Many fashion designers are self-employed. For this reason, you may find it helpful to take courses in business, marketing, and accounting.

Earning an associate degree in fashion design may only qualify you to be a designer's assistant. A bachelor's degree, including general education and liberal arts course work, suggests that you have more qualifications and are more competent in design.

Some programs offer study-abroad opportunities, giving you the chance to study fashion in cities that are often considered to be fashion capitals. These cities might include Paris, London, and Milan.