Fashion Design, BFA

Go beyond the classroom. In Nashville and around the world, you’ll find opportunities to learn and grow.

• Partner with the local community. The Fashion department has partnered with numerous Nashville non-profits and companies such as GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center to Eastman Chemical Company, Atelier & Repairs, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, New Dialect Dance Company and Olah, Inc.
• Explore the world. Experience other cultures and cities through study abroad opportunities in London, Italy and beyond.
• Join a student organization. With more than 180 to choose from, there is no shortage of opportunities to get plugged in on campus. The Belmont chapter of the National Retail Federation Student Association (NRFSA) is a great way to make connections in the college.

Portfolio Information

There is no portfolio requirement for admittance into the O'More College of Architecture and Design's programs. All you have to do is complete your application to Belmont and indicate Fashion Design as your major when applying.

If you are admitted to the University, then you are admitted to our Fashion Design program!

Each year, the O’More College awards a number of scholarships to incoming fall undergraduates majoring in one of its academic programs. These awards are renewable for four years (five for B.Arch. majors), provided the recipient maintains all required academic and citizenship expectations. To qualify, you must submit your Belmont application and scholarship essay by Dec. 1.

Learn More about the Scholarship

• What is the difference between fashion design and fashion merchandising?

Fashion Design is the process of creating a product in the area of apparel, outwear, accessories, jewelry or footwear using critical thinking skills with free-hand or computerized skills with a number of materials for brick and mortar that includes specialty and department stores, or direct to consumer. Fashion Design is finding a void in the market to meet the needs and wants of individuals in an ever-changing world. Nothing is more exciting than selling creations to consumers and seeing your designs displayed in a store, visually merchandised online or showcased on the runway.

Fashion Merchandising is the business of fashion that includes the analysis, management, marketing and distribution of items with the end goal of maximizing profit. Students interested in pursuing a degree in Merchandising also need skill sets in digital design to be able to compete with graduates from other top programs. Professionals in the area of Fashion Merchandising are the backbone to the success of a fashion brand and product.

The curriculum for both the Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising programs begin with the same introductory courses, typically taken in the first semester, which offer students in both areas a foundational understanding of the fashion industry. At the end of the first semester, students typically know if they want to switch their major from Design to Merchandising or vice versa and are encouraged to talk with their advisor in order to do so without falling behind in their coursework.

• When does the term start for the fashion programs?

Students may begin the Fashion Design or Fashion Merchandising program in the Fall or Spring term.

See the official Academic Calendar for more important dates.

• What laptop/software will I need for my coursework?

Students who enroll in the Fashion Design or Fashion Merchandising program are required to bring a laptop (either PC or Mac) for use in and outside of the classroom to avoid falling behind in coursework.

Many of the courses require students to have a laptop for in-class projects. Software needed for coursework includes the most updated versions of Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. Students may need additional software as they progress through the curriculum.

• I have a degree in another field. Can I transfer my current credits toward this degree?

We have many students who hold associate or bachelor’s degrees prior to enrolling in an O'More program. All credits from a previously earned associate or bachelor's degree programs are evaluated on an individual basis by the Office of the Registrar and applied as appropriate toward the B.F.A. degree. In addition, if a student has completed design-based courses at another institution, he or she may be asked to submit class work completed in classes to determine skill level and transferability of courses.

While credits earned from previous coursework may be transferred in, it is important to note that earning a B.F.A. in Fashion Design or Fashion Merchandising at Belmont will likely take eight semesters as studio and lab courses must be taken sequentially and the curriculum is planned as a four-year degree program.

Learn More

Full NASAD Accreditation Information

2025-2026 Fashion Design Additional Program Costs

Below are program-specific items and estimated costs to the student in addition to the University’s cost estimator.

Some basic supplies are provided to the students within the department’s budget line, and there are also other purchases that the students will need to be prepared to cover in their courses.

One-time purchase estimates:

• Laptop Computer: $1,100-1,499
  • For MAC, we recommend: Minimum i7 with 8 cores or M1+ Chip, 16GB, SSD 256GB, Graphics Card (AMD Radeon R9 M375, 4GB);
  • For PC, we recommend: Minimum i7 Processors, 16GB, HDD 256GB, Graphics Card (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960/NVIDIA Quadro P2200)

All costs listed below are estimates per semester in addition to the University Cost Estimator:

• Supplies: $550*
  • Studios: fabric, notions, tools
  • Illustration: markers, pens, pencils, paper
  • Costs vary for fabric and can be reduced if using donated materials or shopping at sources such as Turnip Green
• Adobe Creative Cloud: $150
  • Can be purchased through Belmont: Monthly $29.99 a month or $150/semester;
  • Note: Students purchasing Adobe Creative Cloud for the first time can buy via Adobe's site and get it for $24.99 the first year;
• Textbooks: $300*
  • Average $50-$110 per textbook
  • There are also digital and rental options that can reduce a cost
• Travel (fuel and parking), Events, Printing: $100*

*Variable Expense