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FASHION
CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM

Our innovative program is breaking down barriers and changing the fashion industry in Philadelphia and beyond.

A 100% fashion-focused curriculum and part-time schedule provide you with the skills needed to enter the industry head-on.

A photography studio with a woman sitting on a chair in front of an orange backdrop, a man adjusting her position, and a woman taking a photo with a camera on a tripod.

Without Gen-Eds, you’ll develop a fashion portfolio, build a collection, and launch your line in just 18 months. This is fashion education reimagined.

“I chose Made because I wanted to chase a dream. The program transformed my creativity into a reality.”

-Gerardo Ramirez of Gerardo Ramirez Moreira

“I didn’t have time during the day to go back to school, so there were night classes, and it was just perfect.”

-Amira Elmalawny of Bembi

“What drew me to this program is that it really started from the ground up. I didn’t need to have any prior experience.”

-Elisse Hanssen of Elise Cara

“My background is in engineering…I enjoyed the math and science of how to make things go from 2D patterns to 3D.”

-Morgan Steffy of Rare Sylvan

CURRICULUM
OVERVIEW

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TRIMESTER 1

Begin your journey by mastering the fundamentals. You’ll explore different materials, customize textiles and fabrics, learn the basics of sewing and garment construction, develop your fashion illustration skills, and enhance your digital confidence with Adobe Photoshop.

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Materials Studies
Sewing 1 - Introductory Sewing
Sewing 2 - Basic Garment Construction
Fashion Illustration 1
Fashion Illustration 2
Adobe Photoshop

A person with dreadlocks working on a sewing project on a mannequin, which has a label reading 'Collapsible Shoulder'.

TRIMESTER 2

Take the next step and enhance your skills. Learn to refine your sewing techniques with streetwear and knits, grasp the fundamentals of patternmaking and draping, and begin to learn how to communicate your designs and plan your new collection in Design Studio and Adobe Illustrator.

Sewing 3 - Streetwear/Designer Finishes
Sewing 4 - Knitwear
Design Studio 1
Adobe Illustrator
Draping
Patternmaking 1

A photoshoot with a woman in a blue dress having her hair adjusted by a stylist, with two other women in a studio setting with professional lighting and equipment.

TRIMESTER 3

It’s time to launch your line! We’ll elevate your patternmaking and design skills and teach you about the fashion industry through seminars, guest lectures from industry experts, market research activities, and design projects. As you finalize your collection, you’ll also build the foundation your business needs by creating a social media presence, a website, and establishing connections with manufacturers. Graduates have the opportunity to showcase their final capsule collections at Philly Fashion Week.

Patternmaking 2
Industry Seminar
Design Studio 2
Collection Studio
Business of Fashion

EDUCATIONAL
OBJECTIVES

+ Proficient sewing skills specific to the garment manufacturing industry, meeting requirements for an entry-level sewing technician or sample maker.

+ Proficient pattern-making skills tailored for the garment industry, meeting the requirements for an entry-level technical designer or pattern maker.

+ A clear understanding of fashion terminology related to machinery and techniques used in the industry.

+ High-level design skills related to the fashion industry. Meeting the requirements for an entry-level position in fashion design.

+ Visual communication skills related to fashion illustration, portfolio techniques, and marketing materials. Meeting the requirements for an entry-level position as a fashion designer.

+ Excellent Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator skills relevant to the fashion industry, including technical drawings, technical packages, print design, flat sketches, mood boards, lookbooks, and photo manipulation.

+ A clear understanding of the fashion industry’s various categories, including jobs in textiles, sourcing, product development, design, and production.

+ A clear understanding of the business of fashion, including promotion, sales, fashion show production, marketing, merchandising, retailing, manufacturing, and sourcing. Meets requirements for entry-level positions such as fashion merchandiser, marketer, sales associate, and fashion show producer.

+ Industry expertise in connecting with accountants, lawyers, public relations, media, and brand-building services.

