Marilou
What is the difference between a AA degree and a BA/BS degree in the fashion industry?
What will look better on my resume and, are there certain schools that employers in the fashion world like to see that their employees are from? Specifically, I am interested in becoming a fashion stylist and would like to know what type of degree to pursue #fashion #fashion-stylist
4 answers
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Marilou,
Most employers in the fashion industry will require you to prove that you have completed some basic courses in fashion design and/or obtained a fashion degree before you begin one of many possible fashion careers. The specific courses that you will be required to complete will vary from career to career and from school to school, but most schools will require you to take a similar set of courses.
An associate’s degree program in fashion design will usually require you to take courses in art history (typically one or two courses related to the history of art, costumes, or fashion);clothing or garment construction (typically two courses); computers (typically one course); drawing and/or fashion illustration; English composition (typically two courses); the fine arts (typically one course in art and one course in dance, music, etc.); the fundamentals of fashion design; French draping; math (typically one course in basic math and one course in algebra); pattern making (typically two courses, but sometimes three); tailoring; the science of textiles; and the social or behavioral sciences (typically two courses).
A bachelor’s degree program in fashion design will usually require you to take courses in advanced clothing or garment construction; advanced pattern making; colors; computer-aided design (CAD); ethnic and/or regional designs; fashion history; fashion theory; the fundamentals of 2-D and 3-D design (typically one course for each); the impact of clothing on society and/or the relationship between changes in clothing and changes in society; important concepts in fashion design; fashion show production; hats; marketing; merchandising; menswear; modeling; photography (typically one course, but sometimes two); portfolio design; product evaluation; and styling.
A bachelor's degree program will typically require you to take each of these courses in addition to the courses required for an associate's degree, but some of the bachelor’s programs do not have English, math, and/or social science requirements. You may also be required to complete some sort of project, thesis, or internship in order to receive your degree; many programs have special courses designed to help you complete these requirements for your fashion career.
If you're thinking about pursuing one of the many different careers in the fashion industry, you will probably need an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in fashion design, marketing, photography, styling, or another similar field. However, while a degree may be able to help you get the fashion job you're looking for, it may not be the only thing that you need to keep your job. Most employers in the fashion industry will want to make sure you are staying up to date with the latest trends and changes in the industry on a regular basis. Continuing education courses are designed to teach you about some of the latest design techniques, styles, trends, and changes in the fashion industry; these courses can be very helpful when you're trying to learn how the industry has changed since you left school.
More detailed information in: http://www.fashioncareerstips.com/degrees-needed-for-fashion-careers.html
Success!!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Yvonne Chen
Yvonne’s Answer
**Associate of Arts (AA) Degree:**
- **Length of Study:** This is usually a 2-year program.
- **Coursework:** AA programs typically lay the groundwork for understanding fashion. They often include subjects like fashion design, textiles, fashion history, and basic styling techniques.
- **Benefits:** AA degrees allow for a faster transition into the workforce and can be less costly than bachelor's degrees. They're a great option if you're eager to start your fashion career promptly.
**Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree:**
- **Length of Study:** This is typically a 4-year program.
- **Coursework:** Bachelor's degree programs provide a more extensive education in fashion, encompassing a wider variety of subjects, including advanced fashion design, marketing, business, and fashion theory. They also often allow for specialization in areas like fashion styling.
- **Benefits:** A bachelor's degree offers a deeper dive into the fashion industry, more detailed coursework, and opportunities for internships and networking.
**Factors to Consider for Fashion Styling:**
- **Portfolio:** Regardless of the degree you choose, a compelling portfolio that showcases your styling prowess is vital in the fashion styling industry. Your work can speak volumes to potential employers or clients.
- **Experience:** The fashion styling field often values practical experience and industry connections. Internships, assisting seasoned stylists, or freelance work can be just as important, if not more so, than formal education.
- **Networking:** Cultivating relationships in the fashion industry is key. Attend industry events, fashion shows, and network with professionals to secure opportunities.
- **Brand Reputation:** While the prestige of certain schools can sway hiring decisions, fashion employers may prioritize the reputation of your portfolio and your past work experiences.
