and problem-solving. The BBA program offers area concentrations that enable students to tailor their degrees to their career and educational goals. Specializations are available in: Acquisition and Contract Management, Banking, E-Business, Finance, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Human Resource Management, Legal Studies, Management, Marketing, and Retail Management. Bachelor of Business Administration - Retail Management

Capella University Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Capella University offers online degrees in the fields of business management, health care, higher education, human resources, information technology, mental health, K-12 education, public safety and public administration. An accredited university, Capella delivers a challenging education to more than 28,000 students in all 50 states and 45 other countries. Capella believes in providing students both superb academics and practical skills, so classes are taught by faculty members who are scholars and practitioners in their fields. Additionally, where applicable, curricula are constructed to meet the standards established by professional trade associations to ensure students gain the knowledge sought by employers. BS - Retail Management Increase your career opportunities in the dynamic, diverse retail industry. Many retailers prefer a business-focused college degree when hiring or promoting to fill professional, supervisory, or managerial positions. This undergraduate Retail Management specialization offers a strong foundation in general business disciplines, including management, marketing, human resources, organizational communications, and finance. The retail-focused course work includes retail management, store operations, merchandising, pricing, competitive analysis and planning, and legal and ethical considerations in managing a retail operation. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing lead, supervisory, or management positions at the retail store level, or specialist/analyst positions within a retail department or corporate headquarters. BS - Retail Management

Westwood College Westwood College schools are accredited by either the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT) or the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

Westwood College ? Online Campus, a Top 20 Online College, is the quality answer to higher education for today's busy lifestyles. The only difference between earning your degree through Westwood College ? Online Campus versus a traditional classroom setting is the quality of your life. With our top-rated online learning platforms, you get a quality Westwood education from home on a flexible schedule that meets your unique needs. Bachelor of Business Administration: Major in Fashion Merchandising Behind the glamour of the fashion runway is a business empire run by intuitive minds. From vision and design to production and sales, nothing beats the world of fashion when it comes to blending judgment and creativity with sound business principles. Potential career paths include fashion coordinator, assistant fashion buyer and product promoter. Working professionals in the fashion industry will mentor you in developing the insights and skills necessary to launch a successful career in fashion. Westwood's outstanding curriculum runs the gamut of success: - Fashion buying, product development, trends and forecasting - Project management and critical thinking - How to create a fashion line And you'll graduate with a capstone project to demonstrate your business skills to potential employers. It just doesn't get any better than this! If fashion is your passion, why not make it your vocation, too? Don't just dream about a great future. Click here and start building it now ? with Westwood College, A Place Where You Can Succeed.? Bachelor of Business Administration: Major in Fashion Merchandising

International Academy of Design and Technology The International Academy of Design and Technology is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award Associate degrees, bachelor degrees, and master's degrees.

Since 1984, the International Academy of Design and Technology has been a creative haven for students wishing to pursue career-focused degree programs in a broad range of fields. Accessible almost anywhere and applicable nearly everywhere in our graphics-driven society, the Academy is offering real-world degree programs that can be completed entirely online through the Virtual Campus of the Academy. Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising The Fashion Merchandising program at the International Academy of Design and Technology - Online allows students the opportunity to receive a well-rounded education in the constantly evolving world of fashion. This new program can help to prepare students for exciting careers as assistant buyers, fashion consultants, fashion event planners and store managers. By studying the fundamentals of fashion ? design, visual merchandising, electronic marketing, retail management and marketing communication ? students will have the opportunity for hands-on experience in business, accounting and merchandising. Students can learn to design print and broadcast ads, create fashion products, promote fashion events, develop apparel and manage retail outfits. An internship is part of the Fashion Merchandising degree program, where students can learn on-the-job skill sets at an actual company. Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education.

Serious about becoming a professional in the creative arts? The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division is here to help you live your passion. Earn a degree or diploma that will launch your creative career. Attend class anytime?day or night?to fit your busy schedule. Choose from our broad range of academic programs to find one that inspires you. The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division builds on an 80-year history of providing quality education in the creative arts. Bachelor of Science - Fashion & Retail Management In the Fashion & Retail Management program, you'll learn how to develop, analyze, and implement sales strategies. Buying and merchandising practices are explored. Your inventory control and cost analysis skills are honed. And you'll learn more about the many avenues open to you in this exciting field: buying, coordinating runway shows, sales consultation, manufacturer's rep, and more. Department stores, boutiques, and designer showrooms are the environments in which you will be part of the changing face of fashion, from season to season. Once you graduate, you'll be prepared for a variety of entry-level positions, including: Retail Management Trainee, Retail and Wholesale Sales, Stylist, Visual Merchandiser, and more. Bachelor of Science - Fashion & Retail Management