The Fashion Institute of Technology is a public college located in New York City that specializes in fashion and design industry degrees. In 1944, The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) was opened with 100 students to fill the gap of qualified workers for the growing fashion design and apparel industries. Mortimer C. Ritter and Max Meyer led a group of industry members to obtain a charter from the New York State board to open the school. In 1951, FIT became the second SUNY (State University of New York) community college and was allowed to grant Associate degrees. FIT received accreditation in 1957, and the curriculum continued to grow extending to offering bachelor's and master's degrees.

Currently, the FIT campus is an entire city block and has over 10,000 students. There are 43 majors offered, which range from Fashion Merchandising Management, Toy Design, Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing to Visual Presentation. Since the college is public, it has intercollegiate teams that compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association. http://www.fitnyc.edu/1807.asp

The Admissions process is two steps for FIT. Admission is selective due to the limited number of places. The first step is filing the SUNY Online Application on the FIT website. The second step is an online history and essay form that applicants will receive after the first step. Additional application materials may include a portfolio for art and design majors. http://www.fitnyc.edu/2862.asp

The college offers a variety of Undergraduate, Graduate, and certificate programs. The programs are divided into five different schools of study: The School of Art and Design, Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, School of Graduate Studies, and School of Liberal Arts. http://www.fitnyc.edu/1706.asp

The School of Art and Design offers 17 majors in the art and design fields. Majors for this school include Accessories Design, Fashion Design, Menswear, and Toy Design. The Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology offers 10 different majors with a focus on business in fashion and related professions. Majors include Direct and Interactive Marketing, Home Products Development, and Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing. http://www.fitnyc.edu/4405.asp

The School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers a variety of programs for working students. Evening and weekend classes are available, as well as non-credit courses. The School of Graduate Studies offers students the chance to obtain a Master's degree is Art Programs and Professional Study Programs. Majors include Global Fashion Management and Illustration. http://www.fitnyc.edu/2760.asp

The School of Liberal Arts offers minors in areas such as Asian Studies, Economics, Film and Media, and Psychology. A Bachelor of Science program is also available in Visual Art Management. Courses offered in this school include Foreign Languages, English and Speech, Social Sciences, and Physical Education. http://www.fitnyc.edu/4403.asp