This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2025-2026 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The fashion design curriculum offers technical and design courses that provide skills required in the fashion industry. Individual designs are presented in two-dimensional form, developed and perfected through techniques used in the fashion industry, and then executed in final and three-dimensional form in fabrics appropriate to the design. Junior design students are encouraged to complete internships in the fashion industry in New York City. Internships provide not only experience but industry contacts, and are strongly recommended. They may be conducted primarily during the summer semester.
Study abroad programs are readily available for fashion design majors.
Student learning outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:
- Utilize problem-solving skills: Students will demonstrate skill in completing studio projects in draping, pattern making and fashion drawing utilizing competencies practiced in studio courses.
- Apply investigative and research skills: Students will complete original research and exhibit creative investigation in applied project development.
- Implement industry standard technology: Students create and present design and illustration projects utilizing industry standard computer software.
- Professionalism: Fashion design students exhibit professional oral and visual presentation skills, including critical feedback.
Special requirements
Successful completion of ARTF 131, ARTF 132, ARTF 133 and ARTF 134 are required for current art foundation students to major in fashion design. Core fashion design courses start in the fall semesters only.
Students entering the program are required to purchase departmentally approved dress forms and specified supplies.
Degree requirements for Fashion, Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with a concentration in fashion design
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General education | ||
| Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser. | 30 | |
| Major requirements | ||
| • Major core requirements | ||
| FASH 201 | Construction Techniques | 3 |
| FASH 203 & FASH 204 | Patternmaking I and Patternmaking II | 6 |
| FASH 205 & FASH 206 | Fashion Drawing I and Fashion Drawing II | 6 |
| FASH 290 | Textiles for the Fashion Industry | 3 |
| FASH 301 | Advanced Draping I | 3 |
| FASH 302 | Advanced Tailoring II | 3 |
| FASH 303 | Design Theory and Illustration I | 3 |
| FASH 304 | Design Theory and Illustration II | 3 |
| FASH 305 | Advanced Tailoring I | 3 |
| FASH 306 | Advanced Draping II | 3 |
| FASH 319 | Fashion History: The Modern Era | 3 |
| FASH 345 | Fashion Communication | 3 |
| FASH 401 | Focused Design Applications | 3 |
| FASH 402 | Cultural Issues in Studio Practice | 3 |
| FASH 404 | Design Portfolio | 4 |
| • Additional major requirements | ||
| Studio courses (select six credits) | 6 | |
| Focused Design Applications 1 | ||
| Cultural Issues in Studio Practice 1 | ||
| Middle of Broad: Interdisciplinary Community-engaged Design Studio | ||
| Advanced Fashion Technology | ||
| Line Development Studio | ||
| Studio Topics in Design | ||
| Ancillary requirements | ||
| • Art Foundation Program | ||
| ARTF 131 | Drawing Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 132 | Surface Research | 3 |
| ARTF 133 | Space Research | 3 |
| ARTF 134 | Time Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 139 | Project Studio | 2 |
| or ARTF 138 | Project Seminar | |
| ARTH 103 & ARTH 104 | Survey of Art I and Survey of Art II | 6 |
| • Additional requirements | ||
| Select from FASH 320 or any additional ARTH course | 3 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select any course at the 200 level or higher | 3 | |
| Select any courses at the 300 level or higher | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.
Recommended course sequence/plan of study
| Freshman year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | Hours | |
| ARTF 131 | Drawing Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 132 | Surface Research | 3 |
| ARTF 139 or ARTF 138 | Project Studio or Project Seminar | 1 |
| ARTH 103 | Survey of Art I | 3 |
UNIV 111  Play course video for Introduction to Focused Inquiry: Investigation and Communication | Introduction to Focused Inquiry: Investigation and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| ARTF 133 | Space Research | 3 |
| ARTF 134 | Time Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 139 or ARTF 138 | Project Studio or Project Seminar | 1 |
| ARTH 104 | Survey of Art II | 3 |
| UNIV 112 Play course video for Focused Inquiry II | Focused Inquiry II (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Sophomore year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| FASH 201 | Construction Techniques | 3 |
| FASH 203 | Patternmaking I | 3 |
| FASH 205 | Fashion Drawing I | 3 |
| FASH 290 | Textiles for the Fashion Industry | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| FASH 204 | Patternmaking II | 3 |
| FASH 206 | Fashion Drawing II | 3 |
| FASH 345 | Fashion Communication | 3 |
| UNIV 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| Elective (200 level or higher) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| FASH 301 | Advanced Draping I | 3 |
| FASH 303 | Design Theory and Illustration I | 3 |
| FASH 305 | Advanced Tailoring I | 3 |
| FASH 319 | Fashion History: The Modern Era | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| FASH 302 | Advanced Tailoring II | 3 |
| FASH 304 | Design Theory and Illustration II | 3 |
| FASH 306 | Advanced Draping II | 3 |
| General education courses | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| FASH 401 | Focused Design Applications | 3 |
| FASH 402 | Cultural Issues in Studio Practice | 3 |
| FASH 404 | Design Portfolio | 4 |
| Select from FASH 320 or any ARTH course | 3 | |
| Elective (300 level or higher) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Elective (300 level or higher) | 3 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Studio courses | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Total Hours: | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.