Pedagogy and Professional Development

Bridging the gap between fashion design curricula and industry requirements

---

Abstract

This study uses a qualitative comparative content analysisto identify the gaps between fashion design curricula and the industry’srequirements to provide recommendations for improving fashion design’s current curricula. After a thorough filtration of fashion design job listings, 80 job postings were selected and key words were collected. Curricula were determinedby searching the top fashion design schools in the US. Keywords from both searches were combined into homogenous categories and then qualitatively compared. Detailed curricula on 487 fashion-related courses were collected from 8 different top fashion schools that met the criteria. This study analyzed the skills gap between fashion design students' acquired skills and industry requirements by comparing fashion school curricula and job listings. It provided recommendations to bridge the gap and increase understanding between educators and industry employers. The results were useful for fashion institutions, industry employers, and recent graduates seeking better employment opportunities.

Keywords: Fashion Design, Fashion Industry, curricula, expectations

How to Cite:

Nguyen, Q. & Hahn, K. H., (2025) “Bridging the gap between fashion design curricula and industry requirements”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17170