F.A.Q.'s - Frequently asked Questions

If you have additional questions, send us an email. Write to: info@fidm.com

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All About FIDM

What makes FIDM so special?

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Q:Why is FIDM 2 years? How is it that FIDM Students compete with and even excel beyond their 4-year counterparts?

FIDM's philosophy is: "Do what you love and you will be successful." Since most of our students' classes begin in their specialized major, they are able to concentrate on their passion sooner than at most other institutions of "traditional" education. We teach our students both the practical and theoretical sides of how to continue learning: the key to success. By blending education with industry, FIDM Students develop a career identity and earn a college degree simultaneously.

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What about FIDM’s faculty?

Imagine being taught in the classroom by the Vice-President of a company like B.C.B.G.; or by the author of 9 Heads, a fashion-sketching book used by professionals; or maybe the Head Designer for Liz Claiborne's Swimwear Division (who just happens to be one of FIDM's very own graduates)! These active industry professionals share their first-hand knowledge and experience with our students in the classroom. Our faculty also prepares students for real-world situations by exposing them to the industry through exciting guest speakers and field trips.

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What is FIDM's accreditation?

FIDM has two accreditations. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. It is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

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What degrees and majors do you offer?

FIDM offers 2-year, Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts Professional Designation, and Associate of Arts Advanced Study degree programs. In addition, FIDM is currently offering a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. Every program leads to a degree. Our curriculum has been developed, and is continually updated, to reflect the needs of each industry served by our majors. Click here to go to FIDM's Majors.

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How many campuses do you have?

FIDM has four campuses, located in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, and San Diego. From a cosmopolitan urban campus in L.A. to one with that small-town feeling in Orange County, they're all located in major fashion centers throughout California. We offer guided individual and group tours of all four campuses by appointment. To schedule a campus tour, call 800.624.1200. Walk-in tours are also available on certain days of the week. For more information, click here to go to FIDM's Campus Tours.

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Do you have student activities?

Yes, at each FIDM Campus, the Student Activities Office coordinates exciting social and cultural events, along with community awareness activities. On-campus organizations include the Design Council; the ASID Student Chapter for Interior Design majors; the Mode student newspaper; the Mentor program; the Association of Manufacturing Students; the FIDM Honor Society; Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society; and more. Throughout the year, the Student Activities Office invites alumni, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to speak at on-campus presentations.

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Admissions

Does FIDM offer general studies courses such as English and history?

Yes, the General Studies Department offers courses in the humanities and social sciences that augment our specialized curriculum. FIDM's A.A. degree curriculum consists of 25% general education courses. This liberal arts program widens our students' cultural horizons and provides a core for a well-rounded education. This is the concept and philosophy of the college and why our students are so marketable after graduation. Students choose from courses in critical thinking, art, communication, literature, history, psychology, and economics, among others. Students must complete 24 quarter units in the General Studies Department by the time they graduate.

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Do you need to have your general education courses completed before coming to FIDM?

No, it is not necessary to take general education courses before attending FIDM. Even though some of our students have completed some general education courses at other colleges or hold prior degrees, a large percentage of our student body comes to FIDM directly from high school.

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Do you have housing?

Yes. As soon as students are accepted to FIDM, our Housing Office begins working with them to help find the right living space for their pocketbooks and the right roommate for their personality. At FIDM, Housing is a service available to all future students, current students, and alumni. The Housing Office provides personal assistance to students in need of housing accommodations and/or roommates. FIDM contracts with corporate apartment complexes to provide shared apartments for its students. We also screen and recommend a variety of privately owned residence halls and homestays in different neighborhoods. From a high-rise building with city views to a garden apartment with hardwood floors, there is an option for every student. Presently, many of our students reside in an apartment building directly across the street from the main campus in Los Angeles, on the beautiful Grand Hope Park. Click here to go to Housing.

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Does FIDM offer opportunities to study abroad?

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Can I afford college and is it worth the cost?

When students focus on something they love and learns to do it well, that is worth a great deal. A great career makes college worth the price, and that's exactly what students get at FIDM. It's a lifetime investment in a student's future, and an investment in education never depreciates! Many students qualify for state and federal grants and loans. They may also apply for a variety of scholarships. Click here to go to Affording College.

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I work during the week. Does FIDM have a schedule that will work for me?

Yes, FIDM's flexible scheduling means students have several scheduling options within our quarter system for Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. Each of our four campuses offers a wide range of specialized programs for day students. For those who can only attend classes at night, both our Los Angeles and San Francisco campuses offer focused evening programs in many majors. Most evening students work full time during the day and dedicate two evenings and in some cases Saturdays to attending classes. This allows them to complete a program at FIDM in two-and-a-half years or less. Click here to go to Evening Classes.

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What are the admissions requirements?

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I am currently attending a design college and would like to transfer to FIDM. Are my units transferable? Am I required to complete the entrance project for admission?

