Lebanese American University

What you'll study

The BFA in Fashion combines practical studio practice with theoretical study to develop technical competency and creative thinking. Early semesters focus on fundamentals: fashion illustration, drawing, pattern making, draping, basic sewing and garment construction, textile fundamentals and visual communication. As students progress they study advanced pattern development, digital fashion design and CAD, surface design, materials and sustainability in fashion, fashion history and theory, fashion marketing and branding, merchandising and retail strategies.

Project-based modules drive progression from single garments to capsule collections: concept development, research, portfolio production and collection planning. Practical workshops and lab work for couture and industrial approaches are complemented by courses in professional practice, portfolio preparation and fashion show production. The programme typically includes an industry placement or internship and culminates in a major project or final collection presented in a public exhibition or runway show.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school completion certificate or equivalent. Admission usually requires a creative portfolio showing recent work (sketches, garments, projects or fashion-related research) and may include an interview or practical assessment. Proficiency in English is required; applicants whose prior education was not in English will need to demonstrate ability through recognised language qualifications or institutional testing. Specific faculty requirements such as a minimum GPA or portfolio standards are confirmed by the university admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates of the BFA in Fashion pursue a range of roles across the fashion and creative industries. Typical career paths include:

• Fashion designer (ready-to-wear, couture or bespoke)
• Technical designer and pattern maker
• Garment technologist or production coordinator
• Textile designer and surface pattern specialist
• Fashion illustrator and CAD operator
• Stylist, visual merchandiser or editorial creative
• Brand manager, buyer or retail merchandiser
• Costume designer, costume technician or theatre/film wardrobe specialist
• Entrepreneurship—launching independent labels, ateliers or fashion-related startups

Because the programme emphasises both creative and industry-facing skills, graduates are prepared for roles in ateliers, production houses, retail companies, creative agencies and cultural institutions, as well as for further study at postgraduate level.

Why study at Lebanese American University

Lebanese American University offers a practice-led environment with studio facilities, sewing and pattern-making labs, textile and surface-printing workshops, and access to digital design software. The programme benefits from the university's location in Beirut, a regional centre for fashion and textile craftsmanship, enabling connections with local designers, production facilities and retailers for internships and collaborative projects.

Teaching is delivered by faculty with professional experience and links to the industry, and assessment prioritises portfolio and project work that builds a marketable body of work. Students also gain experience staging exhibitions and shows, working in cross-disciplinary teams, and developing the professional skills needed to move directly into the fashion sector or continue to specialised postgraduate study.