The College for Creative Studies (CCS) announced Tuesday it will launch a new Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Business Management, a reduced-credit, three-year degree program designed to prepare future leaders in the global fashion industry.
Set to begin in fall 2026, the program is the first of its kind in the United States, requiring only 90 credits while maintaining academic rigor and industry relevance. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the degree emphasizes strategic leadership, creative thinking, and digital fluency, allowing students to enter the workforce sooner.
“This is a true reflection of the strength and spirit of the CCS community, where creativity meets critical thinking and cultural awareness,” said CCS President Don Tuski. “The Fashion Business Management BA will allow creative thinkers to explore the intersections of art and commerce in a city that has long shaped the future of fashion, design, craft and culture.”
The curriculum includes merchandising, styling, marketing strategy, brand development, trend forecasting, and fashion communications. Students will also collaborate with peers in CCS’s BFA Fashion Design program, mirroring the structure of contemporary fashion houses.
Graduates will be prepared for careers in merchandising, marketing, retail strategy, communication,s and entrepreneurship. They will also benefit from mentorship opportunities and direct industry exposure through CCS’s Fashion Advisory Board, which includes leaders from Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Bottega Veneta, Tracy Reese, Carhartt, Anna Sui, and Eileen Fisher.
Aki Choklat, Linda Dresner Endowed Chair in Fashion Design at CCS, said the program responds to evolving demands in the industry. “The fashion industry demands professionals who can think creatively, lead strategically and operate with cultural and commercial agility,” Choklat said. “This program answers that call directly, offering a highly intentional pathway into the business of fashion.”
Unlike traditional fashion programs, no portfolio is required for admission. The reduced-credit model is intended to remove barriers to entry while maintaining high standards.
The College for Creative Studies is a nonprofit, private college in midtown Detroit offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art and design. Its graduates have gone on to careers in industries such as transportation, film, advertising, consumer electronics, and fashion.
Prospective students can apply to the program online at bit.ly/454EQHv
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