With the increase of Black representation in the fashion world, many younger generations are looking to get their foot in the door. These schools offer the best fashion degrees and programs at HBCUs for those ready to get a head start in the fashion industry. 

Clark Atlanta University - Department of Arts & Fashion

In 2021, Clark Atlanta University was ranked #8 in “Top 10 Fashion Design Schools in the South” by Fashion-Schools.org. The university’s Department of Art’s mission is to educate and prepare students to obtain entry level jobs in the fashion industry. Students have several options to choose from, which include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion with a Fashion Design concentration, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion with Merchandising concentration, as well as minors in Fashion Design and Merchandising.

Bowie State University Department of Fine and Performing Arts

A Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications and Digital Media Arts with a concentration in Fashion Design are available to those pursuing a career in fashion at Bowie State. The Fashion Design concentration will allow students with the “opportunity to receive current, relevant, real world education to prepare them for a career in the fashion industry.” Upon graduation, students are prepared to work entry-level jobs in the fashion industry after gaining skills in “design, sketching, CAD, product development and garment construction.”

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) - Department of Family And Consumer Sciences

NCAT’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Fashion (Merchandising and Design). Students in this program will be exposed to many professional opportunities through Fashion X-Cetera, which provides field trips to apparel companies and has guest speakers and mentorship opportunities. This degree prepares students to work in positions such as “apparel development, retailing, visual merchandising or fashion marketing.” 

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