Fashion Degrees: Back in Style

Interest in fashion design degrees has grown enormously over the last several years. Enrollment has tripled at institutions across the country, from famous fashion design schools in New York and San Francisco to programs at smaller community colleges.

On the Fashion Scene

Several factors can account for this increased enrollment in fashion design programs at schools across the country. The Internet may be the largest contributor, making media, information, the fashion scene, and even fashion degrees available more readily. Online degree programs in fashion design have also increased their enrollment, much like their on-campus counterparts.
Fashion scenes in different cities have been growing, too. Chicago's new Fashion Advisory Council has been hard at work establishing the city's fashion design credentials, seeking to retain young designers. Toronto has set itself up as the fashion hub of Canada, also offering new jobs and opportunities to young designers.
An enlarged magazine presence, thanks also in part to the Internet, has increased advertising revenues in fashion design. And, a little show on the Bravo network called Project Runway hasn't exactly discouraged young new designers either.

Where a Fashion Degree Takes You

Students in fashion design degree programs don't just sew all day; the other aspects of their fashion careers are just as important. Building a portfolio, participating in fashion shows, and completing internships are big on a fashion student's agenda.
It can be hard work, but a degree is the best way to start a career in fashion design. The huge spike in fashion school enrollment is ready proof of that.
Source:
San Jose Mercury News

Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.