COURSE CURRICULUM

The Fashion Design major at Marist University provides a comprehensive education that blends creativity, technical skills, and industry knowledge to prepare students for careers in fashion. Admission requires the submission of a portfolio of original work, which is evaluated for acceptance into the program. The major includes 65 credits of required Fashion Design courses, covering foundational classes such as Fashion in Culture & Commerce, Fashion Figure Drawing, and Design Fundamentals, along with a series of Apparel Studio courses, Digital Fashion Design, and Product Development. Students also study textiles, sustainability in fashion, fashion trend forecasting, and the history of modern fashion. The program culminates in a three-part Senior Thesis sequence that allows students to showcase their skills in designing and producing a final collection.In addition to major courses, students complete 3 credits in related fields, including History of Costume, and are encouraged to take additional courses in Art History to broaden their understanding of fashion’s historical context. Certain courses, including the studio and design classes, require a minimum grade of C to ensure mastery of core skills.The Fashion Design curriculum is complemented by 40 credits of Core/Liberal Studies courses, including a foundation of First Year Seminar and college writing, as well as distribution courses across philosophy, ethics, history, literature, mathematics, natural science, and social science. Students also complete 12 credits of electives, providing flexibility to explore interests beyond the major.Overall, the program emphasizes hands-on learning, combining studio work, digital design, and project-based experiences to develop students’ technical, creative, and professional abilities. Graduates leave the program prepared to enter the fashion industry, whether in design, merchandising, or production, with a strong portfolio, practical experience, and a broad liberal arts foundation. The total credit requirement for graduation is 120 credits, ensuring a balanced education in both the arts and general studies.