Fashion Design (MFA)

Graduate programs in the School of Fashion refine and focus your individual artistic vision with degree options in Design, Knitwear Design, Textile Design, Costume Design, Footwear & Accessory Design, Fashion Product Development, Fashion Merchandising & Management, and Fashion Marketing & Brand Management. Studio courses hone your knowledge of industry standards, combining design excellence with the mastery of the latest digital tools. Graduate candidates are guided through Directed Study which culminates in the production of a final collection, portfolio, or project.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree
Major Classes

This program is available online and on campus

FSH 600

Fashion Design 1 Major/3

You will study alongside students from different disciplines to explore various approaches to design and illustration.

FSH 601

3D Design 1 Major/3

Build a foundation in 3D design and garment development. You will be introduced to pattern shape manipulation and learn core principles of pattern drafting and garment construction to meet commercial fashion standards.

FSH 602

Fashion Design 2 Major/3

You will build up your core design knowledge, gain an increased awareness of market place relevance, and increase your technical abilities.

FSH 603

3D Design 2 Major/3

Master the art of tailoring. You will draft and construct tailored garments to meet industry standards using advanced pattern making, construction, and sewing techniques. Get professional instruction on handling fashion fabrics and using industrial sewing equipment.

FSH 604

Fashion Design 3 Major/3

Take your design skills to the next level. You will collaborate on a project to expand your knowledge of target markets, apply sustainable practice in your design process, and develop a body of work that represents your ideal future in the fashion industry and showcases your design philosophy and strengths.

FSH 605

3D Design 3 Major/3

Put your knowledge to work. Learn to make raglan-style garments and use your newfound skills to create a customized raglan trench coat. You will also work with your peers to produce a group collection using looks from your design class.

FSH 606

Fashion Design 4 Major/3

You will consult with your tutors to select a project that will increase your knowledge in a specific area.

FSH 607

3D Design 4 Major/3

Consult with your tutors and choose projects that prepare patterns for the Final Project.

FSH 609

Digital Design for Fashion Major/3

Use Adobe software to create technical flats and garment presentations in a digital format. (This course is cross-listed with FSH 266.)

FSH 700

Professional Practices and Portfolio for Fashion Major/3

Explore and prepare for your career in fashion. You will develop professional personal branding, job search materials, digital and physical portfolios, and prepare for job interviews.

Degree Requirements

Unit RequirementsUnits
Major Coursework30
Directed Study18
Electives6
Graduate Liberal Arts9
Total63

MFA FASHION DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Successful completion of Final Thesis Project.
  • Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units.
  • Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
    1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic Sensitivity course
    1 Cross Cultural Understanding course

Additional Information

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

MFA Thesis Project

  • Present an original thesis concept worthy of the MFA degree
  • Demonstrate the feasibility of their thesis project

Specialty Skills: Design

  • Design Thesis: Create a body of work that will be built into a portfolio, representing an advanced level of achievement and targeted to a specific market segment
  • Conduct research to develop their creative concept and build a visual story
  • Demonstrate good understanding of their market
  • Communicate their design ideas 2-dimensionally using traditional and/or digital media
  • Create advanced flat technical specification drawings by hand and by computer
  • Design collections demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of fashion design and advanced technical skills

Specialty Skills: 3-Dimensional Design/Technical Design/CDFP

  • Thesis: Create a body of work that will be built into a portfolio, representing an advanced level of achievement and targeted to a specific market segment
  • Apply advanced 3D design techniques to create clothing to a professional standard

Collaborative Skills

  • Collaborate effectively to produce creative projects

Professional Practices

  • Create a relevant and original portfolio and collateral materials which can be used to market themselves to the industry