Fashion Design Programs in Omaha, Nebraska

Getting a Fashion Design Degree in Omaha, Nebraska

Are you considering a career in the exciting field of fashion design? Omaha, Nebraska, offers unique opportunities for aspiring designers to develop their skills and pursue a Fashion Design Degree. This guide will walk you through the educational paths, programs, and local resources available to help you succeed in the fashion industry.

What is a Fashion Design Degree?

A Fashion Design Degree equips students with the skills and knowledge to create clothing, accessories, and textiles. Programs often combine artistic design principles with technical skills such as sewing, patternmaking, and fabric selection. Depending on your career goals, you can pursue an Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, or even advanced graduate studies in the field. Omaha provides several educational options for students at various levels.

About Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha, located in Douglas County, is the largest city in Nebraska and a hub for arts, culture, and business. Known for its vibrant downtown area and historic Old Market district, Omaha has a growing creative community that includes fashion designers, boutiques, and events such as Omaha Fashion Week. To learn more about Omaha, visit the City of Omaha Official Website.

Fashion Design Programs in Omaha, Nebraska

Metropolitan Community College (MCC) – Fashion Design Program

  • Location: Fort Omaha Campus, Omaha, NE
  • Program Overview: MCC offers an Associate in Applied Science in Fashion Design. The program focuses on basic design principles, entrepreneurial skills, and cooperative study opportunities to prepare students for entry-level roles in the fashion industry.
  • Website: MCC Fashion Design Program
  • Distance from Downtown Omaha: Approximately 6 miles

University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) – Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design

  • Location: Lincoln, NE (Approximately 55 miles from Omaha)
  • Program Overview: UNL provides both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design. Students can specialize in Apparel Design, Merchandising, or Textile Science and gain hands-on experience through internships and portfolio development.
  • Website: UNL Fashion Design Programs

Iowa State University – Apparel, Merchandising, and Design

  • Location: Ames, IA (Approximately 150 miles from Omaha)
  • Program Overview: Known for its nationally ranked program, Iowa State University offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders.
  • Website: ISU Apparel Programs

If none of these programs are conveniently located, online Fashion Design programs may also be an option to consider.

Fashion Industry Opportunities in Omaha

Omaha has a growing fashion scene supported by local businesses and events. Below are some opportunities for aspiring designers to connect with the industry:

Omaha Fashion Week

  • Overview: As one of the Midwest’s largest fashion events, Omaha Fashion Week provides a platform for emerging designers to showcase their work and connect with professionals in the field.
  • Website: Omaha Fashion Week

The Buckle

  • Overview: Headquartered in nearby Kearney, NE, The Buckle is a national retailer specializing in apparel and accessories. They frequently hire for roles in design, merchandising, and product development.
  • Website: The Buckle Careers

Local Boutiques and Studios

Omaha’s Old Market area is home to several independent boutiques and design studios that offer internships and employment opportunities for students and graduates.

Prerequisites for Fashion Design Programs

Before enrolling in a Fashion Design program, you’ll need to meet certain prerequisites. These typically include:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • SAT/ACT scores (varies by institution)
  • A minimum GPA (varies by program)
  • A portfolio showcasing your design work (required for many programs)
  • Completion of an application and submission of transcripts

Some programs may also require an interview or placement test.

Fashion Design Degree Requirements in Nebraska

Types of Degrees Available

  • Associate in Applied Science: Offered by Metropolitan Community College.
  • Bachelor of Science: Available at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
  • Master of Arts/Master of Science: Graduate programs also offered at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Admission and Curriculum Requirements

  • Metropolitan Community College: Requires an application, transcripts, and placement tests. The program emphasizes design fundamentals and entrepreneurial skills.
  • University of Nebraska–Lincoln: Applicants must submit SAT/ACT scores and meet a minimum GPA of 2.5. Coursework includes apparel design, textile science, and internships.

Accreditation

Both MCC and UNL are accredited by recognized organizations, including the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Accreditation ensures program quality and facilitates credit transfer and professional certifications.

For more information on state education regulations, visit the Nebraska Department of Education.

Get Started Today

Earning a Fashion Design Degree in Omaha, Nebraska, is an excellent way to jumpstart your career in this creative and dynamic industry. With local programs, a supportive fashion community, and access to professional development opportunities, Omaha provides a solid foundation for aspiring designers. Take the next step toward your dream career by contacting a school today to learn more about their programs and enrollment requirements.