Transferring courses to FIDM from your previous design college is done on an individual student basis. It begins with the program you select. Courses from previous design colleges must correspond to the course work offered at FIDM. The following classes are typically transferable: Color & Design Theory, Design Fundamentals, Color Theory, Basic Drawing, Art History, and History of Fashion and Textiles. In the case of other design courses, the transferability decision may be based on a combination of factors such as course descriptions, student portfolios displaying a range of work, and a meeting with the FIDM Department Chairperson.

Because FIDM values your focus and dedication to the design college philosophy, we waive the entrance project requirement for students transferring from WASC and/or NASAD accredited design colleges.

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What are the application deadlines?

FIDM operates on a rolling admissions basis. Contact FIDM right away to find out the deadlines for financial aid, scholarships, and housing for the quarter you wish to start. Call 800.624.1200.

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Do I need to be able to draw to attend FIDM?

FIDM provides classes that teach established sketching techniques and help develop our students' ability to draw if it is required in their major. We prepare our students to fully understand and become proficient in the artistic, technical, and creative processes of the unique industries we serve. A student's motivation is the key to success in any learning process.

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Do I need a portfolio to apply?

No, a portfolio is not required to apply to FIDM, but if you have a portfolio, we definitely want to see it. The application process for a student involves completing a project designed specifically for each major. Click here to go to Entrance Project Instructions for each major.

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Can you help me with financial aid?

Yes, we have a special section on our website for financing college. Click here to go to Affording College.

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Can you help me with issues for international students?

Yes, we have a special section on our website for international issues such as ESL, TOEFL, visas, housing, and tuition. Click here to go to International Students.

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Can you help me decide on a major?

Definitely. FIDM's Admissions Advisors are experts in this area. Our Advisors have a broad knowledge of the industries we serve and are experienced in helping students choose an appropriate major. We offer several fun quizzes for students to narrow down their interests and decide on a major. Click here to take Interest Survey, FIDM's Career Aptitude Test.

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Career/Placement

What is FIDM's Career Development & Placement Center?

From their first day at FIDM, we are our students' Career Advisors. At many colleges, "placement" is just a bulletin board on the wall. At FIDM, we do so much more! Here a full-time department works hard to find industry-related internships and part-time positions so our students can get valuable experience on their résumés while attending college. We offer valuable workshops in résumé development, portfolio presentation, and interview skills. When it's time to graduate, our Career Advisors help students in setting up job interviews. Career assistance doesn't end with graduation; we're here for our students throughout their entire industry careers. The Career Center becomes an integral part of each student's professional life.

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Do you recommend that students work while they're going to school?

Definitely! We strongly believe that what students learn in the classroom and on the job feed off each other. Obtaining résumé-building skills while studying is a very important part of an education at FIDM. Students get more out of their education when they apply the lessons working alongside professionals in their field. We assist our students in finding part-time positions while they are enrolled. Throughout the year, we offer on-campus recruitment and job fairs. Some part-time jobs found through our Career Development & Placement Center even lead to a student’s first career position after graduation.

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Do you offer internships?

Yes, internships and apprenticeships are available for academic credit to students who meet certain criteria. Industry-related internship programs give students valuable information about careers and help to build up their résumés. Beyond internships, part-time jobs are readily available for our students.

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How do FIDM's relationships with the Industry benefit me?

We have the contacts our students need to build a career in every major we offer. Because of our long-standing relationships, many firms come here first to recruit FIDM Students. Leading executives on our Advisory Board are instrumental in suggesting new course content. Our faculty and staff network throughout the Retail, Design, and Entertainment communities. We’re always making new contacts for FIDM Students. Our network of over 30,000 alumni is also a huge source of employment for recent FIDM Graduates.

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Will FIDM help me find a job when I graduate?

That’s why we’re here! A Career Advisor meets with each student before graduation to discuss career paths and review their résumé and work. We give our students job search tips and help prepare them for interviews, one-on-one and in group seminars. The jobs come here too! Local and national companies visit FIDM Campuses to recruit students, year-round and during Career Fairs.

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After I graduate, can I still use FIDM’s Career Center?

Absolutely. We are here for our graduates as long as they remain in the industry. On each campus, Career Advisors can help whenever grads want to change jobs, make industry contacts, update their résumés, or build their case when negotiating for a raise or a promotion. We’re always ready with up-to-date information on job opportunities, industry news, and networking.

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What is the Alumni Association?

The Alumni Association is an active group that facilitates career growth through networking events, discussion panels, and newsletters. The international FIDM network is 30,000 graduates strong and growing. FIDM Alumni share a common educational experience and industry perspective.

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I’m interested in the Entertainment Industry. Can FIDM help me?

FIDM is an expert at preparing our students for entertainment-related careers such as Costume Design, Wardrobe Styling, and Set Decoration. Our graduates fill a range of exciting jobs in Hollywood. Years ago, we recognized the natural fit between FIDM and the world's Entertainment industry mecca, Hollywood! Proximity is just the beginning. In our curriculum, the skills that students learn are the skills that the Entertainment industry needs and wants.

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