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The highly ranked BS in Fashion Design program at Thomas Jefferson University is globally recognized for preparing team-oriented designers who understand the interrelationship of design, production and commerce—while creatively and ethically addressing the ever-evolving needs of the fashion marketplace.
About the Program
Rooted in the belief that fashion can be a force for good, our program embraces a forward-thinking curricular approach shaped by sustainability, diversity and inclusivity. Students are challenged to design with intention, considering environmental and social impact across size, gender, and ability.
The program’s mission is to develop innovative designers who approach problem-solving through a human-centered lens, communicate across disciplines and respond with agility and accountability to the ever-evolving global marketplace. Students study and create in state-of-the-art studio facilities equipped with industry-standard tools and technology. Traditional techniques such as patternmaking and draping are taught alongside advanced digital platforms like Adobe and CLO, providing a comprehensive, future-focused fashion education. In addition, students have the unique opportunity to collaborate with Textile Design students to develop original knit, woven and printed fabrics for their collections—a level of integrated design experience typically only seen in professional industry settings.
The four-year BS in Fashion Design program develops professional skills and a strong creative voice, grounded in a liberal arts foundation that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning. The curriculum promotes both technical proficiency and a deep aesthetic sensibility, encouraging students to express their individual design philosophies while addressing the deeper needs of clients and society at large.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to add an international dimension to their education by participating in our study abroad programs located in international fashion centers like Rome and Paris as well as other locations around the world. With an immersive global experience, students will gain a cross-cultural outlook while broadening their design skills and strengthening their competitive edge in the international marketplace.
Graduates of Thomas Jefferson University’s Fashion Design program are highly sought after for their creativity, technical skills, and ethical design approach. With a portfolio that reflects innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, our alumni go on to thrive in roles such as apparel designers, technical designers, 3D fashion designers and fashion entrepreneurs. Whether launching their own brand or joining leading companies across the globe, they are prepared to lead—and shape—the future of fashion.
Reasons to Study Fashion Design at Thomas Jefferson University
- Internationally Ranked: Study at a top fashion university, recognized both nationally and globally. Fashion Design at Jefferson has been ranked a top fashion school by Fashionista, Business of Fashion, CEO World, and Fashion-Schools.org.
- Interdisciplinary Collaborative Design: Create custom prints, textiles, accessories, jewelry, and hardware to give your creations unique perspective. Collaborative design opportunities unique to Jefferson allow students from cross-disciplines to work together to fulfill a creative vision. Work with textile, industrial, or visual communication design students, just to name a few, to create garments customized to your inspiration.
- Industry Sponsored Scholarships and Competitions: Participate in industry sponsored projects unique to Jefferson students. These projects sponsored by top fashion companies are built into program curriculum to give students insight into designing within brand parameters, while also allowing students to network with professionals in the field. Past industry projects have been sponsored by Free People, WM, Goodwill, Target, Mimaki, Old Navy, and NASA, just to name a few.
- Internships: Scholarship opportunities, our well-connected industry partners, and alumni create connections for our students to land mentorships and internships at well recognized brands, such as: Virgil Abloh's Off-White, Christian Siriano, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, COACH, Vogue, Levi's Under Armour, Urban Outfitters, Free People, Anthropologie, American Eagle, L.L. Bean, Victoria's Secret, and many more.
- Annual Fashion Show: Showcase your skills and talents to a wider audience. Every senior is invited to showcase their capstone collection on the runway at Jefferson's Annual Fashion Show. This widely recognized event serves as a celebration of the seniors' dedication over the last four years, as well as offering graduating and current students the opportunity to network with employers and fashion industry leaders in attendance at the show.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the BS in Fashion Design program at Thomas Jefferson University will be able to:
- Apply conceptual and critical thinking skills to develop innovative, human-centered design solutions grounded in the theoretical, cultural and ethical foundations of the fashion industry.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency and digital fluency across a wide range of industry tools and processes, including sewing, patternmaking, draping, apparel construction and 2D/3D design platforms such as Adobe Creative Suite and CLO.
- Communicate ideas effectively using quantitative, verbal, written and visual storytelling skills that engage diverse audiences and reflect professional standards.
- Understand and apply business practices and ethical frameworks, including considerations of sustainability, inclusivity and equity in fashion production, branding and entrepreneurship.
- Contribute meaningfully to the global fashion marketplace by designing with intention, collaborating across disciplines and responding with agility to social, cultural and market shifts.
- Evaluate global and cultural perspectives to inform design thinking and address complex challenges related to identity, diversity and the social and environmental impacts of fashion.
Fashion Design Student Work Highlights
Explore how our Fashion Design students transform research, creativity, and technical skills into innovative collections. Each year in the program builds toward a unique design voice and professional portfolio.
Fashion Show & Senior Shoot Highlights
Students in the program spend their time developing designs and collections that embody the vision, dedication and innovation that define Jefferson—showcasing what they are capable of. Enjoy some highlights from the show, including some behind-the-scenes moments from the senior shoot. Explore Jefferson's 2025 Fashion Show experience, which features a recap video and additional photos from the runway.
