If you have a talent for creativity, impeccable personal style and originality, then the exciting world of fashion design is just what you need, and therefore choosing to attend fashion schools in Georgia is a good option.
All fashion design schools in Atlanta, GA offer degrees in fashion design. These programs last an average of five years, as most schools require an internship at a fashion design company.
Most fashion schools in Georgia require between 120 and 140 credits, so you can expect to take 12-15 credits per semester. Some of the classes you may need to take include advanced fashion technology, clothing design, and introduction to fashion sketching.
Are There Fashion Schools in Atlanta?
There are four schools in the Atlanta area for students who want to pursue careers in fashion design.
Based on degree programs offered as well as graduation rates, the top three schools in the Atlanta area to study fashion design are Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta (SCAD) and Clark Atlanta University (CAU).
ALSO CHECK: Best Fashion Schools In Seattle | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
How Much Do Fashion Schools Cost in Atlanta?
With an average acceptance rate of 54%, it is important to have a strong application to be accepted. The average tuition in Georgia is $17,258 per semester, but there are many schools with lower tuition prices.
All schools in Georgia offer a bachelor’s degree in fashion design. These programs last an average of five years, as most schools require an internship at a fashion design company.
Most schools require 120 to 140 credits, so you can expect to take 12 to 15 credits per semester. Some of the classes you may need to take include advanced fashion technology, clothing design, and introduction to fashion sketching.
ALSO CHECK: Best Fashion Schools In Boston | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
What Are The Requirements For Fashion Schools In Atlanta?
You can plan to acquire many different skills in a fashion program. Schools in Georgia study the history of fashion design, create fashion designs, draw patterns and collect designs.
Perhaps this is why most students choose to attend undergraduate programs; there is much to learn! Some of the lower level classes you can take from fashion include
- Fashion sketch
- Draping technique
- Basic sewing techniques
- Assembling the pattern
Once you demonstrate that you have a flair for fashion and patterns, you can move on to more advanced classes. Advanced level courses include
- Computer drawing of the pattern
- Fashion business
- Color theory
- Digital design
Besides your diploma, you can leave your fashion design program with one main souvenir: a portfolio. Your portfolio contains your best designs from each semester, demonstrating your development as a designer and your personal style.
It is often used to find internships or career opportunities. When studying fashion design in Georgia, you’ll definitely want to make your portfolio as strong as possible!
ALSO CHECK: Best Fashion Design Schools In Michigan | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
What Are The Best Fashion Schools In Atlanta?
Your choice of fashion design school matters, so we’ve compiled these rankings to help you make your decision. When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can.
To that end, we’ve created a number of rankings by major, including this list of the best fashion design schools in Atlanta Georgia to help you make your college decision
Savannah College of Art and Design – Atlanta
In addition to Atlanta, SCAD also maintains campuses in Savannah, Georgia, and Hong Kong. The SCAD School of Fashion offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
The 180-quarter-hour Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) includes courses such as fashion concept development, fashion sketching, apparel design, fashion technology, and CAD for fashion design.
Other graduation requirements include a portfolio presentation and a senior fashion collection. A 40 quarter hour minor in fashion design is also offered.
Graduate students can earn a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in fashion. The MA program consists of 45 quarter hours, while the MFA requires 90 quarter hours and a thesis.
Graduate courses include fashion materials, accessory illustration, fashion forecasting and multimedia communication in fashion. MA fashion students also complete studio work.
Clark Atlanta University
Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in fashion design, which includes core courses in fashion illustration, drapery, garment construction, accessory design, and computer-aided fashion design.
A fashion show production course is required, as well as a capstone course in which students are required to create a design portfolio. Although all students must complete at least one internship, they may participate in three.
In preparation for their third year at CAU, students can apply for a study abroad program that can last the entire first year. Students studied in such fashion capitals as Paris, Milan and London.
Brenau University
Brenau University’s main campus is located approximately 45 miles outside of Atlanta, but the school also operates campuses in Atlanta South and North Atlanta.
Courses in the fashion design program include garment construction, 3-D design and typesetting, as well as men’s, women’s and children’s clothing.
The fashion merchandising program is designed for novice buyers, wholesalers, marketers, promoters and managers. Courses in this program include management principles, fashion history, marketing, accounting, merchandising, and digital graphic design.
