Getting a degree in fashion is one of the best choices you can make if you plan to work in the fashion industry. Not only will your education give you a chance to hone your skills, you’ll also get the chance to make connections and receive critiques from real people working in the field. However, not all fashion programs are created equal. Choosing the right fashion design school for you depends on many factors, including your individual career goals, your budget and your unique skill set.
Where to find fashion design programs
Parsons School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology – both based in New York City – are considered to be two of the most prestigious fashion design programs in the country. Admission to these programs is highly competitive, so you’ll need to have a well-developed portfolio of designs to even be considered.
If you’re lucky enough to be admitted to one of these programs, you’ll not only be able to take advantage of top-notch instruction, you’ll also make great connections within the industry that can lead to coveted internship spots and potential post-graduate job offers.
But don’t worry if you don’t get into one of these programs – spots are extremely limited, so you may need to consider other options. Fortunately, many community colleges, technical schools, and four-year universities offer degrees in fashion design and management. When deciding which programs to apply to, keep in mind that a four-year fine arts degree in fashion offers you the best spring-board for starting your career, since you’ll have four years to develop the basic skills you’ll need when you enter the working world.
Budget matters
However, four year programs aren’t for everyone. Typically, these programs are conducted during the day-time hours, which can be difficult for students who work full-time or have families to support. In addition, the cost of attending a four-year program tends to be much higher than the tuition at a two-year community college or technical school program. If you need to take out student loans to attend a four-year program, be sure to balance the loan’s repayment plan with what you can reasonably expect to make in your first few years out of college. Fashion is a competitive industry, so you may have to spend several years as a starving artist before you start to earn a good salary.
Consider your career goals
Even if finances are a concern, if you’re serious about becoming a fashion designer, you really should do everything possible to enroll in a four-year program. For example, look into student grants, scholarships or work-study programs that will enable you to attend a bachelor’s degree program. A four-year fine arts degree has become something of a baseline standard in a fashion industry, and the field is so competitive that it can be extremely difficult to find work with anything less than a bachelors.
However, if you’re interested in fashion design, but aren’t totally committed to the idea of becoming a full-fledged fashion designer, you may want to consider a more affordable two-year program. Graduates of these programs often find work as design assistants, pattern makers and seamstresses – all of which are great ways to be involved in the industry without the pressure and stress that comes along with a career as a fashion designer.
