Footwear and Accessories Design One-Year AAS Degree Program
http://fitnyc.edu/accessoriesdesign
SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN
Applications accepted for fall only. NYSED: 84201 CIP: 50.0407
The Footwear and Accessories Design major provides the knowledge and skills to prepare students for positions in design, product development, merchandising, and patternmaking and sample making. Curriculum below is for the entering class of fall 2026.
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MAJOR AREA | LD 111 - Leather and Materials Technology | 2.5 |
| LD 121 - Accessories Design and the Human Anatomy | 2 | |
| LD 133 - Footwear Design I | 3 | |
| LD 143 - Handbag Design I | 3 | |
| LD 165 - Sketching Accessories | 2.5 | |
| LD 228 - Accessories CAD | 2 | |
| Semester 2 | Credits | |
| MAJOR AREA | LD 134 - Footwear Design II | 3 |
| LD 144 - Handbag Design II | 3 | |
| LD 227 - Introduction to Line Building | 2 | |
| LD 243 - Belt Design | 2.5 | |
| LD 293 - Developing a Successful Portfolio | 3 | |
| RELATED AREA | choice - see Requirements* | 2 |
| TOTAL CREDIT REQUIREMENTS | ||
| MAJOR AREA | 28.5 | |
| RELATED AREA | 2 | |
| Total Credits: | 30.5 | |
*Fall 2026 Requirements: See below.
Related Area Elective(s): 2 credits (minimum)
CHOICE of one of the following: AC 111, AC 114, AC 141, AR 115, CD 113, CD 235, CG 121, CG 214, DE 101, FA 101, FA 104, FA 106, FA 107, FA 113, FA 114, FA 116, FD 231, FD 341, FD 475, FM 116, FM 324, FS 341, FS 451, GD 202,ID 151, ID 322, IL 127, IL 133, IL 181, IN 312, JD 101, JD 121, JD 219, ML 113, ML 115, ML 116, ML 123, ML 241, ML 243, PH 117, PH 118, PH 171, PH 201, TD 113, TS 111, TS 215, or TY 101
General Education Art and Design: 24 credits
One year AAS degree programs include completion of at least 30 transferable credits from an accredited college with a minimum of 24 liberal arts credits equivalent to FIT’s General Education requirements. Six (6) additional transferable elective credits are required for 30 transferable credits total.
- 6 credits in college-level written and oral English communication (3 credits each in SUNY GE: COMO and COMW or a 3 credit a combination (SUNY GE: COMO and COMW) course plus additional 3 credits in English (taken in the U.S. or in a country in which English is an official language)
- 3 credits in college-level mathematics above basic algebra
- 3 credits in physical science, biology, or life science (SUNY GE: NSCI).
- 3 credits in diversity studies, specifically the historical and social factors related to equity, inclusion, and social justice (SUNY GE: DVRS)
- 9 additional credits as follows:
- 6 credits of Art History
- 3 credits from one of the remaining SUNY GE Areas:
- The Arts (SUNY GE ARTS)
- World History and Global Awareness (SUNY GE: GLBL)
- Humanities (SUNY GE: HUMN)
- Social Sciences (SUNY GE: SOCS)
- U.S. History and Civic Engagement (SUNY GE: USCV)
- World Languages (SUNY GE: WLNG)
Students who successfully complete the Footwear & Accessories Design AAS degree will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze, and elect appropriate materials for fabricating accessories.
- Identify the anatomy of the foot and hand and apply ergonomics to the design of handbags and footwear.
- Illustrate technical specification for handbags, footwear, and belts.
- Construct innovative designs in handbags, footwear, and belts from concept to finished sample.
- Develop critical thinking skills through research projects, design exploration, and presentations.
- Illustrate total design concepts from ideation to finished rendering, by hand and by computer.