The global fashion industry is competitive, but it also offers an incredibly rewarding career. With our Master鈥檚 program, you can gain real-world experience, valuable connections and an in-depth understanding of fashion鈥檚 global value chain to stand out, and thrive in the industry. The M.F.I.S. program is designed to set you up for success in the fast-paced world of fashion. It is the only program of its kind in the US.
College of the Arts
School of Fashion
www.kent.edu/fashion
Leading the way to create a more sustainable global fashion industry.
Our Master of Fashion Industry Studies (M.F.I.S) is designed to help you stand out in the competitive fashion industry. During the program, you鈥檒l work on projects with local, regional, national and/or international fashion companies to gain real world, industry experience.
The following courses are required study as part of your degree. You鈥檒l learn about critical issues in the fashion industry and create research to build your understanding and skills in how to overcome various challenges.
The Master of Fashion Industry Studies degree in Fashion Industry Studies addresses the highly interdisciplinary character of practice within fashion as an industry.
The Fashion Industry Studies major leads to an initial master's degree for the academic advancement of students to engage in learning and experiences applicable to the fashion industry. The degree program prepares professionals who intentionally use cross-disciplinary and applied research methods to address complex issues and provide impactful solutions for the fashion industry.
The curriculum prepares students with critical and analytical skills to address fashion industry challenges, integrating historical and theoretical knowledge while emphasizing effective communication, environmental responsibility and a global perspective.
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Students who are expecting to pursue coursework or thesis research in a design topic are required to possess a bachelor's degree in fashion design or a bachelor's degree in a related field and substantial employment experience (minimum two years) in the fashion industry.
International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.
Graduates of this program will be able to:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| FDM 60005 | RESEARCH METHODS IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY | 3 |
| FDM 60015 | FASHION SYSTEMS THINKING | 3 |
| FDM 60025 | GLOBAL CONSUMER IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY | 3 |
| FDM 60092 | FASHION INDUSTRY PRACTICUM | 3 |
| Major Electives, choose from the following: | 9-12 | |
FDM 55035 | HISTORIC TEXTILES | |
FDM 55389 | FASHION INDUSTRY INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE STUDY TOUR | |
FDM 60050 | TECHSTYLELAB: DIGITAL DESIGN AND NEW MEDIA IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY | |
FDM 65045 | FASHION INDUSTRY MERCHANDISE MANAGEMENT | |
FDM 65055 | ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY | |
FDM 65096 | INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY | |
FDM 65100 | SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN AND LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY | |
FDM 65110 | CIRCULAR ECONOMY STRATEGIES IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY | |
FDM 65120 | FIBER AND TEXTILE INNOVATION | |
FDM 65220 | INNOVATIONS IN THE FASHION RETAIL INDUSTRY | |
FDM 65300 | DIGITAL KNIT DESIGN | |
FDM 65310 | DIGITAL KNIT PROGRAMMING I | |
FDM 65320 | DIGITAL KNIT PROGRAMMING II | |
FDM 65330 | DIGITAL KNIT APPLICATIONS | |
| Non-Fashion Elective from Cognate Area: 1 | 3 | |
Any African Studies (AFS) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Anthropology (ANTH) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Architecture (ARCH) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Art History (ARTH) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Art Studio Art (ARTS) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Athletic Training (ATTR) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Business Analytics (BA) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Communication Studies (COMM) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Computer Science (CS) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Economics (ECON) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Emerging Media and Technology (EMAT) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Exercise Physiology (EXPH) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Gerontology (GERO) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Health Informatics (HI) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Human Development and Family Science (HDF) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Human Resource Management (HRM) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Knowledge Management (KM) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Management (MGMT) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Marketing (MKTG) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Mathematics (MATH) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Media and Journalism (MDJ) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Political Science (POL) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Psychology (PSYC) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Research, Measurement and Statistics (RMS) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Sociology (SOC) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Sports Administration (SPAD) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any User Experience (UX) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
Any Visual Communication Design (VCD) Graduate course (50000 or 60000 level) | ||
| Culminating Requirement 2 | ||
| Choose from the following: | 3-6 | |
FDM 60099 | FASHION INDUSTRY PRACTICUM CAPSTONE | |
FDM 60199 | THESIS I | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 30 | |
The Non-Fashion Elective from Cognate Area must be approved by the student's practicum capstone or thesis advisor.
