Inspiration for today?s dazzling array of fashions comes from everywhere... modern artists, space travel, ancient costumes. This degree program emphasizes innovation and creativity in fashion. After gaining practical experience, graduates may be able to open their own businesses in clothing design and production, retailing, couture, boutiques, and theater costume studios. Students are introduced to the basic skills of construction, sewing, flat pattern drafting, and draping. By applying the principles of good design, they create fashionable garments. Courses are designed to prepare students to take an idea from the planning stage through the construction process to the finished garment. Students move on to the development of collections withopportunities to present their creativity in fashion shows and competitions.

During the program, students critique their ideas and creations as art, as a fashion statement, and as a marketable garment. An objective of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design degree program is to help students obtain a fundamental grounding in fashion design, an introduction to the theory and practice of draping, pattern drafting, construction and sewing, fashion illustration, and creative design. These skills are enhanced through computerized patternmaking and design hardware and software systems. Advanced courses are designed to provide students with the opportunity to focus on surface design and select a professional direction in men?s, women?s, children?s, or accessory design. The program introduces professional skills as well as technical knowledge.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design, students must: receive a passing grade or credit for all required coursework; earn a minimum of 180 quarter credits; achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher; meet portfolio or other requirements as outlined by the program; and satisfy all financial obligations to The Art Institutes.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates should be able to:
? Demonstrate advanced skills in construction, draping, fitting, and patternmaking as well as in specialty textile design, costume design, and product and concept development.
? Use industry software to create, grade, and mark patterns; use business software to develop specification sheets; and develop advanced knowledge of technical sketching and computer design.
? Explain connections between world events and design, color, and forecasting trends in the apparel industry, and apply current events to business trends and to specialty markets such as costume design and active and formal wear.
? Demonstrate a knowledge of apparel production processes from concept development through finished product.
? Apply knowledge of the couture market and the specific client and market drivers.
? Seek entry-level positions in the industry, such as junior designer or pattern grader, or in one of the assistant technical positions in the design or production departments.