The first step in pursuing a career in fashion is picking the appropriate training course. The issue is that there are so many fashion school options in Missouri that it can be difficult to determine which ones are the best. Fortunately, many organizations and groups have already completed most of the work for you.
Numerous directories rank the best colleges in the country according to factors including tuition, location, facilities, job placement assistance, student clubs and organizations, art and culture, class size, and more.
However, the fashion industry is always active. The laws of fashion appear to alter every month, unlike in other businesses, where norms, expectations, and procedures may vary every few years or even more infrequently.
Continue reading to find out which Missouri schools are tops and what they have to offer.
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Table of Contents
Are there Fashion Schools in Missouri?
There are many fashion schools in Missouri. These fashion schools offer different degrees in fashion and fashion-related courses in Missouri. They include:
- University of Missouri
- Missouri State University
- Washington University
- Webster University
- Fontbonne University
- Stephens College
- Stevens Institute of Business & Arts
- Lindenwood University
- University of Central Missouri
- Metropolitan Community College
- Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI)
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How Long Does it Take to get a Degree in Fashion in Missouri?
In and around Missouri, 4-year universities are often where you can find fashion degree programs. You could pursue a 4-year bachelor’s degree focusing on textiles and garment design, fashion merchandising, or both. In the majority of programs, internships are necessary.
Between 120 and 130 credits in general education and fashion design courses must be earned to finish a bachelor’s degree in fashion design. If you are a full-time student, it should take you four to five years to complete this. You might enroll in classes like Design Studio, Textiles Laboratory, and History of Fashion while in school.
As you can see, you spend a lot of time in the design studio working on various fashion designs rather than spending all of your time in the classroom. Beyond your Bachelor’s degree, you must complete two to three years of additional coursework to earn a Master’s.
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How Much do Fashion Schools in Missouri Cost?
The average tuition in Missouri is $17,214. However, there are numerous institutions where the cost of attendance is lower; at Northwest Missouri State University, it is only $4,189.
The Jo Anne Booher Scholarship and the Paula Kindrick Hartsfield Family and Consumer Sciences Education Scholarship are only two of the many fashion-related scholarships offered by Missouri State University.
Also, after receiving your fashion degree, you can launch a career and start gaining experience in the industry. Retailers, fashion designers, and marketing firms might have vacancies for you. Missouri’s economy is expanding, and its unemployment rate is at 5.9 percent.
Your seniority and amount of expertise will determine how much money you can make. Your earning potential may increase as you accumulate more experience.
In Missouri, fashion designers typically make $70,990 a year, while merchandise displayers make an average of $25,360. (BLS, 2012). A marketing specialist can expect to make $63,070 per year on average.
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What are the Requirements of Fashion Schools in Missouri?
The fashion industry constantly evolves, so breaking into it may not be easy. Fortunately, numerous prestigious fashion schools can support your entry into the industry.
A fashion degree might be the right choice if you have outstanding taste and enjoy being creative.
Because many programs have low acceptance rates, it might be difficult to get into a fashion school. Every fashion school is unique and has its entrance requirements.
If you decide that going to fashion school is the best option, you must prepare for the application process. All requirements must be gathered, and research must be done.
The requirements are:
- Submit your school transcripts or GED
- Complete an application form
- Pay an application fee
- Write an admission essay
- Submit SAT or ACT scores
- Submit recommendation letters
- Show your portfolio
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What are the Best Fashion Schools in Missouri?
There are many fashion schools in Missouri, but some are considered the best among them. Here are the best fashion schools in Missouri:
1. Fontbonne University
The Fashion Merchandising degree at Fontbonne University offers a curriculum emphasizing thorough knowledge of the textile and garment sectors.
By instructing students in the fundamentals of design, production, manufacturing, buying, merchandising, and product distribution, the program prepares students for various vocations in the fashion business.
Junior or senior-year students must complete an academic internship. The International Textile and Apparel Association and The Fashion Group International, among others, provide students with the chance to network with industry experts.
