Program Details
Fashion with concentration in Fashion Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine ArtsVirginia Commonwealth University
The fashion design curriculum offers technical and design courses that provide skills required in the fashion industry. Individual designs are presented in two-dimensional form, developed and perfected through techniques used in the fashion industry, and then executed in final and three-dimensional form in fabrics appropriate to the design. Junior design students are encouraged to complete internships in the fashion industry in New York City. Internships provide not only experience but industry contacts, and are strongly recommended. They may be conducted primarily during the summer semester. Study abroad programs are readily available for fashion design majors.
Outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following: Utilize problem-solving skills: Students will demonstrate skill in completing studio projects in draping, pattern making and fashion drawing utilizing competencies practiced in studio courses. Apply investigative and research skills: Students will complete original research and exhibit creative investigation in applied project development. Implement industry standard technology: Students create and present design and illustration projects utilizing industry standard computer software. Professionalism: Fashion design students exhibit professional oral and visual presentation skills, including critical feedback.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | The BFA in Fashion Design requires students to an art foundation year, which means students enter the fashion design program second year. Applicants must provide a non-fashion specific portfolio representing a collection of various forms of art, for example photography, sculpture, painting, drawing, etc. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Sophomores are required to purchase departmentally approved dress forms. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Complete courses that are equivalent to general education course at VCU, which are required for fashion design and fashion merchandising. Fashion design majors complete options for art foundation.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | The fashion design + fashion merchandising degrees offer opportunities for minors, internships, and study abroad. Fashion design majors may minor in fashion merchandising (3.0GPA required). |
Program Successes & Highlights | Study abroad is strongly encouraged. The Department of Fashion Design + Merchandising has relationships with institutions in London, England, Florence, Italy, + Rome, Italy; however, students may study anywhere in the world. Fashion graduates work as entrepreneurs, designers, product developers, trend forecasters, buyers, planners, merchandisers, and visual merchandisers. They also hold positions in public relations and sourcing. |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

There are no Applicable Admission Agreements for the Program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Uniform Certificate of General Studies is recommended for this major. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Uniform Certificate of General Studies is recommended for this major. |
Credit for Prior Learning | VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Marymount University | Fashion Design (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Art | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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25-1121.00 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
27-1022.00 | Fashion Designers | Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
Cost To Complete
