Our 2014 rankings of the Top 20 fashion design programs in the Midwest.
We define the Midwest as Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
1. Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
Kent State University’s College of the Arts is home to the Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising. At this popular fashion school, students may pursue either a BA or BFA in fashion design.
Kent State now also offers the first Master of Fashion (MFash) degree in the United States. The MFash is a 30-credit professional degree program that incorporates technology implementation, management, design, sustainability, and product development.
Program highlights include the Annual Fashion Show, access to the Kent State University Museum costume collection, the “TechStyleLAB,” and the June F. Mohler Fashion Library. Study tours of Florence, Paris, and Hong Kong are also on the menu, as well as KSU’s NYC Studio, which is located in the famous NYC Fashion District. The NYC Studio provides full-
semester academic programs for Kent State fashion students during the fall, spring, and summer terms.
Established in 1910 as the “Kent State Normal School,” Kent State University’s main campus is home to more than 27,500 students from all 50 states and 100 countries. Commonly referred to as Kent, Kent State, and KSU, Kent State University has seven other
campuses in Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Trumbull, Ohio. With a total student body of more than 43,000 (with more than 15,500 students across Kent’s seven other campuses), Kent State University is the third largest university in Ohio and the 27th largest regional campus system in the nation.
2. Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
Iowa State University’s College of Human Sciences’ (CHS) Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Department is home to the popular Fashion Program at Iowa State University. Offerings include BS and MS degrees in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design. Also on the menu is a rare PhD and distance PhD in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design. Both PhD programs prepare students to work in the fashion industry, academia, museums and more. The hybrid (distance) PhD features 1 or 2 short on-campus summer coursework sessions.
Fashion program highlights include access to the Textiles and Clothing Museum and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities such as the Digital Textile Design and Printing Studio, Design Production Lab, Sourcing Simulator, Body Scanning Technology, Product Development Technology and Testing Lab, and OptiTex Computer-Aided Design Software.
Students also participate in the Annual Fashion Show, they have the opportunity to work on the Department’s award-winning fashion magazine—Trend, and they are encouraged to enroll in the Study Abroad program, which will take them to places such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Suzhou, and Wuhan.
Established in 1858 under the name Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, Iowa State University began with a farmhouse, 648 acres, and several dozen students. Today, the school sits on a 1,795-acre campus consisting of more than 100 buildings and 33,241 students enrolled in eight colleges and two schools. Students may choose from more than 100 majors and 800+ student organizations. 
3. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
The University of Minnesota (U of M) offers more than 180 programs throughout 19 colleges and schools. The College of Design is home to school’s competitive Fashion Design program, which offers a BS in Apparel Design, and MA, MS, and PhD degrees in Design with an Apparel Studies Track. A Minor in Fashion Studies is also on the menu.
Although enrollment in the school’s Study Abroad program is not required, the College of Design encourages participation. Fashion students may enroll during their third year of study and possible locations include London (one of the world’s leading cities for fashion), Australia, Fiji, Italy (home to several fashion capitals), and the Netherlands. Students may also participate in global seminars, freshman seminars abroad, and the school’s Work, Intern, and Volunteer Abroad program. Although the program is non-credit, most students agree that the experience is priceless.
Established in 1851, the University of Minnesota is home to 69,221 students, making it the largest university in the State of Minnesota. The school has five campuses including Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul), Crookston, Duluth, Morris, and Rochester. The Twin Cities campus sits on 1,150 acres in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and it houses most of the student population—around 52,557 students. Besides a large student population, the campus features historic architecture, green spaces, and views of the Mississippi River.
4. School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)-Department of Fashion Design operates within Sage Studios for Fashion Design. It has a remarkable history that dates back 80 years. The Studio sits in a historic building designed by Louis Sullivan and offers several competitive programs for aspiring fashion designers. Options include a BFA in Fashion Design, a BFA in Fiber and Material Studies, a Master of Design in Fashion, Body and Garment, a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Fashion Body and Garment, and Certificates in Fashion, Drawing, and Illustration.