Fontbonne University offers the following degrees:
- B.S. Fashion Merchandising
A B.S. degree typically takes four years to complete, an M.S. degree often takes two years, and a Ph.D. program typically takes two or more years to finish.
Fashion merchandising majors must perform an internship during their junior or senior year. Typically, internships are conducted at retail establishments, producers, product developers, shopping centers, boutiques, or company headquarters.
Additionally, students have the option of studying abroad in cities like London or Paris. Students have additional opportunities to comprehend the characteristics and prerequisites for a successful job through career days and excursions to local and national marketplaces.
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2. Metropolitan Community College
Integrating art, commerce, and technology studies, the Apparel & Textiles program at Metropolitan Community College – Penn Valley equips students with potential employment prospects.
A state-of-the-art computer lab, a design studio, and display spaces are available to students. Students studying apparel and textiles have two major options: marketing and merchandising or product development and design.
The following degrees are available from Penn Valley’s Metropolitan Community College:
- Associate of Applied Science in Product Development & Design for Apparel & Textiles
- Associate of Applied Science in Marketing and Merchandising for Apparel and Textiles
A B.S. degree typically takes four years to complete, an M.S. degree often takes two years, and a Ph.D. program typically takes two or more years to finish.
Also, students who major in marketing and merchandise must complete an internship, which is typical with national retailers. The program also offers domestic and international study abroad opportunities with local universities.
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3. Missouri State University
The MFD program in the College of Business provides numerous chances to learn through actual work experience in the business, both inside and outside the classroom.
Accept the opportunity to:
- Travel to New York and Los Angeles for educational visits
- Attend alumni networking events.
- Internships can help you gain useful industry experience.
- Join a fashion and design program that is nationally renowned! Please visit our website if interested in learning more about their program.
- Discover a supportive department and a culturally varied atmosphere. You’ll be equipped to succeed in various roles, such as creative leadership.
In addition, you will study culture, art, and theory to use professional skills, process improvement, and product development. With the groundwork for a career as an imaginative, enthusiastic, and socially conscious professional, you’ll graduate ready for various opportunities. There are jobs in everything from entrepreneurial design to historic preservation.
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4. Stephens College
In order to prepare students for jobs as fashion professionals, Stephens College’s School of Design and Fashion places a strong emphasis on developing students’ technical skills, problem-solving ability, marketable creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills.
Students complete industry-recognized projects, a necessary internship, and a final senior project to develop their technical and creative skills.
Also, students can pursue either a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Marketing and Management or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Communication, Fashion Design, or Product Development.
Stephens College offers the following degrees:
- BFA Fashion Communication
- BFA Fashion Design & Product Development
- B.S. Fashion Marketing and Management
A B.S. degree typically takes four years to complete, an M.S. degree typically takes two years, and a Ph.D. program typically takes two or more years to complete.
Fashion majors are obliged to intern with a prestigious company during their junior year. The program funds vacations to New York City and trips to Las Vegas every other year. Also accessible are study-abroad options in Paris and London. A Senior capstone project is another requirement for students.
5. Stevens Institute of Business and Arts
Small classrooms and individualized attention are offered to students in the Retail Management/Fashion Merchandising program at Stevens Institute of Business and Arts to improve their educational experience. Students are prepared for future professions as retail and fashion professionals through practical experience.
Stevens Institute of Business and Arts offers the following degrees:
- B.A. Retail Management/Fashion Merchandising
A B.S. degree typically takes four years to complete, an M.S. degree typically takes two years, and a Ph.D. program typically takes two or more years to complete.
Also, students participate in experiential learning to equip them with the knowledge and abilities needed to excel in the retail management and fashion merchandising industries.
Students learn practical skills in relevant courses, including merchandising math and apparel Product Development. There is no available study abroad program.
