SUNY Ulster has launched a new associate degree program in fashion design in response to demand from students, the community and employers in the industry. The college is now accepting applications for fall enrollment.


The program incorporates artistic, technical and theoretical elements into a practical approach to the fashion design industry. The curriculum also teaches the importance of critical thinking and communication, as well as the historical, socio-economic and environmental context of fashion.


The 61- to 63-credit program will provide students with foundation courses in apparel drawing and design, draping and flat-pattern making, garment construction, design presentation, computer aided design and costume history to prepare them for further academic study or for employment.


Students will build a portfolio of work and gain professionally oriented training that will help advance their transfer to a four-year school or job search.


“Hudson Valley and Ulster County have become the weekend and/or permanent home to many fashion industry professionals,” adjunct professor and program coordinator Kristin Flynn said in a news release. “Some have opened new local businesses in retail, design and manufacturing and are interested in being involved in a local design program. The proximity to New York City, ‘The Fashion Capital,’ will be extremely beneficial for the fashion program for field trips, internships, transfer possibilities and future employment.”


SUNY Ulster alumna Kait Newkirk of Saugerties took the fashion courses offered at the college and worked with Flynn to put together her portfolio, which she says helped her get accepted into FIT. Newkirk is now working as an assistant sweater designer at Talbots in New York. She said there was a great deal of interest among local students in offering the program and expects it to be successful.


The Fashion Design program has articulation agreements with Marist College and SUNY Oneonta for students interested in transferring to earn bachelor’s degrees.


Read or Share this story: http://pojonews.co/1x02qhf