All fashion students have access to the Department’s Fashion Resource Center, which is “a hands-on collection of late 20th- and 21st-century designer garments representing extreme innovation,” and instruction by prominent professionals in the fashion industry with both national and international experience + connections in the industry.
Many SAIC fashion graduates have completed internships with international houses such as Zac Posen, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, and Vivian Westwood, while others work in senior positions at places such as Jones New York, Tommy Hilfiger, Levis, and Nike. Many graduates design for major names in the industry such as Betsey Johnson, Anna Sui, Marc Jacobs, and many others.
Established in 1866 the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is one of the country’s oldest accredited independent schools of art and design. Originally named “Chicago Academy of Design,” this world-renowned art and design school is located in Downtown Chicago, just steps from attractions such as Millennium Park, the Mag Mile, Grant Park and more. Home to
around 3,200 students, SAIC houses more than 40 departments and areas of study. 
5. University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
The University of Cincinnati’s (UC) program for aspiring fashion designers operates within the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP). The BS in Fashion Design offers a comprehensive curriculum consisting of coursework in the areas of Foundation Studies, Realization and Development of Fashion, Art and Design, Fashion Design, and technical courses from Pattern-making and Draping to Tailoring and Trend Development. The program also “includes a mandatory cooperative education component, where students work full-time in the fashion industry on alternating semesters.” This means graduates will already have 1 ½ years of solid professional fashion experience to their credit, which is invaluable in the competitive world of fashion.
In addition to gaining experience in the fashion industry, students have the opportunity to participate in the annual DAAPworks Fashion Show. According to the Department, “DAAPworks highlights the creative output of each year's graduating class,” at a sold-out event that is described as “the highest profile event of the year.” After the show, student creations are often displayed at the Reed, Meyers, or Sycamore Galleries of UC.
While the University of Cincinnati offers access to the city’s rich art scene—the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Taft Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, art galleries and more, the school is also in driving distance to Chicago, Pittsburgh, Atlanta and New York City, which gives DAAP students the opportunity to experience the “rich cultural resources of these cities as well.”
The city also offers access to numerous smaller art galleries and events, as well as a strong support system among practicing artists.
Established in 1819, the University of Cincinnati is an innovative institution that offered the first degree program via satellite, the first emergency medicine residency program, and the first Bachelor’s degree program in Nursing. This pioneering university sits on a 473-acre campus (listed as a “world’s most beautiful campus”) and it is home to 42,656 students enrolled in 308 programs of study. 
6. Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Columbia College Chicago (CCC) offers several top-rated programs for aspiring fashion designers. Options include a BA in Fashion Design, a BA in Fashion Business, a BFA in Fashion Design, and a Minor in Fashion Business. Students may also consider the BFA in Illustration or the BFA in Photography to enhance their education and career opportunities.
Fashion program highlights include the Annual Fashion Show, internship opportunities at local, regional, and national companies, and access to a Study Abroad Program that features experiences in more than 70 countries. Fashion students may travel to fashion capitals such as London, Paris, Milan, Florence, and more. Columbia College’s Study Abroad Fair takes place each fall and spring term.
Besides a nice collection of celebrated fashion programs and exciting Study Abroad opportunities, Columbia College sits in the perfect location—the heart of Downtown Chicago. This means, fashion students have access to world famous art museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, beautiful Millennium Park, and the Magnificent Mile (Mag Mile). This 13-block stretch of North Michigan Avenue is home to more than 460 retail stores and high-end designer boutiques (Burberry, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Ermenegildo Zegna, and more), 275 restaurants, 60 hotels, dozens of attractions, and every form entertainment you can imagine.
Established in 1890 as Columbia School of Oratory, Columbia College Chicago is a pioneer in arts and media education. Home to around 11,000 students, CCC offers more than 120 academic majors and programs.
7. Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
Kansas State University’s College of Human Ecology-Department of Apparel, Textiles, and Interior Design houses the Kansas State University Fashion program. Home to more than 2,000 students, the College is one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. Offerings for aspiring fashion designers include a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Apparel and Textiles with Specializations in Apparel Design and Apparel Marketing. The Department also offers a resident MS degree in Apparel and Textiles with an Emphasis in Design, Product Development, Marketing, and Merchandising and a compelling resident Ph.D. degree with a Specialization in Apparel and Textiles.
Kansas State University is America’s first fully operational Land-Grant University and one of the region’s oldest academic institutions. Also called “K-State,” Kansas State University was established in 1858 with just 53 students. Today, K-State has campuses in Manhattan, Salina, and Olathe, and it is home to more than 24,300 students from 50 states and more than 100 countries. More than 250 undergraduate majors are available as well as 65 Master's degrees, 45 Doctoral degrees, and 22 Graduate Certificates across nine colleges. 
8. University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
The University of Nebraska’s (UNL) College of Education and Human Sciences-Department of Textiles is home to the schools popular Fashion program. Offerings for aspiring fashion designers include a BS in Textile Science, a BS in Textile and Apparel Design, and a BS in Textiles & Fashion Communications. The school also offers a variety of graduate programs including MA, MS, and PhD programs in Textiles and Fashion Design. Graduate students have several unique Focus Areas to choose from including Textiles and Apparel Design, Textile Science, and Textile History and Quilt Studies.
All fashion students have access to the Mary Mitchell Fashion Studio, Splinter Laboratory, the Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery, and the Historic Textile & Costume Collection. The program also offers a very active internship program, which features sponsors such as Vera Wang, Nicole Miller, InStyle Magazine, Elie Tahari, and more. Study Tours to London, Italy, Paris, Prague, Shanghai, and Beijing are also on the menu.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has been around for 145 years, making it one of the oldest universities in the Midwest. Chartered in 1869, UNL is home to more than 24,000 students, which also makes it one of the largest universities in the Midwest. The school, which sits on a 600+-acre campus, is just steps from Lincoln’s Downtown area and it offers more
than 200 programs across 10 colleges. 
9. Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana
The Indiana University-Bloomington (IU Bloomington) College of Arts and Sciences is home to the Department of Apparel Merchandising & Interior Design. The Department offers a BA in Fashion Design. This is IU Bloomington’s most popular program for aspiring fashion designers.
Program highlights include an Annual Retail and Design Forum, a Career Development Center Internship Fair, Study Tours, and an Annual Fashion Show. Students also have access to a number of valuable student organizations including the Retail Studies Organization (RSO) and the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Organization.
Founded in 1820, Indiana University-Bloomington sits on 2,000 scenic acres, just 54.9 miles from the state’s largest city—Indianapolis. The school offers more than 180 majors and 330 degree programs across more than 15 colleges and schools. Besides having one of the nation’s largest collections of program offerings, IU Bloomington houses one of the country’s largest Study Abroad Departments. The Department offers 250 programs in 17 languages. 
10. Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri
Stephens College is the nation’s second oldest college for women. Established in 1833, the school sits on an 86-acre campus, just 120 miles from St. Louis and Kansas City. Stephens College offers more than 50 academic programs, including several top-rated undergraduate programs for aspiring fashion designers and several graduate programs for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs.
The Fashion Department at Stephens College offers a BFA in Fashion Design and Product Development and a BFA in Fashion Communication. Fashion students may also earn a Master's degree in as little as one year through the Department's Bachelor's + Master's program. A Minor in Small Business or Small Business Ownership may benefit students on the entrepreneurial path. Students may combine any undergraduate program with a Master of Business Administration, Master in Strategic Leadership, or a Master of Education in Counseling.
Fashion Department highlights include 30+ visiting fashion professionals each year and participation in Stephens’ Annual Spring Fashion Show. Internships at companies such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Victoria's Secret, Baby Phat and WWD are on the menu as well as study trips to London, Rome, Paris, Sweden, and more.
11. Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts (SDVA) at Washington University offers several award-winning degree programs for aspiring fashion designers. Programs include a BFA in Fashion Design, a BFA in Interdisciplinary Studies, and a Minor in Art + Design. Sam Fox SDVA highlights include the Annual Fashion Show, Study Abroad opportunities in Florence, Barcelona, Berlin, and more, the Summer Travel Drawing program, and free membership to the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum.