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6. University of Missouri
The College of Arts and Science’s Department of Textile and Apparel Management is a world authority on the textile and apparel supply chain. The distinguished faculty at TAM is renowned worldwide.
TAM, one of the best programs of its kind, equips students for a wide range of careers, including merchandising, purchasing, sourcing, product development, technological design, e-retailing, and retail management.
The program emphasizes technology, creativity and innovation, sustainability, the global supply chain, and leadership. TAM students get the abilities necessary to stand out as top candidates for industry opportunities through coursework, field study experiences, internships, leadership conferences, and student organizations.
However, students who get degrees in textile and apparel management can access academic alternatives that fit a wide range of career prospects. These choices prepare TAM students for careers in the fascinating textile and apparel sectors. Additionally, majors and certificates that complement degrees are available to TAM students.
Their MS program offers a personalized course of study. Based on student interest, history, and aptitude, each curriculum differs. Students learn about professions in the sector through coursework, internships, study tours, student organizations, and interactions with industry professionals.
One of the few institutions in the nation that provides a Ph.D. in Textile and Apparel Management is their Ph.D. program. Students pursuing graduate study in TAM have access to a solid staff, exceptional research capabilities, extensive library access, computer labs, and chances for multidisciplinary and intercollegiate research.
7. Webster University
The Department of Art, Design and Art History (DADAH) at Webster University provides students with a liberal arts curriculum comparable to that of an art academy. The curriculum invites students to engage with cutting-edge concepts and technologies while comprehending and integrating tradition.
Students in costume design continue to hone their fundamental abilities, such as costume fabrication, shop procedures, and rendering methods.
Design and conceptual experience are prioritized in the third and fourth years in the studio and during actual production work.
However, understanding the connection between theory and practice requires that students participate in every aspect of the design process, including idea discussions, shopping, working with costume staff, fits, and technical and dress rehearsals.
Also, one of the few undergraduate colleges, Webster, requires student designers for every show.
8. University of Central Missouri
The University of Central Missouri’s Bachelor of Science in Textiles and Clothing in the Business program can help you develop your creative skills while providing a solid grounding in technology and business. With the help of their distinctive undergraduate program, you can prepare for various vocations in fashion, including buying, product development, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more.
UCM fashion majors value being close to Kansas City, a developing fashion hotspot. UCM’s flexible learning options and emphasis on sustainability provide one of the greatest educations available in fashion design and merchandising.
Also, their emphasis on thorough research in the fashion industry gives you the freedom to express your creativity while also honing practical applications that may be used in various occupations in the sector.
For illustration:
- Learn to sell your outfits as well as to create them.
- Learn how to use cutting-edge technology and digital tools like WGSN, which renowned fashion companies like Adidas and Coach employ.
- Recognize product creation, store planning, branding, visual merchandising, and trend forecasting.
- Enjoy a specialized sewing area while working on embroidery and vinyl cutting.
- Create a website and digital portfolio to display your works and promote yourself in a range of fashion-related industries.
In contrast to many merchandising and fashion design institutes, their fashion curriculum also strongly emphasizes contemporary and developing fashion-related issues like sustainability, ethics, branding, and technology. One subject you won’t find at other merchandising, and fashion design colleges is Sustainability for Consumer Products.
Additionally, they provide a course called Branding and Fashion Technology that focuses on social media, algorithms, and search engine optimization (SEO) as they apply to fashion jobs.
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9. Washington University
The Sam Fox School at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States, offers a BFA in fashion design.
This curriculum is at the bachelor’s level and lasts four years.
Washington University in St. Louis awarded 8 bachelor’s degrees in fashion design for the 2019–2020 academic year. Due to this, among all colleges and universities that provide this degree, the school was ranked #64 in terms of popularity. This represents an increase of 60% from the previous year when just 5 degrees were awarded.
Also, the Sam Fox School of Design at Washington University gives up-and-coming designers a platform both on and off campus.