Art Institute of Atlanta
Any student pursuing a degree in fashion design should attend The Art Institute of Atlanta. Ai Atlanta is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the medium-sized city of Atlanta.
In the most recent year when data was obtained, there were approximately 13 fashion design students who completed this degree at Ai Atlanta.
American Intercontinental University – Atlanta
It’s hard to beat American Intercontinental University in Atlanta if you want to earn a degree in fashion design. AIU Atlanta is a small private for-profit university located in the city of Atlanta.
There were approximately 4 fashion design students who completed this degree at AIU Atlanta in the last year of data.
How Much Do Fashion Designers In Atlanta Earn?
According to O*Net (2016), the average salary for a fashion designer in Georgia is $64,030 per year. You can also take advantage of excellent job prospects in this state. Between 2010 and 2020, O*Net expects an 11% increase in the number of vacancies for fashion designers.
This is significantly higher than in many parts of the country. Currently, designers in Georgia are not required to obtain a license or certification. However, you can attend local networking events to learn more about the industry.
Georgia has many significant fashion events and organizations. Popular events include Savannah Fashion Week and Atlanta International Fashion Week.
ALSO CHECK: Best Fashion Schools In Ohio | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
How Do I Become A Fashion Designer In Atlanta?
Many fashion schools offer internships to students, which is an important feature to consider when considering schools. Fashion students are advised to take business courses during their studies as the business climate has become “more corporate”.
During and after graduation, it is also a good idea to regularly read specialist publications such as Women’s Wear Daily.
While attending fashion school, you will build a portfolio of work that you can share with potential employers. Remember, you won’t be hired as a head fashion designer straight out of school.
Better to accept an entry-level position at a reputable fashion company to get your foot in the door. You can succeed by taking on any task and taking the initiative to do much more.
ALSO CHECK: Best Fashion Schools In Canada | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
Best Paying Fashion Design Jobs in Atlanta
There are many different experiences you can enjoy in clothing design. Many designers work for clothing wholesalers, creating clothing designs that end up in retail stores across the country.
You can also work for a large retailer and design clothing specific to that store. If you can get into high-end fashion, you can work in a fashion design firm. Your working time can be divided between many different jobs and responsibilities.
If you have proven your fashion design skills, you can be in charge of creating and modifying new fashion designs. If you’re working under a more established designer, you can bring their designs to life on paper or on a sewing machine.
It’s also likely that you’ll be responsible for marketing your ideas and pitching them to investors, especially if you’re at a smaller company.
Hard work, dedication to learning new trends and technologies, and developing your target audience can help you spread your wings in this industry.
Best Fashion Schools In Atlanta FAQs
A master’s degree in fashion design can help you understand the intricacies and nuances of the fashion industry. A graduate degree in fashion design includes approximately 30 credits of coursework that can be completed in two years as a full-time student or three years as a part-time student. In this program, you will typically learn about trend analysis, advanced design techniques, and product launch strategies.
You can find several 4-year schools in Atlanta that offer programs. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in fashion design, fashion merchandising or fashion marketing and management.
Like some other states, Georgia has no licensing requirements for those who want to work as fashion designers. It’s not a licensed field, so technically you can work as a fashion designer without any special training or education. However, the degree program provides valuable training in design, tailoring, fashion terminology and portfolio development, making it a good option for developing your fashion skills.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median salary for editors in 2020 was $63,400 per year or $30.48 per hour. The top fashion editors in the world earn much more, have a lot of control over the industry and receive many benefits such as clothing allowances.
Conclusion
If you are pursuing a career in fashion, you can find several 4-year schools in Atlanta that offer programs. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in fashion design, fashion merchandising or fashion marketing and management.
Study abroad options are available in individual programs, and some require a portfolio for admission. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can work toward a master’s degree in fashion, which requires the completion of 45-90 credit hours, covering a wide range of artistic topics related to the field and covering a thesis. Keep reading for trendy options in Atlanta.
REFERENCES
- bestaccreditedcolleges.org – Top School for Becoming a Fashion Designer – Atlanta, GA
- beautyschoolsdirectory.com – Fashion Design Schools in Georgia
EDITOR’S RECOMMENDATION
- Best Fashion Schools In Seattle | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
- Best Fashion Schools In Boston | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
- Best Fashion Design Schools In Michigan | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
- Best Fashion Schools In Ohio | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
- Best Fashion Schools In Canada | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply