We CU Performing at Centenary University!
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion
Develop advanced skills in design, construction, and creative concept development while preparing for professional roles in the fashion industry.
Fashion is an exciting, ever-changing world that combines creativity, business knowledge, an understanding of why customers buy garments, trend forecasting, styling, technology, and even the use of social media
Centenary University is one of only a few schools that combine an innovative Fashion program with a strong liberal arts education. We offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion.
Students may also choose a minor in related fields such as Business, Communication, or Social Media. Our Fashion curriculum covers a wide range of topics including marketing, trend forecasting, styling, technology, and even the use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
Our designers understand merchandising and our merchandisers understand design.
Ready for the job market
Our well-rounded program will help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to break into the fashion industry. Our career development advisors are ready to assist you from the moment you step on campus until after graduation. They will help you identify career choices, build a strong résumé, ace your job interviews and connect with alumni and employers. All fashion students, designers and merchandisers prepare a professional career portfolio to showcase their skills and achievements.
Our faculty includes professors who have years of experience in the fashion industry. In addition to teaching you the ins and outs of the business, they can help connect you to a variety of learning opportunities outside of the classroom. As a Fashion student, you will have access to job shadowing experiences and field trips, ranging from working on runway shows and producing merchandising displays in stores to collecting and distributing prom dresses for disadvantaged girls. Our students also have access to internships in New Jersey, New York and even places like Walt Disney World. Students may also spend a semester or summer studying aboard in England, Italy, Ireland or Korea.
A collaborative environment
With our small class sizes, our students know and help each other. Seniors will help freshmen improve their sewing skills; juniors will assist seniors in completing their final collections; and everyone lends a hand with preparing garments for fashion shows. At Centenary, the sewing rooms, textiles laboratory and computer rooms are available to students whenever there is not a class in session. That means you can hone your skills on your schedule — evenings, nights and weekends.
Minor in Social Media Marketing
Why not make your resume pop and your skills soar with a Minor in Social Media Marketing? Centenary’s unique Social Media Marketing minor is the perfect addition to Fashion; giving you cutting-edge skills and setting you up for tomorrow’s job opportunities.
The minor includes 4 courses that fit within the free electives section — no extra credits or time:
- Social Media Marketing
- Digital Advertising
- Digital Analytics
- Social Media Marketing Strategy & Consulting
Centenary University is a proud member of the NRF
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association comprised of a diverse community with thousands of leading retailers and industry professionals. This membership provides invaluable resources, tools, and experiences to our faculty and our students both inside and outside the classroom. From executive mentor experiences, podcasts, exclusive career fairs, trade shows, and member-exclusive reports and events – all designed to help support and promote education, research, and career opportunities within the current retail industry.
In addition, the NRF Foundation offers a variety of scholarship programs for college students to enhance their education, experience retail in new and exciting ways and make valuable connections as they take steps towards promising careers. Our scholarship programs expose students to a transformative industry and introduce them to industry recruiters and executives, all while earning money toward their tuition and education.
Your Future
Academic Advancement:
Next steps include BFA/BA completion, fashion merchandising, business, marketing, costume design, UX/design, sustainability, or retail analytics certificate.
Career Pathways:
Fashion Designer, Fashion Director, Textile Designer
Industry Outlook:
Fashion design sees moderate growth as demand for sustainable fashion increases. However, manufacturing jobs are declining.
Regional employers include
Macy’s/Bloomingdale’s corporate and stores; Nordstrom; Ralph Lauren / PVH area offices; Burlington; Saks distribution/retail operations; Newark/NYC fashion-adjacent employers; costume shops; boutique brands.
Salary Outlook:
$50,000 – $75,000
Getting Started
For New Jersey entry-level roles aligned to BFA in Fashion, a reasonable starting range is approximately $38,000–$55,000, depending on role, licensure/certification, employer type, and prior experience.
Early Career and Progression
Approx. $65,000 midpoint at about five years, with higher earnings in specialized, licensed, technical, supervisory, or high-demand settings.
Approx. $90,000 average or attainable mid-career benchmark around ten years, especially for advanced credentials, management responsibility, or specialized practice.
*Salary and Outlook Data