10. Lindenwood University
Students who complete the Fashion Design and Technology Bachelor of Fine Arts program are prepared for various creative vocations.
Beginning with solid design fundamentals, the 78-hour degree program offers students a well-rounded course of study that includes fashion illustration, costume design, fashion accessories, portfolio design, and more.
Also, the staff at Lindenwood University that teaches fashion design and technology are very informed, experienced, and always willing to assist you. They are skilled teachers and professionals in the field who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Because they are reachable, you can do so quickly and easily whenever you have questions.
Students receive a solid foundation in critical theories and trends, as well as the real-world application and problem-solving inherent in fashion systems, from the Master of Arts in Fashion Design and Technology program.
Additionally, the fundamentals of a wide range of design and construction strategies are explained. Students are exposed to different approaches in the field and given a historical overview of the sector and industry.
With the help of their new fast-track program, students can complete their Master of Arts in Fashion Design and Technology in just one year. Thirty credits are needed to complete the MA in Fashion Design and Technology. With this flexibility, you can blend online and conventional classroom courses according to your schedule needs.
Please be aware that to be eligible for the Fast Track option; students must have completed considerable coursework toward an undergraduate degree in the area of specialization or a closely related field, have a 3.5 GPA in their main coursework, or submit the results of the GRE.
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What are the Fashion Schools in St Louis, Missouri?
There are not many fashion schools in St Louis, but they are great fashion schools to study fashion in.
They include:
- Washington University
- Fontbonne University
- Webster University
- Stevens Institute of Business & Arts
What are the Fashion Design Schools in Missouri?
There are eight Missouri schools where you might consider enrolling if you want to work as a fashion designer. Some schools provide associate’s degrees in fashion design, but the majority of institutions only offer programs at the bachelor’s level.
You must first choose between earning a bachelor’s and an associate’s degree. A two-year associate’s or four-year bachelor’s program should be on your schedule. While bachelor’s degree programs often offer a more in-depth education, associate’s degree programs include lower-level fashion design courses.
You could be required to enroll in classes like portfolio preparation, evaluating fashion and apparel, and fashion analysis. You can build a great portfolio with portfolio preparation, which can aid your job hunt or your admission to graduate school.
Also, spend two additional years after receiving your Bachelor’s degree to complete your Master’s program.
The fashion design schools in Missouri are:
- Fontbonne University
- Kansas City Art Institute
- Lindenwood University
- Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City
- Missouri State University-Springfield
- Stephens College
- University of Missouri-Columbia
- Washington University in St Louis
What are Fashion Merchandising Schools in Missouri?
Attending a course at one of the Missouri fashion colleges is a good place to start if you want to launch a career in fashion merchandising. In Missouri, four fashion merchandising schools are spread out around the state.
Three of the four colleges also offer master’s degree programs and bachelor’s degree programs offered at all four.
However, you can anticipate taking a variety of business, marketing, and fashion classes if you intend to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in this area. Your course schedule might include classes in fashion insight, consumer textiles, retail sales promotion, and retailing & consumer behavior.
If you have the chance, you might consider participating in an internship. In addition to making you more at ease with the fashion industry, this experience can aid in your career search after graduation.
The schools are:
- Lindenwood University
- Stephens College
- Stevens Institute of Business & Arts
- University of Central Missouri
Conclusion
In conclusion, studying fashion is a very good thing to do as the current lifestyles in the world change everyday. A career in fashion can help you in so many ways.
Therefore, if you are in Missouri and wish to study fashion as a course, then one of these fashion schools can be the right pick for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Missouri have a fashion school?
There are 11 fashion schools in Missouri.
How do I become a fashion merchandiser in Missouri?
You’ll need first-hand experience in retail. It also helps to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising or a related field.
Is being a fashion merchandiser in Missouri hard?
Fashion merchandising can be a very competitive field with constant changes in trends due to global market forces.Â
Are fashion degrees in Missouri worth it?
Yes, they are.
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