Fashion Bachelors Degree Online
Is a Fashion Degree for You?
If you've got a flair for fashion and exude creativity, a fashion design and manufacturing degree may be calling your name. But if you're more interested in studying the business side of fashion, a concentration in fashion merchandising or retail management may be a better choice. Fashion degrees encompass many different aspects of apparel design, manufacturing, merchandising and sales. Students in a fashion design and manufacturing program will gain a comprehensive understanding of how clothing is made from start to finish. They'll learn about textiles, costume history, visual design and retail business, while demonstrating their skills in fashion drawing, patternmaking and sewing. To truly grasp the full scope of fashion design, students have to master these technical skills and increase their awareness to remain competitive in the fashion industry. Students in a fashion merchandising or retail management program will learn about the business and manufacturing aspects of fashion by studying various business procedures and marketing strategies, as well as consumer behavior and sales techniques. Merchandising majors will gain the knowledge and skills needed to merge visual design with marketing and give consumers what they want. Most fashion students will learn how to use CAD (computer aided design) and Photoshop for class assignments.
Advice for Earning Your Fashion Degree Online
Earning your fashion degree online has never been easier or more convenient than now. Online fashion degrees are viewed positively in the job market and have gained the respect of numerous employers. As online degrees become more widespread and popular, the more people start to recognize the personal advantages and professional benefits of going to school online. Most online fashion programs are the same as on campus programs, except you have a much more flexible and convenient school schedule. Online students are subject to the same rigorous curriculum and grading procedures as traditional students. However, online classes are sometimes limited by a lack of resources that would otherwise be available in person. Online students have to supply their own drawing, patternmaking and sewing materials. Before enrolling in a fashion degree program, it's crucial that you make sure your online college is accredited. You should only consider colleges that have been reviewed by an accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. There are several different kinds of fashion degrees out there, but it's so important that you choose one that meets your academic and professional goals and is accredited.
Required Courses
A fashion curriculum may vary according to your area of concentration, but most students are required to take the same core classes like history, English and humanities, and some of the same professional courses. Fashion design majors are required to take several technical design and manufacturing classes, such as patternmaking, clothing construction, fashion illustration and tailoring. Fashion merchandising and retail management majors will take business mathematics, accounting, marketing management, consumer behavior and sales courses.
Common Career Paths
Fashion graduates with a concentration in fashion design and manufacturing will be prepared to work as a fashion designer, stylist, clothing patternmaker or fashion coordinator. Graduates with a concentration in fashion merchandising will be qualified to be a sales representative, buyer, fashion merchandiser, sales associate and store manager. Graduates of either specialty are also prepared to be a boutique owner, graphic designer, fashion photographer, fashion editor or model. It's important to note that the fashion industry is highly competitive, and graduates often have to work their way up the ladder before attaining top designer and management positions.
Starting Salary: $30,000 to $48,306
Mid-Career Salary: $55,269 to $87,146
Learn More About a Career in Fashion