A fashion model walking down the runway at a fashion show, wearing a patterned suit dress with a ruffled hem, high heels, and a large straw hat.

REQUEST AN APPLICATION

FALL 2026
ADMISSIONS

Application Deadline: March 20th, 2026.

First Payment Deadline: May 22nd, 2026, or Rolling Admission Deadline.

Program Begins: August 24th, 2026.

Class Size: 20 students per cohort.

Accepted students who miss this start date will be placed on a waiting list for the next session.

The Fashion Certificate Program is for anyone who loves fashion, has dreamed of becoming a designer, or wants to develop technical skills for a career at any level of the fashion industry. No previous experience is required—just a commitment to yourself and dedication to your creative potential and expression. We only require a high school diploma or GED to apply.
Made Institute is unique and operates differently from other fashion schools. Our Fashion Certificate Program offers a 100% fashion-focused curriculum, meaning there are no general education requirements, so you can have all the hands-on learning you desire without interruption. Our program is part-time, and we offer day or evening classes, making this comprehensive curriculum suitable for people with different schedules. Our graduates also have the opportunity to have their collections featured during Philly Fashion Week.
Made Institute enrolls all students without regard to race, religion, gender, age, disability, or any other characteristics protected by law. We require that students provide proof of a high school diploma, a high school transcript, or GED test results.
ONLINE SUBMISSIONS
- Request an application via our online platform.
- Fill out and submit the online application, including the essay.
- Once Made Institute has received the completed application and the $25 application fee, the applicant will be contacted to schedule a phone interview to speak with our admissions team.
- Prospective students will present a creative project to a panel of judges.
- Prospective students will be notified by email about their application status.
PAPER/EMAIL SUBMISSIONS (not recommended)
- Download and print the application form.
- Return the application and essay via email or USPS.
- Once Made Institute has received the completed application and the $25 application fee, the applicant will be contacted to schedule a phone interview to speak with our admissions team.
- Prospective students will present a creative project to a panel of judges.
- Prospective students will be notified by email or USPS about their application status.
- Email all materials to admissions@made-institute.com or send via USPS to:
  
  Made Institute
  1719 Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor
  Philadelphia, PA 19103
Made Institute offers a pay-by-term plan, making the Fashion Certificate Program more accessible. To learn more, visit our tuition page, download our student catalog or schedule a call.
Absolutely! Although the program is intensive and very hands-on, we keep it manageable by offering part-time options during the daytime or evening.
You can cancel your enrollment in our Fashion Certificate Program by phone, email, or in person. Refunds are calculated based on the last day of attendance. If you cancel or withdraw from the program, you will receive a tuition refund, as follows:
1. If you cancel after the fifth calendar day following the date of enrollment but before classes begin, payments made will be refunded except for the application fee, which is refundable if the enrollment agreement is canceled within 5 days of signing.
2. If you enroll and withdraw or discontinue after the term has begun but prior to completion of the term, the following minimum refunds apply:
  a. If you withdraw from or discontinue the program during the first 7 calendar days of the term, the tuition charges refunded by Made Institute shall be at least 75% of the tuition for the term.
  b. If you withdraw from or discontinue the program after the first 7 calendar days, but within the first 25% of the term, the tuition charges refunded by Made Institute shall be at least 55% of the tuition for the term.
  c. If you withdraw from or discontinue the program after 25% but within 50% of the term, the tuition charges refunded by Made Institute shall be at least 30% of the tuition.
  d. If you withdraw from or discontinue the program after 50% of the term, the student is entitled to no refund.
Made Institute reserves the right to cancel a starting class if there are not enough students enrolled. Such a cancellation will be considered a rejection by the school and will entitle the student to a full refund of all payments made.
Yes! Made Institute sells a range of fabrics and sewing notions to students and the public. Check out our shop.
All fashion, art, and design courses and programs are held at Made Rittenhouse, 1719 Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Interested in youth offerings or workshops? These are available at our Made West location, 4719 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143.