Established in 1853, Washington University (WUSTL) is home to more than 14,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 nations. The school offers more than 90 academic programs across 10 colleges and schools. 
12. Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
The College of Education and Human Services (CEHS) at Central Michigan University (CMU) is home to the Center for Merchandising and Design Technology (CMDT). The Center offers several competitive programs for aspiring fashion designers. Fashion design offerings include BA, BAA, and BS degrees in Apparel Design, an MS in Apparel Product Development and Merchandising Technology, and an Apparel Product Development and Merchandising Technology (APDMT) accelerated Dual Master’s degree. The accelerated program takes just 5 years to complete. A Minor in Apparel Merchandising and Design is also on the menu.
Fashion program highlights include a top-rated internship program that offers the opportunity to work at both national and international companies; industry partnerships with Reebok, Brooks Brothers, and Malden Mills, and membership in The Fashion Association of Merchandising and Design (FAMD). FAMD is a student organization that sponsors the program’s Annual Spring Fashion Show. Although not required, students are encouraged to take advantage of CMU’s Study Abroad program. Past study locations include Hong Kong, London, and Paris.
Established in 1892 as Central Michigan Normal School and Business Institute, Central Michigan University (CMU) opened with just 31 students and several rooms above an office in Downtown Mount Pleasant. Today, CMU sits on 235 acres and it is home to 27,000 students at its main campus in Mount Pleasant, online, and at more than 50 locations across North America. The main campus offers more than 200 academic programs across eight colleges. 
13. Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus, Ohio
Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) offers several notable programs aspiring fashion designers. Options include BFA degrees in Fashion Design, Illustration, and Fine Arts, and Minors in Fashion Design and Design History. Program highlights include access to high-end industry software, a surface design lab, an annual fashion show, and internship opportunities at Abercrombie & Fitch—headquartered in New Albany, Ohio and Victoria’s Secret—headquartered in Columbus.
Also on the menu are Study Abroad experiences in Chile, China, England, France, Ireland, Italy, and Scotland, and the opportunity to study in New York. As a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design, CCAD offers The New York Studio Residency program (DUMBO Brooklyn, NY). Through the program, students receive studio space, weekly critiques, and access to a variety of enriching seminars.
Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) was established in 1879. It is home to more than 1,300 students from 40 states and 35 foreign countries. The school sits on a 17-acre campus in Downtown Columbus and offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees as well as a notable collection of Minor options, Dual Majors, and Visual Arts Teaching Licensure. 
14. St. Catherine University, St. Paul, Minnesota
St. Catherine University’s School of Business and Professional Studies houses the Department of Apparel, Merchandising, and Design. Offerings for aspiring fashion designers include BS degrees in Apparel Design, Apparel Design & Fashion, and a BS in Family and Consumer Science with a Focus in Textiles/Apparel. Fashion students may also combine any of these degrees with Fashion Merchandising, Small Business/Entrepreneurship or Marketing/Management, if the goal is to run their own business or retail shop.
Fashion program highlights include participation in St. Catherine University’s Annual Katwalk Fashion Show, guest speakers, the chance to meet with more than 60 companies each year, and access to the thriving Minneapolis fashion scene. The scene had a hand in helping mold Project Runway contestants Katherine Gerdes, Christopher Straub, Danielle Everine and Ra'mon Lawrence-Coleman. The program also offers Study in London, Paris, New York or Boston. Study Abroad partners include London College of Fashion and Acadia Fashion Institute in Florence.
Established in 1905, St. Catherine University (St. Kate’s) is home to more than 5,200 students enrolled in 100 fields of study across three schools including the School of Business and Professional Studies, the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health, and the School of Humanities, Arts and Sciences. The school has 2 campuses—the St. Paul Campus which is 5 miles from Downtown St. Paul and 7 miles from Downtown Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis Campus, which is located in the west bank of the Mississippi River, just east of Downtown. Downtown Minneapolis offers access to shopping, theaters, the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and Fortune 500 companies such as Target and Quest. 
