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The Master of Science in Fashion & Apparel Studies is designed to
prepare students to be effective professionals in the global fashion
industry. The growth and dominance of large multinational apparel
brands and retailers has created a need for professionals who are
globally oriented, innovative, have both apparel product development and
consumer behavior expertise along with an understanding of social
responsibility and sustainability, and strong communication skills.
Graduates will be able to serve as integrators who can create value for a
firm by synthesizing knowledge about consumer research, product design,
product merchandising, product sourcing, and product presentation.
The MS program is unique in that all students complete design
innovation and consumer behavior courses to bring an understanding of
both to solving problems in the global fashion industry. Concepts and
practices from social responsibility and sustainability underlie the
graduate program. Students pursuing the thesis research option take 31
credit hours of course work and research. Thirteen credits are taken in
fashion and apparel studies courses in topics such as research analysis
in fashion studies, global fashion consumers, theories of design and
aesthetics, and interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving. Six
additional credits are taken in research methods and statistics, six
credits are available for special interest electives, and six credits
support the thesis research. We offer generous graduate assistantships (teaching or research); however, they are competitive. Applications received by February 1 will be considered for funding support.
Alternatively, the MS program is offered in a non-thesis option
effective fall 2013. This program of study is more heavily focused on course
work than the original MS program. For the non-thesis MS students take 31
credit hours of course work and research. Thirteen credits are required in
fashion and apparel studies courses in topics such as research analysis in
fashion studies, global fashion consumer, social responsibility and
sustainability, and interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving. Twelve
credits of special interest elective courses from within or outside the
department are taken. Three credits of research methods and a three-credit
Special Problem project complete the program.
Course Descriptions
Degree Requirements
Admissions Requirements
