Fashion Design BS
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Minimum Required Credits: 121
Co-op Option(s): One Co-op, No Co-op
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 50.0407
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 27-1022
About the Program
Drexel University’s Fashion Design program prepares students to become innovative, responsible leaders in contemporary fashion. Students develop expertise in design principles, garment construction, textiles, and knitwear while mastering advanced digital technologies such as CLO 3D simulation and Shima Seiki Apex systems. Through rigorous studio practice, they build strong competencies in research, concept development, patternmaking, draping, technical execution, and professional presentation.
The curriculum emphasizes sustainability, ethical decision-making, and interdisciplinary thinking. Students examine fashion within environmental, social, cultural, and historical contexts, fostering critical inquiry alongside creative exploration. Graduates emerge as skilled problem-solvers with technical fluency, collaborative abilities, and a distinctive creative voice shaped through critique, experimentation, and mentorship.
From the first year, students engage in immersive, hands-on studio learning with 24-hour access to state-of-the-art facilities in the URBN Center. The Shima Seiki Fashion Knitting Lab provides advanced equipment for the design, simulation, and production of fully fashioned knitwear, while additional resources support digital design, textile innovation, and industrial production processes.
Students deepen their understanding of fashion history and material culture through study of the Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection. Interdisciplinary research opportunities are available through the Center for Functional Fabrics, and the Hybrid Making Lab. Industry engagement is embedded throughout the curriculum, including critiques by visiting professionals, study abroad experiences in global fashion capitals, and a unique experiential and research opportunities. The academic experience culminates in a professionally juried senior collection fashion show.
Graduates pursue careers as fashion designers, knitwear specialists, technical designers, product developers, and entrepreneurs, or continue to advanced study. Drexel’s cooperative education model distinguishes the program by integrating extended professional placements with academic coursework. These experiences provide real-world training, industry connections, and a competitive advantage, preparing graduates to enter the global fashion industry with confidence and impact.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design.
Degree Requirements
| University Requirements | ||
| EXP 1001 | Introduction to Experiential Learning | 3.0 |
| WRIT 1100 | Composition and Rhetoric I | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1110 | English Composition I | |
| WRIT 1200 | Composition and Rhetoric II | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1210 | English Composition II | |
| Introductory Core Competencies 1 | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories | 6.0 | |
Introductory: Inquire and Analyze | ||
Introductory: Collaborate and Integrate | ||
Introductory: Apply and Engage-satified by Making and Storytelling-Creative Process in the College Requirements below | ||
| Free Electives | 15.0 | |
| College Requirements | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories of Westphal College Courses | ||
| Visual and Information Literacy | 3.0 | |
| Making and Storytelling-Creative Process | 3.0 | |
| Global and Cultural Histories | 3.0 | |
| Program Requirements | ||
| Degree Requirements outside of Program | ||
| Studio Art Requirements | ||
| ARST 1001 | Design Foundations A | 3.0 |
| ARST 1005 | Design Foundations B | 3.0 |
| ARST 1100 | Introductory Drawing | 3.0 |
| Select any ARST (Studio Art) or ARTH (Art History) 1000-4999 course | 3.0 | |
| Math and Science Requirements | ||
| ESS 2060 | Environmental Science and Society | 3.0 |
| MATH 1001 | Mathematical Tools and Techniques | 4.0 |
| Degree Requirements inside of Program | ||
| FASH 1100 | Responsible Fashion Systems | 3.0 |
| FASH 1500 | Fashion Design Digital Media | 3.0 |
| FASH 3100 | History of Modern Fashion: 1850 - present | 3.0 |
| FASH 3200 | Industrial Sewing Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| FASH 3209 | Patternmaking and Construction Studio I | 3.0 |
| FASH 3218 | Patternmaking and Construction Studio II | 3.0 |
| FASH 3227 | Couture and Tailoring Construction Studio | 3.0 |
| FASH 3300 | Fashion Drawing I: Exploring Fashion Form | 3.0 |
| FASH 3309 | Fashion Drawing II: IIustration Techniques | 3.0 |
| FASH 3400 | Textile Exploration | 3.0 |
| FASH 3409 | Textile Surface | 3.0 |
| FASH 3500 | Technical Design in Fashion | 3.0 |
| FASH 3600 | Concept Design and Development | 3.0 |
| FASH 3609 | Portfolio I: Visual Storytelling and Personal Branding | 3.0 |
| FASH 3700 | Knitwear Design | 3.0 |
| FASH 4059 | Topics in Apparel Specialization | 3.0 |
| FASH 4500 | Digital Patternmaking and 3D Design | 3.0 |
| FASH 4609 | Portfolio II: Visual Storytelling and Collection Branding | 3.0 |
| FASH 4909 | Fashion Design Collection I | 3.0 |
| FASH 4918 | Fashion Design Collection II | 3.0 |
| FASH 4927 | Professional Practice in Early Fashion Career | 3.0 |
| Optional Co-op Experience | ||
| Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. Co-op cycles may vary. Students choosing this option will be required to complete COOP 1001 as preparation for their co-op experience. COOP 1001 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned. | 0.0 | |
| Total Credits | 121.0 | |
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A complete list of eligible introductory Core Competency courses can be found here.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Fashion Design program, students will be able to:
1. Integrate visual design principles with advanced technical construction skills to produce original, concept-driven fashion work.
2. Apply digital design tools, emerging technologies, and virtual systems to develop apparel within global and interdisciplinary contexts.
3. Synthesize research, material knowledge, and technology to design and realize cohesive collections that communicate a clear and compelling design intent.
4. Create sustainable, ethical, and inclusive fashion solutions that reflect a distinct design philosophy and respond to contemporary social and environmental challenges.
5. Communicate innovative design concepts effectively through visual, written, and verbal presentations for diverse audiences and professional platforms.
6. Demonstrate self-sufficiency, critical thinking, and strategic problem-solving within fashion enterprise, production, and entrepreneurial environments.
7. Critically evaluate personal and industry-level fashion practices, identify limitations, and implement evidence-based strategies to advance design quality, responsibility, and sustainability.