One way to start your career in fashion design is attending a fashion design program in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has many different fashion design programs, including certificates, Associate’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees, and Master’s degrees. There are 13 schools in the state, and the average cost of tuition is $16,896. However, you may be able to get scholarships and grants; the average scholarship award in Massachusetts is $6316.
If you want to complete a certificate in fashion design, you may have to complete 18 to 30 credits. You should be able to finish in about one year. The next step up is an Associate’s degree, which includes 60 credits and takes two years. If you decide to complete a Bachelor’s degree in fashion design, plan on completing about four years of school, because most schools require you to complete 120 to 130 credits. Some courses you may have to take include Principles of Apparel Construction, Research in the Fashion Industry, and Consumer Textiles. If you go on to complete a Master’s degree, you should be able to complete the required 30 credits in two to three years.
As a Massachusetts student, be sure to leave space in your schedule for Boston Fashion Week. This can show you all the newest trends in the industry and help you network with fashion design professionals.