Students must complete a capstone report or written thesis accompanied by a visual presentation or representation that is successfully defended and approved by a committee of faculty with feedback from an industry partner. The capstone or thesis outcome must demonstrate an innovative and pragmatic research-based solution applicable to the fashion industry.
| Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
|---|---|
| - | 3.000 |
This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | ||
| ! | FDM 60005 | RESEARCH METHODS IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY | 3 |
| ! | FDM 60015 | FASHION SYSTEMS THINKING | 3 |
| Major Elective | 3 | ||
| Credit Hours | 9 | ||
| Spring Semester | |||
| ! | FDM 60025 | GLOBAL CONSUMER IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY | 3 |
| Major Electives | 6 | ||
| Credit Hours | 9 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | |||
| ! | FDM 60092 | FASHION INDUSTRY PRACTICUM | 3 |
| ! | FDM 60199 | THESIS I | 3 |
or Major Elective | |||
| ! | Non-Fashion Elective from Cognate Area | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 9 | ||
| Spring Semester | |||
| FDM 60099 or FDM 60199 | FASHION INDUSTRY PRACTICUM CAPSTONE or THESIS I | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 3 | ||
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 30 | ||
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
As part of our Master of Fashion Industry Studies degree, students complete a fashion industry practicum during the first summer, which counts as a 3-credit course. This hands-on experience with local and regional companies is a great way to prepare for a future career in the fashion industry. Students can refer to this work-based experience on their r茅sum茅, while companies benefit from access to fresh talent and support when they need it.
Below you can read testimonials from our industry partners on their time working with our students.
鈥淲orking with Gloria was kind of an inspiration to me and a step forward for my company. Gloria is full of creativity and a lot of ideas, always suggesting what can help the company grow in the future. She came up with many innovative ideas that will help the company. Her design works are so great, and her sewing was the fastest I could imagine. Apart from the great talent Gloria has, she is very respectful, accurate, loyal, and efficient. I would love to work with Gloria again if I have the chance. I strongly believe she is an asset in the making and will urge her Professors to support her in her project works. Thank you.鈥� - Desmond Bates, CEO of LeJOEL.
鈥淓rin was an asset to the UpWest brand during her practicum. She took the time to learn, understand the brand and tailor her work to be beneficial for not only herself but for the UpWest team. All of which will greatly benefit her as she looks to a bright future in the industry. During her time spent working with us, her aptitude for learning the industry and the brand will be invaluable for her future success. Erin received a realistic viewpoint of what sustainability means within the industry and how UpWest as a brand is working towards executing it. Erin did a great job. I truly enjoyed working with her and feel that this experience will be an asset for a strong career within the fashion industry.鈥� &苍产蝉辫;鈥� Kelsey V., Design Director of UpWest.
As one of our Master鈥檚 students, you鈥檒l work one-on-one with our graduate faculty members. Everyone in our faculty has a vast range of industry experience and is highly recognized by professional associations. You can find out more about our members diverse backgrounds and fields of study below.