15. The Illinois Institute of Art, Chicago, Illinois
The Illinois Institute of Art offers Design, Culinary Art, Media Arts, and Fashion programs. Popular offerings for aspiring fashion designers include a BFA in Fashion Design and the Fashion Retailing Diploma. Fashion program highlights include access to renowned design, art, and shopping centers, membership in student groups such as Fashion Focused and the American Society of Interior Designers, exciting leadership workshops, and an impressive track record in the area of graduate employment.
In 2011, 93.7% of available Fashion Design (BS) graduates were employed in a related field within 6 months of graduation, as well as 100% of Fashion Merchandising (AS) graduates, and 90.4% Fashion Marketing & Management (BS) graduates. Just a few companies that have hired Illinois Institute of Art graduates include BCBG Max Azria, Chicos, Claire’s Neiman Marcus, Rag & Bone, Nordstrom, Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tip-Top Branding, and White House Black Market.
Established in 1916 as The Commercial Arts School (and known as Ray-Vogue in the 1930s), The Illinois Institute of Art is one of the country’s first colleges of applied art and design. It has two locations in Downtown Chicago including the main campus at River North Point, which connects to one of the world’s largest design centers—Merchandise Mart, and the Loop campus, which is just steps from the city’s high-end shopping hub—The Magnificent Mile. 
16. Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri
Missouri State University (MSU) offers several excellent programs for aspiring fashion designers through the College of Business and the College of Arts and Letters. The College of Business-Department of Fashion and Interior Design (FID) offers a BS in Fashion Merchandising and Design, which focuses on both (global) design and business. The College of Arts and Letters-Art + Design Department (MSU A+D) offers BFA degrees in Metals & Jewelry, Illustration, and Photography.
Students planning to launch their own lines, open a boutique or start another fashion business may consider the BS in Management, Entrepreneurship or General Business, a Minor in Management, Entrepreneurial Studies, Entrepreneurship, Leadership or Operations Management, or a Certificate in Entrepreneurship. However, the BS in Fashion Merchandising and Design is the first stop for most aspiring fashion designers.
Program highlights include the annual MSU Fashion Show at the Springfield Expo Center, which attracts more than 1,000 guests, frequent design and merchandising competitions, Dallas Career Day, Domestic Tours, and “Study Away” experiences in Paris, China (MSU’s campus in Dalian), Italy, and Greece. Domestic Tours take place annually. Students (typically 20) visit New York City to explore fashion businesses and interview for internships. Students have explored and interviewed with Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Cotton Incorporated, Kate Spade, and more.
Established in 1905 as Fourth District Normal School, Missouri State University (MSU) opened with a student population of 543 in off-campus facilities. Today, the school sits on a lovely 450-acre main campus and it is home to more than 20,000 students from 40 states and 70 countries. Additional campuses include West Plains, MO, Mountain Grove, MO, and Dalian, China. 
17. Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
Ball State University (BSU) is home to a nationally recognized fashion program. The College of Applied Sciences and Technology-Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Department offers a BS in Apparel Design. This “Immersive Learning” program prepares students to work in all areas of fashion from Design, Pattern Making and Illustration to Textile Design, Fabric and Notions Buying, Sample Making, and more.
Other program highlights include access to The Beeman Historic Costume Collection, which includes more than 3,000 artifacts related to fashion from 1800 to the present, internship opportunities at local, regional, and nationwide companies, and a top-rated Study Abroad program. The program features 300 Study Abroad locations. Just a few include Spain, New Zealand, Japan, and England. Study Abroad experiences are optional, but the FCS Department encourages participation, which will help enhance students’ education and career opportunities.
Students looking to take their careers a step further by launching their own lines or starting their own studios or boutiques might consider the MBA with a Concentration in Entrepreneurship, the Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurial Management, or the Minor in Entrepreneurship. These popular career-enhancing programs are available through the Entrepreneurship Center at the Miller College of Business.
