As a current FIDM student (check out my series, Diary of a Fashion School Student for info about my life at fashion school), I am always being asked about what exactly you do in fashion school. And – surprise – not all majors at fashion school are directly fashion-related! Sound a little crazy? Let me explain.

Here at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, 20 majors are offered.

Most of them are related to fashion, whether it’s the creative or business side (or a combination of the two).

But, there are other majors that deal with similar industries such as beauty and entertainment. All of them have certain aspects in common and most deal with fashion in some way; they just don’t all revolve around it.

Here is my guide to the 20 majors offered at FIDM. I imagine other fashion schools have similar programs.

Table of Contents

Fashion-Related Majors

Textile Design

This major represents the basis of fashion design – everything in the world of clothing revolves around textiles. Without fabric, clothing wouldn’t exist!

This major combines creative classes with science and practical applications. Textile Design students learn not only the basics of fabric design but also how the textile industry works. Everything from the fibers to the production and manufacturing of fabrics is covered.