Fashion Design Degrees
Find the right online fashion design program for you
For those of you interested in the fashion industry, getting a degree in fashion design or a related field is more attainable than ever. Nowadays, you can earn fashion design degrees through a distance learning online fashion design degree program.
When considering the various online degree programs in fashion design, it’s vital that you seek an institution that’s fully accredited. You should also take the time to read reviews from former students posted through independent third-party websites. This will give you a good idea of how past students rate the value of the fashion design degree online courses they took through a particular school.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Fashion Online
The main advantage of studying online is that you can access your courses and complete your assignments from anywhere you have Internet access. Oftentimes, these courses also offer accelerated classes which allow you to finish your degree in less time than it takes to attend traditional on-campus college classes. You can make your own study schedule and work around other life commitments to complete your courses.
The main disadvantage of studying fashion online is that you will not have direct contact with your professors, and all feedback you get will be delivered via email or online class chat forums. Also, you will not be able to see how the other students are doing, which is a key way students gauge their in-class performances. However, these issues are minor and should not deter you from seeking an online degree.
An Overview of Schools with Online Fashion Design Courses
There is a large number of schools currently offering associate and bachelor’s degrees in fashion design online; however, only a few accredited schools offer the quality education you’ll need to secure your future in the industry:
- The Academy of Art University Online offers certificate programs, as well as associate, bachelor and master’s degrees in fashion design, marketing and merchandising. Graduates of these programs go on to become some of the hottest designers and fashion merchandisers in the business, securing careers with such labels as Alexander McQueen and Zac Posen; some even go on to start their own lines.
- The International Academy of Design and Technology Online offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in fashion merchandising. This degree prepares those interested in fashion to succeed in careers as assistant buyers, fashion consultants, fashion event planners and store managers. Students learn the fundamentals of fashion, as well as the merchandising and marketing side of the industry.
- The Art Institute of Pittsburgh’s Online Division offers a Bachelor of Science degree in fashion and retail management, preparing students for careers in fashion buying, sales consultation, runway show coordination and many other specializations related to marketing the hot new fashion designs appearing on the market. It is one of many online degree programs from campus universities available, as traditional schools expand their offerings onto the Internet.
