Online Bachelor of Arts in Fashion – Apparel Technical Design
Do you want to pursue a career combining the creative and technical sides of the fashion industry? If so, Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in fashion with a concentration in apparel technical design may be an ideal fit. In this program, you’ll build practical skills to transform creative ideas into garments manufactured and distributed with accurate shape, fit and construction. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to make your mark on the fashion industry with highly sought-after technical skills in Optitex, Adobe Illustrator and more.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/13/2025
Total classes: 36
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Prepare for a career in fashion as an apparel technical designer
Fashion is a dynamic industry that could lead to various lucrative career paths. Apparel technical designers, commonly called ‘garment engineers’, are experts in body shape, fit and apparel construction. Their work ensures manufactured garments are comfortable, functional and consistent, sized to fit target consumers and sewn together properly.
This program provides insight into the technical designer’s role in the fashion industry flow, from creative design and technical production to manufacturing and distribution. Now is an exciting time to enter a field needing professionals with digital and quantitative skills to convert ideas into products.
The knowledge and skills you’ll develop
As a student, expect to gain hands-on skills in software used in the fashion industry. You’ll use Adobe Illustrator to create 2D technical drawings and Optitex to develop patterns and analyze fit through 3D prototypes. You’ll also learn the methodologies of fit and body shape. Other practical skills include developing industry-standard, production-ready tech packs to provide precise instructions for manufacturing garments.
With ASU’s first-of-a-kind partnership with Optitex, graduates will have one year of access to the software to continue honing their pattern-making skills, strengthening their portfolio and supporting their pursuit of fashion careers. Demonstrable experience with this software can give you a leg up when applying for technical design roles.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Fashion and apparel technical design courses
Coursework in this program will provide you with both the history and theory of fashion and the practical skills needed to turn creative ideas into marketable products. You’ll explore digital patternmaking and fit analysis in depth, including digital fitting using 3D prototypes that are 1:1 with physically made garments. Additionally, you’ll complete an internship as well as two semesters of capstone and portfolio courses to culminate your degree and prepare you with a body of work to show prospective employers.
Apparel technical designer and other jobs you’ll be prepared for
Apparel technical designers are in high demand and typically paid well for their expertise and precision using digital software. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to pursue these types of positions, as well as roles as a production and sourcing specialist, costing associate, sourcing strategist and fashion CAD artist. Entering the field can also open doors to living and working in locations beyond the U.S. as companies often send technical design teams to global factories several times a year. Additional potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:
Fabric and Apparel Designer
Fashion Designer
Technical Director
Learn from leading technical design fashion industry professionals
ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is home to world-class scholars, artists and designers who inspire students to shape the future. Our faculty’s research is grounded in the transformative power of art and its ability to change the world. Faculty research areas include:
- Arts and design for social justice.
- Arts, education and arts-integrated education.
- Arts, entrepreneurship and cultural policy.
- Community engagement and public policy.
- Creative health collaborations.
- Design, arts, science and engineering.
- The study of creative work.
Learn from leading technical design fashion industry professionals
ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is home to world-class scholars, artists and designers who inspire students to shape the future. Our faculty’s research is grounded in the transformative power of art and its ability to change the world. Faculty research areas include:
- Arts and design for social justice.
- Arts, education and arts-integrated education.
- Arts, entrepreneurship and cultural policy.
- Community engagement and public policy.
- Creative health collaborations.
- Design, arts, science and engineering.
- The study of creative work.
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
The nation’s largest comprehensive design and arts school
ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is the home to top-ranked programs from a variety of disciplines ranging from the arts, media and engineering to film, dance and theater. We train artists and designers to leverage their creativity and problem-solving abilities to advance culture, build community and transform society.
5,300+
students.
400
internationally recognized faculty members.
125
programs in arts, media and engineering, design, dance and theater, film and music.
Top 15
best graduate school for fine arts, according to U.S. News & World Report, 2020.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
