School of FashionFashion Design Bachelor's Degree
- BFA
Step into the spotlight with Columbia College Chicago’s Fashion Design BFA degree. Turn your fashion dreams into reality as you dive into a program that blends creativity with business savvy. Through the program’s emphasis on issues of inclusivity, body positivity, sustainability, and the emergence of smart textiles and wearable technology, BFA students gain a broader perspective to inform their design practice
Examples of Careers in Fashion Design
The Student Experience
At Columbia, you can unleash your unique style while gaining essential skills to thrive in the competitive fashion industry, from design and innovation to critical thinking and problem-solving. Join a vibrant community of fellow fashion enthusiasts and start your journey to becoming a fashion influencer. Building on the strong foundations of the Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Studies, Product Development concentration, the BFA further explores the processes of conceptualizing, creating, and delivering a thesis collection that sits at the intersection of craft and innovation.
Get hands-on experiences with retailers and wholesale showrooms, allowing you to build valuable professional connections.
Your first year immerses you in the fashion industry, featuring in-class discussions led by visiting professionals. You will analyze the vibrant Chicago fashion scene, gaining insights into brands' decisions on pricing, fabrics, and design.
Enjoy opportunities to work with students from other majors, such as photography, graphic design, and filmmaking, enhancing your projects through interdisciplinary collaboration. This engagement fosters a rich learning environment and broadens your creative perspective.
Use our advanced resources for design and production, ensuring you are equipped with the tools needed to succeed in the fashion industry. Our facilities are designed to support your creative endeavors and prepare you for professional challenges.
In the Concept to Consumer capstone project where you will collaborate with peers to design a product, partner with local manufacturers, and take it to market. This experience mirrors real-world practices, preparing you for success in the industry.
Participate in seminars covering current trends like sustainability and technology, with industry leaders sharing their insights. Notable past seminars have focused on sustainability practices and wearable tech.
Columbia students excel in national competitions, including the National Retail Foundation’s annual event. You can also participate in trips to the Fashion District in New York City or engage in the Semester in LA program focused on costume design for the entertainment industry.
Career Readiness
As a student and graduate, you will join an extensive network of alumni who work in diverse roles such as technical designers, merchandisers, buyers, and marketers. You’ll also work closely with our Career Center and faculty to find internships that meet your interests.
Gain practical experience through internships. We encourage students to pursue internships with esteemed brands such as Nordstrom, Macy’s, Burberry, and Nike. These opportunities help you build essential networks and gain hands-on experience in the industry.
Our alumni, who work at top brands and retailers, provide mentorship and networking opportunities that are invaluable for your career. They often return to campus to share their experiences and insights, helping you navigate your path in the fashion world.
Alumni Spotlight
Alexander Knox ’15
A womenswear fashion designer based in New York, Knox began his career as a designer at Marc Jacobs in Manhattan and is currently Senior Designer of Women’s ready-to-wear at Coach.
of 2023 grads are employed, enrolled in continued education, or pursuing their creative practice.