Fashion Product Development (MFA)

The Fashion Product Development MFA focuses on developing and managing all aspects of the fashion product development process. Emphasis will be placed on aesthetics, design, and product development strategies specific to companies and their target markets. Students will create product concept and lines based on their in-depth market and trend research, textile and raw material sourcing strategies, manufacturing strategies and shipping logistics to deliver finished products to stores and consumers. Students will learn the drawing, design, construction, technical, and industry standard software skills. Students will apply all of these skills to create a culminating thesis project that includes a complete product line and an implementation strategy. MFA Graduates will be capable of launching a new product line and applying high level strategic thinking to hold key positions in global fashion organizations.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree
Major Classes

This program is available online and on campus

School of Fashion

FSH 600

Fashion Design 1 Major/3

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

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 616

Fashion Business: Industry Dynamics Major/3

The business of fashion is complex. You will get a comprehensive look at how various components of fashion business—product development, sourcing, buying, marketing, and retailing—are intertwined to create a powerful industry.

FSH 632

Product Development: Trend Analysis & Line Development Major/3

You will learn to gather and apply trend information to develop new and fashionable products for the marketplace. Bring an original product from concept to completion via research, sourcing, costing, merchandising, and marketing.

FSH 634

Textiles & Raw Materials Major/3

Textile quality matters. Hands-on analysis of fabric swatches and raw materials will give you insights into which textiles work for specific target markets.

FSH 637

Fashion Business: Product Planning & Sourcing Major/3

Product-planning and sourcing strategies are key to success in global fashion. You will explore product categories, pricing strategies, and product-mix and assortment planning. You will evaluate sourcing and manufacturing opportunities to develop a product plan that reflect a company's overall strategy and target customers.

FSH 638

Product Development: Concepts & Design Major/3

Successful product development is both a science and an art. Examine the supply chain, sourcing, and the product development process. Learn how fashion brands conduct trend research, create product concepts, and design collections to bring ideas to market.

FSH 650

Introduction to Fashion Design Major/3

Fashion design is a process. You will learn the basic steps of design development, editing, and balancing a ready to wear (RTW) collection. Plus, you'll develop your technical, visual, and verbal presentation skills.

FSH 651

Fashion Construction Major/3

In the design workroom setting, you use your garment construction and flat pattern drafting skills to create garments that are pattern cut and made to today's commercial standards.

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 Requirements	Units
Major Coursework	30
Directed Study	18
Electives	6
Graduate Liberal Arts	9
Total	63

MFA FASHION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT 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

Graduate Liberal Arts

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

Product Development

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
Analyze fashion and market trends to apply to specific target consumer and brands
Design and develop complete lines of fashion products demonstrating high level aesthetics and design skills using both traditional medium and computer software
Correctly identify key points in the supply chain and demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between its members
Develop comprehensive sourcing, costing and pricing strategies for targeted markets
Visual Communication: Produce accurate and detailed technical drawings and flat patterns using both traditional medium and computer software
Professionalism: Communicate professionally and effectively through written, visual and oral presentations using industry standard software

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