Established in 1918 as the Indiana State Normal School Eastern Division, Ball State University sits on a beautiful 731-acre main campus just 57 miles from Indianapolis—the State Capital and the nation’s 12th largest city, and 227 miles from Chicago—the nation’s 3rd largest city. Listed among the nation’s Top 322 Green Colleges, the BSU campus also includes 400 acres of research property and it is home to a large population of 22,000 students enrolled in well over 250 academic programs across nine colleges. 
18. Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The School of Arts & Design at Mount Mary University offers several top-notch programs for aspiring fashion designers. Options include a BA in Fashion Design—the first 4-year fashion degree program in the State of Wisconsin, and a Certificate in Fashion Design. Each year, students travel to fashion capitals such as New York and Paris each year to explore textile and apparel museums, attend fabric fairs, and tour design studios, apparel showrooms, and shopping districts.
In Paris, students take classes at the Paris Academy; they meet with European designers and trend forecasters, and participate in the school’s Runway Fashion Show. Students also have the opportunity to participate in Mount Mary’s annual fashion show, in regional, national, and international competitions, and to show their work at local museums and galleries such as Villa Terrace Museum, Gallery Night & Day, and Harley-Davidson Museum.
Students on the path to starting their own boutiques, studios, or other companies may consider the BA in Business Administration or Business/Professional Communication, the Minor in Entrepreneurship, or a Certificate in Business Administration or Business/Professional Communication. These career-enhancing programs are available through the School of Social Sciences, Business & Education.
Established in 1913, Mount Mary University sits on an 80-acre campus in Metropolitan Milwaukee—just 92 miles from Chicago. The school is home to 1,475 students from across the U.S. and abroad and it offers more than 35 programs through the School of Humanities, the School of Natural & Health Sciences, the School of Social Sciences, Business & Education, and the School of Arts & Design.
19. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
The Michigan State University (MSU) College of Arts and Letters-Department of Art, Art History, and Design (AAHD) offers several programs for aspiring fashion designers. Home to 600 students, the Department offers BA and BFA degrees in Apparel & Textile Design and the option to take on a secondary major in Studio Art (Photography) or other major that might enhance students’ education and career opportunities.
The Department of AAHD offers internship opportunities at local, regional, and national companies, access to state-of-the-art production facilities and studios, study trips to nearby Chicago, and membership in valuable student clubs such as the MSU Fashion Design Student Association (FDSA). More than 275 Study Abroad programs in more than 60 countries are also on the menu. Popular overseas experiences for fashion students include The Art of Photography: History + Contemporary Practice in the UK, Visual Art in Florence, Italy, Expressive Arts Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies in South Africa, and Ceramics in China.
Established in 1855, Michigan State University (MSU) is one of the world’s top research universities. It is home to a large population of 49,300 students from all 50 states and more than 130 countries. The school sits on a 5,200-acre campus just 3 miles from Lansing (the State Capital) and it offers more than 200 academic programs across 19 colleges.
20. Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, Ohio
The School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Ursuline College offers a unique program for aspiring fashion designers. The School’s BA in Fashion Design offers a F.I.T. Track. What this means is, students have the opportunity to spend their third year of study at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City (FIT), where they will receive an Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS) from FIT upon graduation from Ursuline College.
In addition to the F.I.T. Track, Fashion program highlights include internship opportunities at local, regional, and national companies, and access to the latest technology and facilities including the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Lab, industry-standard pattern drafting tables, Wolf dress forms, and multi-thread sergers. The program prepares students for successful careers as Fashion Designers, Apparel Manufacturers, Illustrators, Fashion Forecasters, Costume Designers, Stylists, and many others.
The Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland founded Ursuline College in 1871. It was one of the first colleges for women in the U.S. and the first in the State of Ohio. Today, Ursuline welcomes male students and a population of around 1,500 students each day. The school sits on a 100-acre campus just 13 miles east of Cleveland, 31 miles from Akron, and less than 125 miles from Pittsburgh. Ursuline College offers more than 40 academic programs across several schools.