Online Fashion Design Degree
Online Bachelor of Fine Arts
ONLINE Fashion Design Degree Program Overview
As a student in this fashion degree online program, you’ll develop your own fashion portfolio while learning innovative techniques to evolve your unique designs. This comprehensive online fashion design degree program includes the essentials of collection development, textile design, sewing, patternmaking and draping techniques, digital software, and fashion presentations to help you gain an understanding of the consumer culture and product development in fashion design.
You’ll graduate with strong communication and a better understanding of the apparel industry processes, techniques and terminology, the ability to forecast industry trends, and:
- Your own unique style in fashion design
- A professional fashion design portfolio
- Sustainably optimize in fashion design and production
- A comprehensive skill set in the field of fashion design
- Proficiency using the latest fashion technologies, such as CLO3d digital software to maximize efficiency and sustainability in the design lifecycle
ONLINE FASHION DESIGN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Fashion Illustration
Draping + Patternmaking
Textiles + Materiality
CAD Design
Sustainable Design Thinking
Product Development + Management
STEPS TO ADMISSION
1
Complete your artist meeting with an admissions representative.
2
Submit an admissions application.
3
Create and submit your portfolio to be considered for a scholarship.
4
Submit official high school and college transcripts (for transfer students).
5
Submit the current year’s FAFSA and other financial aid documentation.
ACCREDITATION
TUITION + FINANCIAL AID
At RMCAD, we understand that investing in a college education is a major decision and a major investment. That’s why we offer competitive, affordable tuition when compared to other art and design colleges. Students’ tuition rates are locked in at the time of their initial start date and will not increase as long as they remain enrolled in their program.
FASHION DESIGN DEGREE ONLINE COURSE DETAILS
RMCAD’s fashion degree online curriculum is designed to bring form and function together, with collection development and communication skills. You will turn your artistic vision into an innovative portfolio through a student-oriented experience and the convenience of asynchronous e-learning that lets you to decide where and when you learn, while you:
- Explore and understand the lifecycle of fashion design – from concept ideation and design to product development
- Learn to develop primary and secondary research
- Have opportunities to show your collections in annual fashion showcase and other local shows (Red Ball, Denver Fashion Week)
- Learn to use the latest technologies within fashion design
- Apply sustainable practices to fashion design and production, such as using natural dyes and digitized fabric samples and patterns to reduce materials’ waste
Fashion Design Courses (51 Credits)*
FS 1000
Fashion Industry Survey
(3 Credits)
FS 1200
Introduction to Textiles + Materials
(3 Credits)
FS 3140
Fashion Communication + Presentation
(3 Credits)
FS 3610
Textiles + Materials Exploration
(3 Credits)
*This section does not include the full list of courses for this program.
Liberal Arts Courses (45 Credits)*
AH 1110
Art Historical Methods + Theories
(3 Credits)
EN 1110
Composition I
(3 Credits)
HU 1110
Humanities I: World Thought I
(3 Credits)
MA 1221
The Art of Math
(3 Credits)
The Liberal Arts curriculum is an exciting part of every student’s academic and creative journey at RMCAD. These courses provide the opportunity for students to engage with complex questions and ideas to develop critical thinking skills, a global consciousness, and awareness of art historical foundations that are essential for their intellectual, creative, and personal growth.
*This section does not include the full list of courses for this program.
Foundations Courses (21 Credits)*
FD 1020
2D Design: Elements + Principles
(3 Credits)
FD 1120
Topics in Color
(3 Credits)
FD 1600
Studio Seminar: Methods of Inquiry
(3 Credits)
FD 2130
3D Design: Space + Materiality
(3 Credits)
Foundation Studies educates students in the development of creative studio practice by fostering individualized and collaborative learning that emphasizes cultural engagement, process, critical thinking, and visual literacy.
*This section does not include the full list of courses for this program.
Studio Electives (6 Credits)
FS 3100
Special Topics in Fashion Design
(3 Credits)
FS 3470
CAD Production Patternmaking
(3 Credits)
FS 4211
Fashion Entrepreneurship
(3 Credits)
GD 2210
Vector Illustration
(3 Credits)
*This section does not include the full list of courses eligible as electives for this program.
TECH + TOOLS
The fashion degree online program provides students the opportunity to cultivate fashion fluency, an integrated approach to express creativity, and hone technical skills through creative draping and patternmaking approaches and computer-aided design, all while using the culture of fashion with a global context and impact.
Students in RMCAD’s on-campus Online Fashion Design degree program will be charged a one-time mandatory equipment fee of $1650.00 in their first academic year. Below is the provided equipment that will be yours to keep:
- Juki DDL-8700 High-speed Single Needle Straight Lockstitch Industrial Sewing Machine
- Professional Female Dress Form with Collapsible Shoulders and Removable Arms
All fashion design students also receive software licensing, LinkedIn Learning subscription, LMS access, electronic library resources, cybersecurity, mental health counseling, and tutoring services through their semester fees.
GET TO KNOW OUR GRADS
FASHION DESIGn Stories
Creating Custom Garments: The Art and Business of Bespoke Fashion
A concept that originates in London from the famous Savile Row, bespoke fashion is tailor-made clothing that’s designed based on an individual’s body measurements, specifications, and even personal preferences. There are no two bespoke items
What Are the Different Types of Fashion Designers?
