Thursday 31 January 2013

Dress Design School and University Program Overviews:



Dress and other clothing design studies can be pursued under the category of fashion design. Students interested in dress designing schools receive career-focused training while gaining an understanding of fashion history. These programs are most commonly available at the associate and bachelor's levels.

Associate Degree in Fashion Design

Students interested in dress design can pursue introductory training in an associate degree program in fashion design. These career oriented programs train students in all steps of design, including sketching designs, choosing fabrics and draping. Most programs include extensive hands-on training during which students create their own designs. Some programs may also include internship options so that students can gain fashion industry experience.

Educational Prerequisites

Associate degree programs in fashion design are typically offered at 2-year community and technical colleges. Applicants must possess a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some programs require applicants to have basic sewing skills.

Program Coursework

Courses in associate degree programs in fashion design provide students with broad practice in the skills of the field as well as knowledge of the history of design. Common courses include the following:
  • Introduction to fashion design
  • Pattern making
  • Dress construction
  • History of textiles and costumes
  • Color and design theory
  • Computer-aided pattern drafting
  • Fashion design business
  • Fashion sketching

Career Outlook and Salary Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 22,700 jobs for fashion designers in 2008. Between 2008 and 2018, this number was expected to grow by one percent. Jobs in design were expected to remain unchanged, though jobs in manufacturing and sewing were expected to decrease as more companies shift work overseas. As of May 2008, the median annual salary for fashion designers was $61,160.

Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design

Bachelor's degree programs in fashion design prepare students for entry-level careers in the textile and fashion industries in roles including designers, costumers and wardrobe masters. Students gain hands-on experience in the art and craft of dress and clothing design. Additionally, most programs provide extensive business training, including topics such as retail buying, international business and product development.

Educational Prerequisites

Bachelor's degree programs in fashion design are typically offered at 4-year colleges and universities, which require applicantsto possess a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some schools also require applicants to submit a portfolio or possess sewing experience.

Program Coursework

Coursework in bachelor's level fashion design programs covers the history and practice of clothing design. Common courses include the following:
  • History of Western art
  • Pattern making
  • Dress construction
  • History of textiles and costumes
  • Color and design theory
  • Computer-aided pattern drafting
  • Apparel merchandising
  • Fashion sketching

Continuing Education Information

Though most employers in dress and fashion design only require a bachelor's degree, individuals can pursue further study in related fields at the master's or Ph.D. levels. These are most commonly pursued by students interested in teaching design, rather than those seeking employment in the fashion industry. Individuals interested in running their own dress design business may pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree

   

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