Distance Learning Program
The college's online program serves students by offering a variety of courses as well as a curriculum that can lead to the fashion merchandising management (FMM) one-year A.A.S. degree. Students who already possess a degree from another college or who have earned 30 transferable credits may apply to the one-year FMM program, which is offered entirely online.

The FMM program provides a sound grasp of the practical aspects of the fashion industry, which is essential to building a successful merchandising career. Students take courses in buying, merchandising, retail operations, product development, team management, and wholesale strategies of selling. They learn about the fashion industry at every level and how each segment is affected by both domestic and global influences. Graduates find careers with retail stores, wholesale showrooms, or buying offices.

FIT delivers its courses through the SUNY Learning Network (SLN), an electronic forum where students and professors learn collaboratively via the Internet. Courses may require the use of specific software programs and computer hardware products to complete course requirements. Prior to registering for an online course, students should test their access to the SLN Web site at http://www.sln.suny.edu.

Currently, there are more than 200 full-time faculty members and approximately 690 part-time faculty members. In addition to their academic backgrounds, all of FIT's faculty members have extensive experience in the diverse industries from which they come. This enables them to bring the immediacy of their continuing professional activity to their teaching.

Programs of Study
FIT's online program currently offers courses leading to the fashion merchandising management one-year A.A.S. degree. These courses include introduction to the fashion industry, merchandise planning and control, fashion merchandising (principles and techniques), advertising and promotion, apparel design and production analysis, textile fundamentals, fashion business practices, consumer motivation in fashion, product development, introduction to direct marketing, workshop in fashion merchandising management, import buying, and product development.

Other online offerings include starting a small business, English as a second language, professional procedures in commercial photography, photography portfolio development for the World Wide Web, introduction to business law, information systems in business management, and multimedia computing for advertising and marketing communications.

For detailed descriptions of each course, students should visit the FIT Web site at http://www.fitnyc.suny.edu/academic.

FIT is developing additional online courses and degree programs. The college plans to add required liberal arts courses providing students with the opportunity to complete the FMM two-year A.A.S. program entirely online. Students should periodically check the FIT Web site for online course updates.

Students may apply up to 30 credits earned through subject examinations (CLEP and Advanced Placement) and transfer credit toward fulfillment of degree requirements at FIT. Students who have completed courses at accredited institutions receive credit for course work similar to courses at FIT and in which a grade of C or better has been achieved. Complete information about obtaining academic credit by evaluation is available from the Registrar's Office at 212-217-7676.

Applying for Distance Education
All applicants must have a high school diploma or the equivalent and must supply their high school transcript showing average and rank in class. Transfer students must provide official college transcripts. FIT operates on a rolling admission basis.

For additional information on how to apply or obtain specific admissions requirements or to obtain a SUNY application form, applicants should call the FIT Admissions Office at 212-217-7675, send e-mail to fitinfo@fitsuny.edu, or visit the World Wide Web at the address listed below.

Anyone can register for an online course on a nonmatriculating basis. To matriculate toward the FMM degree program, students must apply through the usual application process. Applicants can apply in one of the following ways: online at the FIT Web site; submission by mail of a downloaded application form; or by filling out the State University of New York application.

Costs
Undergraduate tuition is currently $109 per credit for New York State residents and $265 per credit for all others. In addition, course instructors may require the purchase of textbooks, reference materials, and supplies. Additional fees may apply. For the most updated tuition and fee information, applicants should visit the Web at http://www.sln.suny.edu/sln or at FIT's Web site, listed below.

Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to eligible students and includes PELL, TAP, and Stafford Loans. Applications are available through FIT's Financial Aid Office (telephone: 212-217-7177), local high schools, libraries, and post offices. Additional information regarding financial aid is available at the FIT Web site.

For Additional Information

Director of Distance Learning
Fashion Institute of Technology
Seventh Avenue at 27th Street
New York, New York 10001
Telephone: 212-217-7911 (online program information)
212-217-7910 (general information)
Fax: 212-217-7481

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