Fashion design is a remarkably diverse practice that allows creativity to take center stage. Styles span every aesthetic and price point imaginable, accommodating all kinds of fashion enthusiasts. From the runway to the theater, gym,
Upcycling in Fashion Design: Creating New Looks From Old Garments
As sustainable materials in fashion become more common in the industry, many fashion designers are starting to explore the concept of upcycling clothing. Slightly different from recycled fashion, upcycling is a process that transforms something old into something that
FASHION DESIGN CAREERS
As the world evolves, so does fashion, which provides many options for your future. A RMCAD Online Fashion Design Degree doesn’t leave you with one path to success, it gives you choices! Our graduates have the opportunity to launch exciting careers in the following areas.
Fashion Design
Fashion design involves creating and developing clothing, accessories, and footwear, blending artistic vision with practical considerations such as functionality, fabric, and trends.
Technical Design
In the fashion industry, technical designers create and develop the technical elements of clothing and apparel, ensuring that designs are functional, fit well, and can be produced efficiently.
CAD Design
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software is used to create, modify, analyze, and optimize designs in the fashion industry.
Textile Design
A role in textile design involves developing patterns, textures, and colors that will be used in a variety of applications, including clothing, upholstery, home textiles, and accessories.
Patternmaking + Draping
Those who work with patternmaking and draping play a crucial role in transforming a designer’s vision into a tangible garment through creating patterns and structures that guide the construction of clothing.
Fabric + Trim Sourcing
Those in fabric and trim sourcing identify, select, and procure the materials necessary for the production of garments and textile products.
Product Development
Product development in the fashion industry focuses on the lifecycle of bringing a new clothing item or accessory from concept and development to production.
Fashion Styling
Fashion styling is the art and practice of coordinating clothing and accessories to create visually appealing outfits for various purposes, including editorial shoots, advertising campaigns, runway shows, and personal styling.
Fashion Trend Forecasting
Those in fashion trend forecasting predict trends in the fashion industry, including styles, colors, fabrics, and consumer behavior.
Custom + Sample Sewing
A role in custom and sample sewing involves creating unique garments or prototypes based on specific client needs or design concepts and is an essential aspect within certain sectors of the fashion industry, including fashion design, production, and retail.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the focus of the online Fashion Design degree program at RMCAD?
The program focuses on developing a fashion portfolio, learning product development, textile design, all through an online platform.
What career opportunities are available for online Fashion Design graduates?
Graduates will acquire the knowledge and skills to start careers as fashion designers, textile designers, fashion illustrators, product developers, and fashion entrepreneurs.
How are online courses delivered in the Online Fashion Design program?
Courses are delivered through an interactive online platform, featuring video lectures, assignments, discussion boards, peer reviews, and opportunities to communicate and collaborate with peers and instructors.
What skills will students learn in the Online Fashion Design program?
Students will learn fashion illustration, draping and patternmaking, CAD design, sustainable design practices, and product development.
What are the technical requirements for the Online Fashion Design program?
Students need a computer that meets RMCAD’s specifications, reliable internet access, and relevant software for design and coursework. For more information on program materials, visit here.
What support services are available for Online Fashion Design students?
All students receive software licensing, a LinkedIn Learning subscription, LMS access, electronic library resources, cybersecurity, mental health counseling, and tutoring services through their semester fees.
What are the admission requirements for the Online Fashion Design Degree Program?
Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of the college’s application process. To be considered for a scholarship, students will also need to create and submit a portfolio of artwork.
What kind of portfolio should students submit for the Online Fashion Design Degree Program application?
A portfolio showcasing your best design work, including sketches, fashion illustrations, and any completed garment projects.
How does RMCAD ensure the quality of online education?
RMCAD ensures quality through experienced faculty, regularly updated curriculum, and interactive, hands-on coursework designed for online delivery.
Are there opportunities for online students to collaborate on projects?
Yes, online students can collaborate on projects through virtual classrooms, group assignments, and online forums.
What are the advantages of studying Fashion Design online at RMCAD?
Advantages include flexible scheduling, access to industry-standard tools, feedback from instructors, and the ability to study from anywhere.
Are there any sustainability-focused courses in the Fashion Design program?
Yes, the program includes sustainable design thinking, focusing on ethical fashion practices, and environmental impact.
What software and tools are used in the Online Fashion Design program?
Students use Adobe Creative Suite, digital sewing and pattern-making software, and tools for 3D virtual fittings. For more information on program materials, visit here.
What are the Liberal Arts requirements in the Online Fashion Design program?
The curriculum includes courses that develop critical thinking, global consciousness, and information literacy.
What are the Foundations requirements in the Online Fashion Design program?
Foundation courses enable students to refine essential skills, get comfortable with the tools they’ll use throughout their program, and study relevant basics— including drawing, composition and color theory. These courses facilitate ideation and collaboration.
Can online students participate in RMCAD's campus events?
Yes, online students are welcome to participate in campus events, exhibitions, and graduation ceremonies. Virtual events are also available to those who do not live locally. For more information on events, please visit RMCAD’s events calendar.
How do online students showcase their work?
Online students can showcase their work through virtual galleries, online exhibitions, remotely joining fashion shows, and by creating professional portfolios.
What makes RMCAD's Online Fashion Design program unique?
The program’s blend of creative and business skills, focus on sustainable design, and comprehensive online support sets it apart.