- **Bachelor's Degree Advantages:** A BA or BS degree can offer a wider education, potentially paving the way to roles beyond styling, such as fashion marketing, merchandising, or fashion journalism, should you decide to branch out within the industry.
In conclusion, both AA and bachelor's degrees can serve as feasible routes to a career as a fashion stylist. However, a bachelor's degree may equip you with a more comprehensive knowledge base, access to industry connections, and a potential competitive advantage. Ultimately, what looks more impressive on your resume hinges on your long-term goals, financial considerations, and the specific opportunities available to you.
When selecting a school, consider institutions renowned for their fashion programs, like the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Parsons School of Design, or the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). However, bear in mind that success in the fashion industry isn't solely determined by the school you attend; it also hinges on your dedication, creativity, and ability to create a robust portfolio and network.
Terica Johnson
Terica’s Answer
If you're at ease with it, could you share a bit about your aspirations or objectives in the Fashion world? We're here to tailor some information about the relevant degrees for you, making your journey smoother and more personalized :)
Best,
TJ
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
AA Degree vs. BA/BS Degree in the Fashion Industry
When it comes to pursuing a career in the fashion industry, the choice between an Associate of Arts (AA) degree and a Bachelor of Arts/Science (BA/BS) degree can significantly impact your career prospects and opportunities. Both degrees have their own merits and can lead to successful careers in the fashion industry, but there are distinct differences that should be considered.
1. Depth of Education: An AA degree typically provides a foundational education in fashion, covering essential topics such as fashion history, design principles, and basic business concepts. On the other hand, a BA/BS degree offers a more comprehensive and in-depth education, often including advanced coursework in areas like fashion merchandising, textile science, trend forecasting, and marketing strategies. The broader scope of a bachelor’s degree equips students with a deeper understanding of the industry and its various facets.
2. Career Opportunities: While an AA degree can qualify you for entry-level positions in the fashion industry, a BA/BS degree is generally preferred for more advanced roles and leadership positions. With a bachelor’s degree, you may have access to a wider range of career opportunities, including positions in fashion design, retail management, product development, and marketing. Additionally, many employers in the fashion industry value the critical thinking skills and specialized knowledge that often come with a four-year degree.
3. Specialization and Expertise: A BA/BS degree program often allows students to specialize in specific areas of fashion, such as fashion design, merchandising, or retail management. This specialization can be advantageous for those aspiring to become fashion stylists as it provides a deeper understanding of trends, consumer behavior, styling techniques, and industry practices. While an AA degree offers a general overview of the field, a BA/BS degree enables students to develop expertise in their chosen area of focus.
4. Resume Impact: In terms of what looks better on your resume when pursuing a career as a fashion stylist, a BA/BS degree is generally viewed more favorably by employers due to its comprehensive curriculum and the depth of knowledge it signifies. However, it’s important to note that practical experience, internships, and a strong portfolio are also crucial factors in the fashion industry. Employers often value hands-on experience and demonstrated skills alongside formal education.
5. Preferred Schools by Employers: While there isn’t a definitive list of schools that all employers in the fashion world prefer to see on applicants’ resumes, certain institutions are renowned for their fashion programs and may carry added prestige within the industry. Schools such as Parsons School of Design, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), London College of Fashion, Central Saint Martins, and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) are widely recognized for their contributions to the fashion industry and may be favored by some employers.
In conclusion, while both AA and BA/BS degrees can lead to successful careers in the fashion industry, a Bachelor’s degree generally offers broader career prospects, deeper specialization options, and may be viewed more favorably by employers when pursuing roles such as fashion stylist.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) - CHEA provides comprehensive information on accredited institutions offering degrees in various fields including fashion.
Fashion-Schools.org - This source offers insights into top fashion schools globally and their impact on career opportunities.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - BLS provides data on employment trends within the fashion industry and educational requirements for various roles.
These sources were instrumental in providing accurate and reliable information regarding the differences between AA and BA/BS degrees in the context of the fashion industry.
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