Our Mission:
The School of Fashion Design is committed to excellence in educating students in the complete fashion design process, from creation and innovation to comprehensive technical expertise, so that they are prepared to become leaders in the global fashion design industry.
Program Overview
“SFD’s teaching is steeped in “traditional” skills. Our students learn traditional garment making techniques, and they learn it fully. Then, if they want or need to do it faster and cheaper, they can choose to do so, but if they need to do it well, they know how because of our SFD training.”
2-Year Certificate, or 3-Year Diploma
The School of Fashion Design is a fully licensed studio school offering a 2-year (20 courses) Certificate in Fashion Design and a 3-year Diploma in Fashion Design.
Students may elect to complete our Certificate in Fashion Design on a full or part time basis.
Full-time students are required to take at least 4 courses each semester (fall/spring) to complete the program in two years. Students can also elect to take courses over the summer.
Part-time students typically take 1-3 courses per semester.
Students completing the full 20 course program receive a Certificate in Fashion Design from SFD. After completing the certificate requirements, students may elect to complete a third year of study to receive their Diploma in Fashion Design. Working directly with a faculty advisor, students develop their own self-directed, in-depth independent study in a concentration of their choice: bridal, childrenswear, lingerie, menswear, sportswear, swimwear, and more.
Full Time, Part Time, Continuing Education
Part-time/Continuing Education students typically take 1-3 classes per semester. Students are eligible to take any of our beginner level classes that do not have any prerequisites.
The School of Fashion Design is a private nonprofit studio arts school, licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Occupational Licensure, Office of Private Occupational School Education. The School of Fashion Design is the only educational institution in Massachusetts dedicated exclusively to the study of fashion design. Our curriculum stresses a solid foundation in traditional techniques, and addresses the technological demands of the contemporary market.
Coursework begins at the beginning. Students with no prior drawing or sewing experience learn from scratch. Students with prior experience hone their skills and solidify best practices in the design discipline. Our expert faculty brings professional industry experience to our studio classrooms, providing students with a unique hands-on environment to prepare for their fashion careers.
International Students
The School of Fashion Design has had a long history of welcoming international students to our program. Our 2-year certificate program is a great option for anyone seeking to complete their education in a short time period.
pre-college fashion for high SChool students
The School of Fashion Design offers pre-college workshops in fashion design for high school students in grades 9-12th. Beginner and advanced levels are available.
workshops
SFD is a welcoming and fun place for anyone interested in fashion and textiles. In addition to our core curriculum, we also offer a series of short workshops in fashion and fashion-adjacent skills. Explore our hands-on creative workshops in a variety of art and fine craft skills, as well as professional development workshops for fashion industry professionals.
Note: Our workshop program operates independently of our Certificate in Fashion Design core curriculum. Enrollment in SFD workshops does not count toward completion of the Certificate program.
Apply Now!
Your fashion education begins here, at the School of Fashion Design, where you learn how to be the best. Our experienced faculty offer expert instruction in our studio workrooms. We are accepting applications now for full time, part time, continuing education, and our high school program.