School of Fashion

BFA Program Learning Outcomes

It is the objective of the School of Fashion to provide students with a global vision that combines the design excellence of Europe with the energy of the United States and the technology of Asia. The School of Fashion has developed a strong curriculum in design, marketing, merchandising, textiles and knitwear providing opportunities unmatched by any other fashion college for graduates worldwide.

BFA graduates of the School of Fashion will meet the following student performance criteria:

• Research and Concept Development

  • (Design, Knitwear & Textiles) Produce creative and original designs.
  • (Design, Knitwear & Textiles) Select design concepts appropriate for the market and customer, building on analysis of design and market research.
  • (Design, Knitwear & Textiles) Generate design ideas that are coherently related to the chosen concept as well as to one another.
  • (Design, Knitwear & Textiles) Conduct thorough design research, as evidenced in the sketchbook
  • (Design, Knitwear & Textiles) Demonstrate evidence of trialing and self-editing designs.
  • (Design) Propose designs that are possible to translate from 2D to 3D.
  • (Design) Relate silhouettes, color and fabric, details and styling to the design concept
  • (Design) Produce croquis that use color to indicate color and fabric
  • (Fashion Merchandising) Advance their point of view or concept by conducting meaningful research and analysis
  • (Journalism) Research and develop compelling material for print, online or broadcast media

• Visual Presentation Skills

  • (Design, Knitwear & Textiles) Create professional and organized presentations that reflect an individual/personal style.
  • (Design, Knitwear & Textiles) Effectively communicate their design concepts and philosophy two-dimensionally.
  • (Design) Produce accurate and detailed technical drawings that include supportive information, where appropriate.
  • (Fashion Merchandising) Create professional presentation boards, digitally and manually

• Technical Skills

  • Work effectively with industry standard software.
  • (3D Design) Draft flat patterns and drape 3D designs
  • (Knitwear and Textiles) Produce yardage of a particular textile design that can be cut and sewn into a garment.

• Verbal and Written Presentation Skills

  • Clearly express their ideas utilizing fashion industry vocabulary.
  • (Fashion Merchandising) Conduct professional PowerPoint presentations
  • (Fashion Merchandising and Journalism) Clearly express their ideas in written form
  • (Journalism) Conduct effective interviews
  • (Journalism) Write competent, 1,000 word features
  • (Journalism) Competently pitch their ideas

• Specialty Skills: Fashion Merchandising

  • Source, edit and select the appropriate product for a target customer
  • Conduct a fashion business analysis and create an effective business plan (sales assortment plan, finances plan and marketing plan)
  • Merchandize a retail selling floor

• Collaboration Skills

  • (Fashion Merchandising) Demonstrate that they can collaborate, cooperate and work in a team

• Professional Readiness

  • Create a relevant and original portfolio and collateral materials which can be used to market themselves to the industry

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

Campus Tour

If you're interested in signing up for one of the Academy of Art University's campus tours, please click here for more information.

You're Invited

Click here to view upcoming Academy events.