Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Communication

This nationally ranked program is a hybrid of visual design and journalism.

The fashion program is ranked in the world’s top 10 by The Business of Fashion, London, alongside international schools such as Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, Ryerson University School of Fashion, and Polimoda.

At Stephens, you’ll study fashion-related journalism, marketing, and graphic design, while tapping into our extensive alumnae network and learning about all aspects of fashion communication from faculty and visiting experts.

Exceptional Learning Experience

Based on a survey of students and of academics around the world, the Fashion Communication program scores exceptionally high for the learning experience, citing the caliber of peers, quality of teaching, and resources. Stephens is one of only two programs in the U.S. to earn recognition in this category.

"With oversight from professionals in journalism and fashion media, students are prepared to take on a wide variety of roles after graduation, including fashion journalism, photography, art direction, and styling." - The Business of Fashion, London

Program Features

The Fashion Communication program at Stephens allows you to design the career that’s right for you. You’ll study all aspects of the fashion industry and learn to talk and write about forecasting, runway shows, and other industry trends like an expert.

• Take study trips to international fashion capitals for college credit.
• Intern at companies such as Elle Magazine, Kansas City Fashion Week, Krupp Group, WWD, and emerging fashion brands.
• Complement your studies with a minor in design arts, digital film, small business ownership, event planning, and more.

Stephens Life Magazine

Work on the staff of Stephens Life, our national award-winning student-run feature magazine.

The Collections

Produce, market, and report on The Collections, our annual student designer fashion show, a dynamic runway event established in 1944.

Visiting Designers

Interact with top industry professionals who visit Stephens every year, including prestigious designers invited by the Jeannene Booher Fashion Lecture Series. Recent guests include Brandon Maxwell and Chromat founder Becca McCharen Tran.

Costume Museum + Research Library

Explore our Historic Costume Museum + Research Library for project and story inspiration.

Market Day

Market Day: This mock fashion buyer’s event brings together all aspects of the fashion program in a real-world work environment. Fashion Communication students report on the event and the styles launched, gaining hands-on experience in front of guests and faculty.

Susie’s Campus Bookstore

Susie’s Campus Bookstore: A campus bookstore run by students, Susie’s gives Fashion Communication majors experience in promotion and social media management for the store.

Notable Alumnae

• Taylor Barber ’17, Junior Wholesale Manager, 2448 Agency, New York, NY
• MeKayla Chalupa ’12, Associate Manager of Retail Training, Warby Parker, New York, NY
• Khyneesha Edwards ’16, Graphic Designer, Kansas City, MO
• Colby Elliott ’15, Visual Merchandiser, Nordstrom, Atlanta, GA
• Caitlyn Gardner ’15, Designer & Product Developer, Aquarius, Ltd., St Louis, MO
• Kristine Kloss, Senior Director, Brand Marketing, Dermstore, Los Angeles, CA
• Brianna Knopf ’18, Graphic Designer, The Mayfair Group, Scottsdale, AZ
• Alexandra Martin ’18, Fargo Monthly Editor and Design & Living Editor, Spotlight Media, Fargo, ND
• Josie Ostrowski ’12, Buyer, Ulta Beauty, Bolingbrook, IL
• Taylor (Lamping) Shapiro ’12, Senior Manager, Global Visual Merchandising, Coty, New York, NY
• Anne F. Robertson '15, Creative Production Manager at Modern Luxury Media, Chicago, IL
• Deja Turner ’13, Stylist, Industrial Color, New York, NY
• Angie Westcott ’15, Creative Coordinator, Mixture, Mission, KS
• Jamie Warren ’16, Talent Acquisition Coordinator – Fashion & Beauty, Solomon Page, New York, NY
• Sarah Vitel ’16, Owner, Sarah Vitel Photography, Atlanta, GA
• Kate Zumwalt ’15, Art Director, 1Canoe2, Columbia, MO

Our Mission + Commitment

Founded in 1833, Stephens College is an institution committed to its mission to Learn. Grow. Lead. Stephens is resilient and optimistic, faithful to her traditions, and eager to embrace the future. Focused on the health sciences, performing arts, and integrative studies, Stephens continues to prepare graduates (whether from our undergraduate residential college, co-educational graduate programs, or 90-year-strong Children’s School) for the lives that await them — lives of distinction, integrity, and service.

A Mission That Guides Us

Stephens College is proud to be the second-oldest women’s college in the country. Shaped by our Ten Ideals, we stand in service to generation after generation of Stephens students.

Our Mission:

Learn. Grow. Lead.

Our Vision:

Inspired by its tradition as an undergraduate women’s college, Stephens College engages lifelong learners in an educational experience characterized by intellectual rigor, creative expression, and professional practice, supported by accomplished faculty, talented staff, and engaged alumnae/alumni. Graduates of Stephens College are educated in the liberal arts, informed by diverse perspectives, and committed to lives of leadership, integrity, and service.

Our Values: The Ten Ideals

Inherent in the culture of Stephens College is the tradition of the Ten Ideals, which originated in 1921 and which represent the core values that enrich and inspire our lives. Each year, 10 students are selected as personifications of individual ideals.

• Respect for our own dignity and the dignity of others, embodied in a sense of social justice
• Courage and persistence
• Independence, autonomy, and self-sufficiency
• Support for others through the willingness to take and give criticism, acceptance, and love
• Sensitivity to the uniqueness and fragility of the natural world of which we are part
• Responsibility for the consequences of our choices
• Belief in our changing selves and in our right to change
• Creativity in the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of life
• Intelligence that is informed and cultivated, critical yet tolerant
• Leadership which empowers others

Stephens College: 187 years of Innovation + Tradition

Founded in 1833, Stephens College is proud to be the second-oldest women’s college in the country and the first institution of higher education in Columbia, Missouri.

From the beginning, Stephens has developed a tradition of cutting-edge educational programs that provide young women with classroom and experiential learning opportunities like no other institution in higher education.

Stephens believes in the power of a women’s undergraduate education. We also believe in the power of education to change lives and offer co-educational graduate programs as well as children's school and youth programs that celebrate and encourage lifelong learning.

Our Commitment to Equity

Stephens College is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for learning, living and working. While we have much work to do, we look forward to doing it together, and we invite all members of our community to be part of that conversation.

Our students love life at Stephens.

That’s what they told The Princeton Review. Our students say they feel at home here. They think our campus is beautiful, easy to navigate, and an ideal place to make friends. They also appreciate the College’s close relationship with the local community and value the interaction of different types of students on campus.

And that’s not all there is to love about life at Stephens. Our hometown of Columbia, Missouri, is frequently ranked one of the best college towns in America. Here, there’s always something happening, thanks to three colleges and 30,000+ college students. Columbia really has it all: big-time college sports; film, music, and arts festivals; amazing recreation; and a great downtown with lots of places to eat, shop, and check out the latest bands.

Stephens’ historic campus is just steps away from downtown Columbia, so you get the best of both worlds - brick and ivy charm, and the buzz of a happening college town. You’ll find a culture of respect and support, and a network of friends eager to take on life’s amazing adventures with you. Our residence halls are truly a home-away-from-home (you can even bring a pet from home!). We can’t wait to welcome you here.