| Faculty Member | Degree | Year | Graduate Facility | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor | Thesis Committee Member |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty Member Joanne Arnett | Degree M.F.A. | Year 2013 | Graduate Facility 小黄片视频 | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor No | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Margarita Benitez | Degree M.F.A. | Year 2008 | Graduate Facility School of the Art Institute of Chicago | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Gargi Bhaduri | Degree Ph.D. | Year 2014 | Graduate Facility University of Missouri | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member J.R. Campbell | Degree M.F.A. | Year 1996 | Graduate Facility University of California, Davis | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes
|
| Faculty Member Lauren Copeland | Degree Ph.D. | Year 2015 | Graduate Facility Kansas State University | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Daniel Fladung | Degree M.F.A. | Year 2024 | Graduate Facility Academy of Art University | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor No | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Kim Hahn | Degree Ph.D. | Year 2005 | Graduate Facility University of Nebraska, Lincoln | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Ja Young Hwang | Degree Ph.D. | Year 2013 | Graduate Facility Iowa State University | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Jihyun (J) Kim-Vick | Degree Ph.D. | Year 2004 | Graduate Facility Iowa State University | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Jasmine Kornel | Degree M.F.A. | Year 2018 | Graduate Facility 小黄片视频 | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor No | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Mourad Krifa | Degree Ph.D. | Year 2001 | Graduate Facility Universite de Haute Alsace | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Kendra Lapolla | Degree M.F.A. | Year 2010 | Graduate Facility The Ohio State University | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Catherine Leslie | Degree Ph.D. | Year 2002 | Graduate Facility The Ohio State University | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Rachel LoMonaco-Benzing | Degree Ph.D. | Year 2018 | Graduate Facility University of Missouri | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor No | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Xingqiu Lou | Degree Ph.D. | Year 2020 | Graduate Facility North Carolina State University | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor No | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Laura McAndrews | Degree Ph.D. | Year 2015 | Graduate Facility University of Missouri | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Linda Orhn-McDaniel | Degree M.F.A. | Year 2003 | Graduate Facility University of North Texas | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Noel Palomo-Lovinski | Degree M.F.A. | Year 2009 | Graduate Facility 小黄片视频 | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Robert Pettys-Baker | Degree Ph.D. | Year 2024 | Graduate Facility Cornell University | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Vincent Quevedo | Degree M.F.A. | Year 2004 | Graduate Facility University of Nebraska, Lincoln | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Krissi Riewe | Degree M.F.A. | Year 2019 | Graduate Facility University of North Texas | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Yes | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Lynda May Xepoleas | Degree Ph.D. | Year 2023 | Graduate Facility Cornell University | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor No | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
| Faculty Member Sue Yoder | Degree M.F.A. | Year 2008 | Graduate Facility Syracuse University | Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor No | Thesis Committee Member Yes |
Is an undergraduate degree in an area of fashion required to get the M.F.I.S?
No. A bachelor's degree in the area of fashion is not required; however, to be considered for the program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.30.
Students who are expecting to pursue coursework or thesis research in a design topic are required to possess a bachelor's degree in fashion design OR a bachelor's degree in a related field and substantial employment experience (minimum two years) in the fashion industry.
If an applicant's undergraduate degree is not in fashion, are additional courses required?
Yes, foundational courses at the undergraduate level are required. Students without a fashion background may be required to complete foundational coursework concurrently during the first and second semester. Students must complete these courses within the first 18 credit hours of graduate study. These undergraduate credit hours are in addition to the 30 graduate credit hours required for the M.F.I.S. degree.
Is a GRE or GMAT score required to apply for the M.F.I.S.?
No. Either of the tests is only required for the ones who do not meet the GPA requirement.
When does the M.F.I.S. program begin?
We only start our program in the fall semester. Application deadlines are the mid of April before the start of the Fall semester. International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by mid-February to allow ample time for the visa process.
What happens if I have to stop the program for work or family issues?
In cases where the student will be out for a year or more, a formal Leave of Absence request is required to keep the student active in the University's system.
What is the tuition and/or cost of attendance in the M.F.I.S. program?
For more details, please visit the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center.
When do I learn about the decisions on graduate assistantship awards?
The applicants for graduate assistantships should hear from the Graduate Program team by the end of March, pending budget approvals from the School and College.
What other financial supports are available on campus?
There are more assistantships and campus jobs outside of the School of Fashion. Please check out the Career Exploration and Development for the opportunities.
How long do I have to complete the M.F.I.S. Program?
Students have six (6) years to complete the M.F.I.S.; however, the average time to complete the program for those full-time students with part-time work is two years. Time approved as a Leave of Absence does not count toward the six-year limit.
How are employer tuition benefits handled by the Bursar's Office?
小黄片视频 has deferred billing for those with tuition benefits. A form is submitted each semester with the student/employee鈥檚 information. Find more details about employer tuition assistance and the form.
The M.F.I.S. program is designed to set you up for success in the fast-paced world of fashion.
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