How to get required education for your fashion career?
A combination of education and hands-on training can give you the competitive edge in the fashion world. Learn more about the required education to start a career in fashion.
How to Get Required Education for Your Fashion Career
Do you consider yourself a creative person with an eye for fashion? A career in fashion may be the right step for you. Careers in fashion range from fashion designers to fashion editors but always have one common theme: fashion. To pursue a career in the fashion industry it is essential that you attend a degree program that can help prepare you for a job in fashion.
Types Of Degree Programs In Fashion
There are numerous degree programs in fashion that can help further your career. If you are looking to get in and out of school, then an associate's degree program may be the right fit for you. An associate's degree program typically lasts two years and teaches material at a quick pace in order to cover the required material in a shorter time frame than longer programs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost for an associate's degree in 2008-2009 was $8,116.
Some of the core coursework can include:
- Fashion drawing
- Pattern making
- Fashion marketing
- Fashion history
- Sewing
- Fashion techniques
The two-year programs are often designed for students who need a some formal training for their field and want the benefit of a college degree, but who also want to enter the workforce quickly.
Another type of degree program is a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree typically takes students four years to complete and includes the same type of education as an associate's degree. Bachelor's degrees may include more in-depth coursework and also provide greater opportunities for specialization and electives. Students have more time to learn the theories and practices of fashion in four-year programs.
The course work typically includes hands-on training and laboratory classes that provide skills in sewing, fashion drawing, 2D and 3D studio skills. The NCES reports that the average cost of a four year program in 2008-2009 was $20,154.
Your studies may include courses in:
- Fashion design
- Fashion drawing
- Fashion design studio
- Fashion and art history
- Themes in fashion
A bachelor's degree can also provide more specialized training in such areas as fashion merchandising, design management, and design technologies.
Graduate Degrees in Fashion
If you want to further your education, you can also pursue a graduate degree in fashion. A master's degree program typically lasts two years, but you must have your bachelor's degree before you can apply to enroll in a graduate degree program for fashion. In addition to coursework, many graduate programs have students conduct independent research and prepare a thesis during their graduate program. As a student of fashion, most schools also provide hands-on training that can include an internship. The average costs for a graduate degree program in 2008-2009 was $13,542, as reported by the NCES.
What To Look For In A Degree Program
It is essential to research any institution before making the commitment of time and money to the degree program.
Before deciding on a school, it is important to consider:
- Credentials
- Accreditation
- Curriculum
- Professors
A fashion degree program should provide you with a variety of courses that can help you prepare for a career in fashion.
The right education is important for your career. Fashion Education always depends on learning & going to school.
You should consider that except for financial considerations, the public or private nature of a university should not be a factor in selecting a graduate program.
High quality programs exist in both types of institutions.
Of more importance is the institution's commitment to the graduate program. This commitment is found in its willingness to maintain a first-class faculty and to provide excellent facilities for advanced study, including libraries, laboratories, computers, and other equipment.
Another important factor to consider in many disciplines is the presence of strong departments in other fields relevant to your interests so that you can have access to scholars and courses in disciplines related to your own.
Selecting the right school that offers the required degree for your education is a large investment of time, money, and effort. A consequent & careful evaluation of campus-based or online schools is important.
Find schools that meet your interests
Go to the Fashion School Directory and select the appropriate category, country or state. You will then find a list of Fashion Schools matching your interests.
Gather information from all schools
Upon request every Fashion School listed in the directory will provide you with information and details.
In the directory just click on the link for each school or on the button "Request Information" to request more information about its educational programs, finacial aid, admission requirement, etc.
Contact all Fashion Schools that meet your interests: the more information you receive from schools, the better a decision you will make about your education!
Kim Carter
Fashion Designers • Bureau of Labor Stastics
Associate's Degree Programs • Parsons
Undergraduate Programs • Parsons
Average undergraduate tuition and fees and room and board rates charged for full-time students • National Center for Educational Statistics
Average graduate and first-professional tuition and required fees in degree-granting institutions • National Center for Educational Statistics
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