Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design + Product Development

Dare to create original works while learning about all aspects of the fashion business and tapping into our extensive alumnae network.

The Stephens College B.F.A. in Fashion Design and Product Development is one of the best in the world, ranking alongside programs at SCAD, F.I.T., and Parsons.

Program Reputation

• The Business of Fashion, London calls Stephens College one of the Best Fashion Schools in the World 2019. The program ranks high for the learning experience, based on the quality of teaching and resources available, and long-term value, based on students’ preparedness for the real world.
• Stephens is one of 20 schools in the country — and one of very few in the Midwest — invited to the Council of Fashion Designers of America educational initiatives, connecting our faculty and students to high-level industry organizations.
• Our students consistently earn scholarships from the Fashion Scholarship Fund and Fashion Group International.
• Fashion-Schools.org ranks Stephens the No. 15 Private Fashion Design School in the U.S.

The Collections

Showcase your best works at The Collections, our annual student designer fashion show, a dynamic runway event established in 1944. This juried event provides opportunities to show your work in front of a sold-out audience and working industry professionals.

Networking Opportunities

Interact with top industry professionals who visit Stephens every year, including prestigious designers invited by the Jeannene Booher Fashion Lecture Series. Stephens recently hosted Project Runway judge Brandon Maxwell; former Project Runway contest and alumna Amy Bond ’92; and Becca McClaren-Tran of Chromat, among others.

Hands-on with Fashion History

Be inspired by our Historic Costume Museum + Research Library (CMRL), featuring more than 13,000 pieces including designer garments from fashion icons Bill Blass, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, and Valentino.

Notable Alumnae

• Mary Eifert ’15, Associate Designer, White House Black Market, Ft. Myers, Florida
• Bea Barton Fuller ’04, Director Advanced Concepts, Basketball Footwear, Adidas, Portland, Oregon
• Stacey Hansen ’96, Technical Development Director, Nike, Beaverton, Oregon
• Brandy (Gann) Hanson, VP Technical Design, Abercrombie & Fitch, Columbia, Ohio
• Michelle Fifis ’02, Founder, Pattern Observer, Asheville, North Carolina
• Helen Jean ’02, Interim Curator, Fashion Design, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, Arizona
• Camille Palmer ’04, Senior Technical Designer/3D Specialist, PVH, New York, New York
• Sophie Ranek ’19, Assistant Designer, Weissman Theatrical Supplies, St. Louis, Missouri
• Maggie Robey ’08, Product Developer, Byer California, San Francisco, California
• Tobie Roberts ’18, Production and Development Manager, Pleiades, Lafayette, Colorado
• Gretchen Roehrs ’12, Art Director & Product Manager, Rothy’s, San Francisco, California
• Britt Wallace ’12, Swimwear Designer, O’Neill, Los Angeles, California
• Katherine Woodruff ’12, Film/TV Costumer, Nashville, Tennessee
• Jane Zachritz ’11, Designer, Bernard Chaus Inc., New York, New York

Curriculum

Major Requirements

• Based on the 2020-2021 Curriculum Catalog
• Degree: BFA
• Curriculum: Fashion Design and Product Development (FDP)
• Elective Courses: 7 credits
• General Education Courses: 31 credits
• Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD): 8 Non-Credit Classes
• Major courses: 82 credits

Required: 82 credits

• BUS 250 Principles of Marketing, 3 credits
• DSN 146 Drawing for Design Arts, 3 credits
• DSN 148 Figure Drawing, 3 credits
• FAS 111 Basics of Apparel Construction, 3 credits
• FAS 170 Fashion Perspectives, 3 credits
• FAS 192 Fashion Workroom Techniques, 3 credits
• FAS 201 Creative Process, 3 credits
• FAS 203 Textiles, 3 credits
• FAS 214 Patternmaking I, 3 credits
• FAS 216 Draping Fundamentals, 3 credits
• FAS 232 Technology for Fashion Presentation, 3 credits
• FAS 246 Fashion Drawing, 3 credits
• FAS 248 Advanced Fashion Drawing and Illustration, 3 credits
• FAS 303 Product Development, 3 credits
• FAS 315 History and Culture of Dress and Fashion, 3 credits
• FAS 316 Patternmaking II, 3 credits
• FAS 320 Computer-Aided Design, 3 credits
• FAS 325 Advanced Computer-Aided Design, 2 credits
• FAS 330 Design Studio I: Contemporary Sportswear, 3 credits
• FAS 340 Design Studio II: Weekend and Denim, 3 credits
• FAS 375 Dress and Fashion: 1900 to Present, 3 credits
• FAS 403 Design Studio III: Tailored Design, 2 credits
• FAS 404 Design Studio IV: Tailored Design Workroom, 2 credits
• FAS 405 Design Studio V: Senior Collection, 4 credits
• FAS 420 Apparel Production Technology, 2 credits
• FAS 466 Design Studio VI: Senior Collection Workroom, 3 credits
• FAS 468 Portfolio Development, 2 credits
• FAS 492 Fashion Industry Internship, 1 credit
• FAS 493 Current Issues in the Global Fashion Industry, 3 credits
• FAS 496 Post-Internship Seminar, 1 credit

Career Preparation

• Define your design identity and let your creativity bloom as you create original works.
• Collaborate in teams with other fashion majors on real-world projects.
• Hone your technical skills used in the fashion industry such as patternmaking, draping, and fashion drawing.
• Use advanced digital technologies, including Adobe programs, to develop dynamic fashion presentations.
• Create a professional-level portfolio to help jump-start your career.
• Take study trips to international fashion capitals for college credit.