HBCU Degree Programs Offering Careers in Fashion

Last Updated on May 31, 2023

If you have always had a knack for fashion and seriously thinking about careers in fashion, then a good look at HBCUs that offer fashion degree programs is just what you need. There are many degrees that can prepare you for a successful fashion career such as fashion design, fashion merchandising, and retail management. Some of the HBCUs that offer fashion degrees also have exciting internship opportunities with well established fashion design companies that could give you a jump start in your career.

Careers in Fashion

Graduates of fashion degrees can enjoy exciting opportunities for careers in fashion such as:

• Fashion designers
• Stylists
• Visual merchandisers
• Retail store managers
• Clothing brand managers
• Online fashion editors
• Showroom sales reps

HBCUs With Fashion Degree Programs:

Bowie State University

Degree Program: Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts with a concentration in Fashion Design
Website: http://www.bowiestate.edu

Fashion Design is one of the Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts (VCDMS) Concentrations in Bowie State University. This program prepares students to enter the world of fashion through the University's partnerships with professional organizations in the field. Students are exposed to a liberal arts program that integrates training with the latest in technology and research in fashion design. The University also assists students obtain the right internships that can help them enter careers in fashion.

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Clark Atlanta University

Degree Program: B.A. in Fashion Design and Merchandising
Website: http://www.cau.edu
There are two degree majors that students who want to obtain a fashion degree can choose from at Clark Atlanta University – B.A. in Fashion Design or Fashion Merchandising. Those who take fashion design can become fashion designers, wardrobers, fashion stylists, product developers, fabric buyers and costume designers. Students who focus on fashion merchandising will learn the ins and outs of merchandising, marketing and product development. There are multiple internships available for qualified students.

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Delaware State University

Degree Program: BA Textiles and Apparel Studies
Website: https://www.desu.edu
The TAS (Textile and Apparel Studies) Program at Delaware State University is designed to help students develop professional skills they would need to succeed in the global fashion industry. Students are taught the various aspects of the industry, from the production to the distribution of textiles and apparels. The University collaborates with various companies in the fashion industry which gives students an advantage as they prepare for careers in fashion.

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Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

Degree Program: BS in Fashion Merchandising and Management
Website: http://www.cheyney.edu
The Fashion Merchandising and Management (FMM) program at Cheyney University has 4 levels of instruction which  include courses on textile and apparel production, fashion merchandising and marketing, fashion management, fashion entrepreneurship, visual merchandising, professional development and merchandise planning and buying. These majors prepare the graduate to either enter careers in fashion or pursue a master's degree program. The University arranges annual events where executives from Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Walmart are invited to provide inspiration to students.

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Howard University

Degree Program: BFA in Design with a Concentration in Fashion Design
Website: http://www.art.howard.edu
The BFA in Design at Howard University aims to help students explore various design elements, production methods and fashion branding ideas that will make them competitive in the global fashion industry.

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North Carolina A&T State University

Degree Program: Fashion Merchandising and Design
Website: http://www.ncat.edu
North Carolina A & T University offers a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences Program with a Concentration in Fashion Merchandising and Design. This degree program helps students understand apparel product development and merchandising, retailing and fashion marketing. Extensive hands-on learning opportunities are provided through field trips, internships, and design labs. Students are required to complete a supervised internship course in which they are allowed to render 200 hours at a university-approved internship site.

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North Carolina Central University

Degree Program: Textiles and Apparel with a Concentration in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design
Website: http://www.nccu.edu
The Apparel Design program at North Carolina Central University offers students a strong foundation in art and business. Focus is mainly on apparel design and visual merchandising, retail marketing and management and product development.

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University of Arkansas Pine Bluff University

Degree Program: Merchandising, Textiles and Design
Website: https://www.uapb.edu
The University of Arkansas offers a Merchandising, Textiles and Design program which equip students the right tools for their future careers in fashion and merchandising. Coursework includes fashion design, retailing, marketing and development.

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Virginia State University

Degree Program: Textiles, Apparel & Merchandising Management
Website: www.agriculture.vsu.edu
The Textiles, Apparel & Merchandising Management program at Virginia State University is designed to prepare students, via a broad yet focused education, for the diverse careers available in the fashion and textile industries. Course includes History of Fashion, Fashion Illustration, Fashion Design and Principle of Marketing.

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Many of today's successful names in the international fashion industry have all obtained fashion degrees that prepared them well to face the challenges of the fashion world. Learn how you too, can enter the fascinating world of fashion by requesting free information from any of the HBCUs listed above. Financial aid is usually available to those who qualify.

Do you know of a HBCU program that offers careers in fashion that is not on this list? Let us know in a comment below or send us a message on our contact form.