The current leader in online fashion degrees is the Academy of Art University. This institution prepares an individual for the world of fashion design by offering degrees such as a Master of Fine Arts Fashion, a Bachelor of Fine Arts Fashion, and an Associate of Arts Fashion. All of their degree programs offered online are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
-Associate of Arts Fashion: The requirement for application to the associate degree program is proof of high school graduation diploma or GED. The associate degree requires the completion of 66 semester units with classes that vary from Fashion Illustration and Textile Design, to Costume design for film. Upon the completion of this program one should be familiar with merchandising, textiles and knitwear among other topics as well as have developed a fashion portfolio to be utilized in the fashion industry for future educational and vocational purposes.
-Bachelor of Fine Arts Fashion: The requirement for application to the bachelor degree program is proof of high school graduation diploma, GED or proof of an Associate of Arts in Fashion. The bachelor degree requires the completion of 132 semester units with classes that vary from Graphic Design in Fashion to Introduction to Manufacturing. Students who already have a bachelor degree have the option to enroll in their streamlined Second Degree Program that is 66 semester units without having to complete Liberal Arts or Art Electives. Upon the completion of this program one should have enhanced computer skills as well as have increased knowledge of professional portfolio and fashion collection development.
-Master of Fine Arts Fashion: The major requirements for application to the master degree program is proof of graduation from a BA or BFA program and a portfolio of your work in the same area of study that you are applying to. The master degree requires the completion of 63 semester units with classes that vary from Trend Forecasting and Product Development to Creating a Business Plan. Upon the completion of this program one should be familiar with market and trend analysis and design conceptualization among other topics as well as have completed intensive studio and directed study often resulting in a professional fashion collection or merchandizing project.
Tuition: Estimated expense per year is about $670-840/semester unit, which comes to around $18,000-20,000/academic year. There are additional costs for registration/student activity fee and materials and supplies. There is also information for financial aid, federal work study, and scholarship possibilities for the applicant available on their website.
