Fashion Certificate Programs
So you want to have a career in fashion? Congratulations. You’ve made a great choice. Although this is a very competitive, demanding industry, the potential rewards are well worth your efforts. For starters, you have a wide range of career options to choose from. Fashion designers, fashion merchandisers and marketers, and in-store display (or visual artists) are just a few of the areas that you can choose as your specialty within the fashion industry. But, before you can choose any of these, you should complete at least a fashion certificate program.
Value of Formal Education
First, some bad news…
Although there are no set educational requirements for employment within the fashion industry, formal education is highly desirable. The fashion industry is so competitive that the good jobs in this field will likely go to those with education.
But wait before you click away from this page!
The good news is that you don’t have to plod through a 4-year degree to get the training that you need for a fashion career. In fact, you can get the basic training that you need in as little as 1 year—with a fashion certificate degree.
Certificate Programs in Fashion
Certificate programs in the field of fashion are offered at many junior and career colleges. These programs can generally be completed in six months to one year, and they can significantly increase your employability within this field.
You can generally receive certificate degrees in fashion design, fashion merchandising and marketing, and visual designing. You can also earn similar degrees in graphic design or commercial art. All of these certificate degree programs will help you to get a start in the fashion industry.
Finding a Good Fashion Certificate Program
The reason that fashion certificate programs are of such short duration is that these programs only include the courses that will prepare you to work in the fashion industry. Certificate degree programs have few (or no) general education requirements. The courses that they offer varies according to which career option you choose.
Before choosing any certificate program in fashion, however, make sure that it is accredited by either the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) or by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) or one of six regional accrediting boards. With such accreditation, you can be assured that the program meets industry standards and that you will not be wasting your time—or your money—on a substandard degree.
What do I Need to Apply?
Most fashion certificate programs require that you have a high school diploma (or its equivalent) in order to apply.
Some personal traits, and abilities, that will help you to excel in a certificate program include creativity, artistry, fashion sense, business sense, and analytical skills.
What Courses will I Take?
Although the courses that you will take will vary quite a bit depending upon your actual major, you can expect to take courses such as:
- Fashion Illustration
- Commercial Fashion Design
- Consumer Behavior
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Costume Design
- Draping
- Interior Design
- Portfolio Preparation
- Textiles
- Store Layout
- Basic Business Skills
