The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design integrates conceptual, technical and production design knowledge and skills, leading to a synthesis of the design process from concept to production. These processes include color, design and trend research; technical sketching and rendered illustration; pattern-making and garment construction; analysis of appropriate fit and fabric selection; best practices in sustainable methods and knowledge and the ability to communicate specifications for production using industry standards appropriate to specific markets.
The degree program prepares students for professional careers by developing technical competency, creative/independent problem solving and conceptual understanding necessary for the challenges of a career in the creative industries. Students develop portfolios for presentation at industry interviews and are prepared to be strongly competitive for any entry-level design position in the industry. In addition, students participate in a study abroad/away experience, which includes opportunities to study for a semester in New York City and Florence, Italy, as well as through collaborative partnership programs with the Paris American Academy, Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Regent's University in London.
The B.F.A. degree in Fashion Design engages students in a focused-study thesis project (collection development) as a capstone experience that results in submitting their collection for formal review by faculty and industry designer-critics, followed by public presentation in a fashion venue and completion of a thesis "magazine" (print collateral).
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
Understand the fashion industry, fashion markets, fashion products and services.
Demonstrate understanding of integrating conceptual, technical and production design knowledge and skills, leading to a synthesis of the design process from concept to production.
Apply knowledge and skills in the use of basic tools, techniques and processes sufficient to produce work from draft or specifications to finished product, including skills in portfolio preparation.
Articulate conceptual and critical thinking applicable to the fashion industry.
Employ research processes and practices employed in the fashion industry.
Articulate professionalism and communication skills in the appropriate creative industry.
Examples of Possible Careers
Fashion Designer
Creative Director
Illustrator
Product Developer
Print Designer
Technical Designer
Textile Designer
Product Development
Knit Designer
Knit Programmer
Sourcing
September 2025
Kent State University
800 E. Summit Street,
KENT,
Ohio,
44240, United States
New first-year applicants must finish secondary school in their home country by the time of enrollment to be eligible for university (comparable to the completion of senior high school in the U.S.). A student who has previously enrolled in a post-secondary (higher education) institution is required to apply as a transfer student.
All international undergraduate applicants must submit an English language proficiency test score to be considered for a Kent State program unless they meet specific exceptions or apply for conditional admissions.
All undergraduate applicants must obtain one of the following:
TOEFL iBT: 71; Home Edition iBT: 71
Revised PBT: 18 (average score)
IELTS Academic and IELTS indicator: 6.0
Duolingo:100
PTE Academic: 48
To qualify for the fashion design major, first-year applicants must have at least a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average (on a 4.0 scale).
ELS Level 112 Intensive English Program completion
SAT: a minimum of 510 evidence-based reading and writing
ACT: a minimum of 21 in English
Application Deadlines: October 1 for Spring Semester; June 1 for Fall Semester.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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