Fashion Design MS
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Minimum Required Credits: 60
Co-op Option(s): None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 50.0407
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 27-1022
About the Program
The MS in Fashion Design is a full-time, maker-focused program that merges traditional craftsmanship with modern design technologies and methods. The program emphasizes developing personal aesthetics, conceptual thinking, and the technical skills necessary for research and experimentation. Applicants without a portfolio will start the program with an intensive summer session in design and drawing. Those who submit a portfolio may be eligible to waive this requirement and start in the fall, pending program review.
The curriculum combines 2D and 3D design to address the physical, aesthetic, psychological, and social needs of the fashion industry. It is organized so that work in the studio, laboratory, and classroom provides students with focused experience in fashion illustration, current art concepts, and traditional and modern fashion technology. An optional industry internship provides students with direct experience in a work environment of their choice. This comprehensive approach prepares students for a variety of careers in fashion design.
The faculty includes art historians, CAD and 3D design specialists, apparel designers, knit designers and programmers, fiber artists, merchandising experts, researchers of new materials and processes, and fine artists. The program also collaborates with practicing professionals who serve as adjunct instructors for specialized courses and student critiques. Students undertake a capstone project during their final three semesters, along with a final graduate collection. To prepare, students conduct research in both practical and academic fashion studies, as well as develop strategies for formulating and solving complex research questions and fostering rigorous, innovative inquiry skills. An annual, professionally juried fashion show at the end of the program gives students valuable exposure for their collections.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design.
Degree Requirements
| Core/Foundational Courses | ||
| DSGN 5015 | Design Methods: Environment and Human Scale | 3.0 |
| FASH 5200 | Industrial Sewing Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| FASH 5209 | Patternmaking and Construction Studio I | 3.0 |
| FASH 5218 | Patternmaking and Construction Studio II | 3.0 |
| FASH 5300 | Fashion Drawing I: Exploring Fashion Form | 3.0 |
| FASH 5309 | Fashion Drawing II: Illustration Techniques | 3.0 |
| FASH 5400 | Textile Exploration | 3.0 |
| Subject-Area Focused Course | ||
| FASH 5500 | Technical Design in Fashion | 3.0 |
| FASH 5609 | Portfolio I: Visual Storytelling and Personal Branding | 3.0 |
| FASH 5700 | Knitwear Design | 3.0 |
| FASH 6000 | Fashion Industry Internship | 0.0 |
| FASH 6500 | Digital Patternmaking and 3D Design | 3.0 |
| FASH 6609 | Portfolio II: Visual Storytelling and Collection Branding | 3.0 |
| Capstone/Thesis Courses | ||
| FASH 6909 | Fashion Design Collection I | 3.0 |
| FASH 6918 | Fashion Design Collection II | 3.0 |
| FASH 7820 | Fashion Design Synthesis 1 | 6.0 |
| FASH 7090 | Fashion Design Research | 0.0 |
| Fashion Elective Courses | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6.0 | |
| Accelerated Design Foundations | ||
| Drawing Fundamentals | ||
| History of Modern Fashion: 1850–Present | ||
| Great Fashion Designers | ||
| Couture and Tailoring Construction Studio | ||
| Concept Design and Development | ||
| Topics in Apparel Specialization | ||
| Advanced Fashion Drawing | ||
| Accessory Design | ||
| Advanced Machine Knitting | ||
| Free Electives | 6.0 | |
| Total Credits | 60.0 | |
- 1
Students are required to take FASH 7820 Fashion Design Synthesis two times for a total of 6 credits.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, students will be able to: