The Art Institute of Seattle, located just north of downtown, offers both an Associate of Applied Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in fashion design. The associate's degree focuses on the nuts and bolts of clothing construction and design, as well as basic business skills, like marketing and how the clothing industry works. A bachelor's degree expands on the knowledge learned in the entry-level curriculum and includes classes on technology in the fashion industry, accessory design and more. The school has a career services center that advises students and helps them find jobs as they get close to graduation and afterwards. Degrees in fashion marketing that emphasize topics like fashion buying, business management and textiles are also an option for students. Housing is available to all students, and the school offers a wide array of support services, activities, clubs and organizations. Financial aid is available.
The Art Institute of Seattle
2323 Elliott Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
206-448-6600
artinstitutes.edu
The International Academy of Design & Technology is an accredited school that offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in both fashion design and fashion merchandising. The programs teach everything from basic construction skills to how to put together a clothing line, and they also utilize and emphasize technology and design software. The academy deliberately keeps class sizes small and provides students with job placement help. Help with navigating the financial aid process is available. Located at the very southern end of Seattle, the school does not offer housing.
International Academy of Design & Technology
645 Andover Park West
Seattle, WA 98188
206-575-1865
iadtseattle.com
Located in the heart of the trendy Ballard neighborhood, the New York Fashion Academy is a licensed private vocational school that specializes in preparing students for work in the fashion industry in as short a time as possible. A 15-month certificate program is available that covers all the basics, like pattern making, illustration, sewing and construction, business practices and various design issues. What really sets the New York Fashion Academy apart from other design schools is the extensive array of individual classes students can take without enrolling in the certificate program so they can brush up on or learn new specific skills. Classes are held during the day, evenings and weekends.
New York Fashion Academy
5201 Ballard Avenue Northwest
Seattle, WA 98107
206-352-2636
newyorkfashionacademy.com