The Fashion Design Department at Pratt Institute is part of the larger School of Art and Design in Brooklyn, New York. Established in 1887 by Charles Pratt, the art school is over 120 years old. Students at Pratt are not limited to the fashion courses, they may take advantage of the entire curriculum in the School of Art and Design. The emphasis at Pratt is on a well-rounded fashion design education. The creative as well and the technical aspects of design are both emphasized. Students are also in the one of the world's fashion design capitals, New York City. Members of the faculty are all active in the fashion industry. Field trips and consultations with working designers are all part of the curriculum. Pratt is accredited by the NASAD.
Pratt Institute
200 Willoughby Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11205
718-636-3600
http://www.pratt.edu/index.html
The Parsons Fashion Design BFA program is the first of its kind in the United States. Located in the heart of New York City, the program and school are both over 100 years old. Parsons also offers associate's and master's degrees in fashion. Innovation and sustainability are important compenents of a fashion education here. Students are prepared to step right into working in the fashion industry after graduation---every undergraduate design student leaves Parsons with their own collection as part of their Senior Thesis. Fashion industry partnerships with companies like The Gap provide Parsons students a hands-on education. Parsons is accredited by the NASAD.
Parsons the New School for Design
66 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10011
212-229-8900
http://www.newschool.edu/parsons/about/
Established in 1887, The Rhode Island School of Design is located in Providence. Enrollment is small, about 2200 students; the student-to-teacher ratio is about 5-to-1. The school places a high value on creative individuality. The fashion education students receive is very hands-on and focused on helping designers find their own creative voice. Trips to New York City and internships with major fashion houses are all part of the curriculum. Each school year ends with a jury selected fashion show open to all students. RISD is a NASAD accredited school
Rhode Island School of Design
2 College Street
Providence, RI 02903
401-454-6100
http://www.risd.edu/