The Fashion Techniques and Design program prepares graduates for careers in garment manufacturing design rooms. The program simulates, as closely as possible, the industry’s standards, practices and facilities. You will use industrial machines and learn the essentials of fashion sketching, pattern making, pattern grading and clothing construction. Additional core subjects include textiles, technical specifications and history of costume. Program electives allow you to select specific related subject areas, such as fashion show development, portfolio development, draping, lingerie, and bridal and evening wear. Computer skills in Adobe Illustrator, pattern drafting and pattern grading are included as core and elective courses and are continually upgraded to meet industry needs. An annual fashion show highlights successful student projects. Students have the opportunity to show their work to industry guests at Fashion Portfolio Night, participate in numerous competitions, work on applied research projects, volunteer at Fashion Week and attend industry events. Note: This program requires extensive sewing. Both sewing ability and access to a sewing machine outside of the campus facilities are expected.

This program is ideal for individuals with a love of fashion, and a desire to be involved in the industry at various stages of creating a fashion line, from initial design concept to final product. Graduates typically become members of a team in roles that might include trend forecasting, drafting specifications or preparation for production. Graduates have had successful careers as assitant designers, stylists, patternmakers, samplemakers, graders or technical illustrators. Workplaces range from small design studios to large manufacturing companies. In the last 40 years, graduates have developed into entrepreneurs in design, sewing and fashion-supply businesses.