Choosing a fashion program: the relevant criteria

Abstract

Technology and reality television has produced a unique platform for fashion programs (Pavlushina & Dautova, 2017). 1 Wearable computing and e-textiles has witnessed rapid development over recent years (Lau, Ngai, Chan & Cheung, 2009). 2 With ever-changing, cutting-edge technology available, a career in the fashion industry is not limited to fashion centers, but is a viable option for students across the country. As students become more technologically savvy, they expect an education based on the newest technology available. The present study examined the views of college students in fashion program on the criteria perceived as most important in selecting a fashion program. The results indicated that students viewed faculty with experience in the industry, high job placement, and program reputation as the most important factors in selecting a fashion program. Interestingly, students indicated that having a friend in the fashion program was somewhat important, while domestic and international travel was very important the study also observed individual differences in the perceived importance of the criteria based on gender, class, major and years of experience in the fashion industry.