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Fashion Industry Studies - M.F.I.S.

The global fashion industry is competitive, but it also offers an incredibly rewarding career. With our Master’s program, you can gain real-world experience, valuable connections and an in-depth understanding of fashion’s 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. 

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College of the Arts
School of Fashion 
www.kent.edu/fashion

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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’ll work on projects with local, regional, national and/or international fashion companies to gain real world, industry experience. 

Core Course Overview

The following courses are required study as part of your degree. You’ll learn about critical issues in the fashion industry and create research to build your understanding and skills in how to overcome various challenges.

  • Research Methods in the Fashion Industry– During this course, you’ll learn techniques to design and carry out research into pragmatic solutions for industry challenges.  

  • Fashion Systems Thinking and Global Consumers in the Fashion Industry–These courses teach you how to navigate the ever-changing fashion industry with a sustainable perspective and global mindset. 

 

Program Information

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Fashion Industry Studies degree in Fashion Industry Studies addresses the highly interdisciplinary character of practice within fashion as an industry.

Fashion Industry Studies is an initial master's level 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.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university1
  • Minimum 3.300 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcripts(s)
  • GRE or GMAT scores if GPA is below 3.300 for conditional admission
  • Goal statement (maximum 1,000 words) relating career/academic goals and research interests as they relate to critical issue(s) the applicant has identified in current fashion industry practice
  • Supportive materials that demonstrate research and writing capabilities (e.g., significant term paper, research project report and/or visual portfolio with minimum 5-10 examples of work in any media documenting design process)
  • Résumé
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
    • Minimum 587 TOEFL PBT score
    • Minimum 94 TOEFL IBT score
    • Minimum 82 MELAB score
    • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 65 PTE score
    • Minimum 120 Duolingo English score
1

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.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Funding deadline: February 15
      Applications must be submitted by this deadline to be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
    • Application deadline: April 15
      Applications received after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a capacity for critical analysis of fashion to identify pertinent issues.
  2. Demonstrate an ability to use cross-disciplinary and applied research methods with appropriate knowledge and technologies.
  3. Demonstrate the skill of critically generating concepts and-or pragmatic solutions through testing and experimentation that connects fashion history, theory and-or practice(s).
  4. Demonstrate abilities to effectively synthesize ideas and present innovative and pragmatic research-based investigations.
Coursework
On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
FDM 60005RESEARCH METHODS IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY 3
FDM 60015FASHION SYSTEMS THINKING 3
FDM 60025GLOBAL CONSUMER IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY 3
FDM 60092FASHION INDUSTRY PRACTICUM 3
Non-Fashion Elective from Cognate Area 13
Fashion Electives, choose from the following:9-12
FDM 55035
HISTORIC TEXTILES
FDM 60020
FASHION INDUSTRY DESIGN MANAGEMENT
FDM 60050
TECHSTYLELAB: DIGITAL DESIGN AND NEW MEDIA IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY
FDM 60162
ADVANCED FASHION INDUSTRY DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
FDM 63011
VISUAL PRESENTATION IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY
FDM 65010
SUSTAINABLE CONCEPTS AND PRACTICES IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY
FDM 65045
FASHION INDUSTRY MERCHANDISE MANAGEMENT
FDM 65095
FASHION INDUSTRY SPECIAL TOPICS
FDM 65096
INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY
Culminating Requirement
Thesis or Practicum, choose from the following:3-6
FDM 60092
FASHION INDUSTRY PRACTICUM
FDM 60199
THESIS I 2
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30
1

The Non-Fashion Elective from Cognate Area must be approved by the student's thesis advisor.

2

Students who select the thesis option must complete a written thesis accompanied by a visual presentation/representation that is successfully defended and approved by a committee of faculty with feedback from an industry partner. The thesis must demonstrate an innovative and pragmatic research-based solution applicable to the fashion industry.

Graduation Requirements

  • Students in the M.F.I.S. degree are required to complete 24 credit hours of graded graduate coursework and minimum 6 credit hours of thesis or 27 credit hours of graded graduate coursework and minimum 3 credit hours of practicum capstone
  • Students without a fashion background may be required to complete foundational coursework (FDM 10033 and FDM 10034) concurrently during the first semester, and either FDM 30260 or FDM 30262. 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.
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

Industry Practicum

OUR PARTNERS

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 résumé, 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. 

A few words from our industry partners:

LeJOEL, Cleveland, OH

“Working 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.” - Desmond Bates, CEO of LeJOEL.

UpWest, Columbus, OH

“Erin 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.”   – Kelsey V., Design Director of UpWest.

Graduate Faculty

As one of our Master’s students, you’ll 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

Margarita Benitez
M.F.A.
2008
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Yes
Yes

Gargi Bhaduri
Ph.D.
2014
University of Missouri
Yes 
Yes
Dr. Michelle Burton
Ph.D.
2022
Iowa State University
Yes
Yes

J.R. Campbell 
M.F.A.
1996
University of California, Davis
Yes
Yes

 

Lauren Copeland
Ph.D.
2015
Kansas State University
Yes
Yes

Kim Hahn
Ph.D.
2005
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Yes
Yes

Ja Young Hwang
Ph.D.
2013
Iowa State University
Yes
Yes

Jonghan Hyun
Ph.D.
2015
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Yes
Yes

Jihyun (J) Kim-Vick
Ph.D.
2004
Iowa State University
Yes
Yes

Jasmine Kornel
M.F.A.
2018
Kent State University
No
Yes

Mourad Krifa
Ph.D.
2001
Universite de Haute Alsace
Yes
Yes

Kendra Lapolla
M.F.A.
2010
The Ohio State University
Yes
Yes

Catherine Leslie
Ph.D.
2002
The Ohio State University
Yes
Yes

Rachel LoMonaco-Benzing 
Ph.D.
2018
University of Missouri
No
Yes

Linda Orhn-McDaniel
M.F.A.
2003
University of North Texas
Yes
Yes

Noel Palomo-Lovinski
M.F.A.
2009
Kent State University
Yes
Yes

Vincent Quevedo
M.F.A.
2004
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Yes
Yes

Krissi Riewe
M.F.A.
2019
University of North Texas
Yes
Yes

Sue Yoder
M.F.A.
2008
Syracuse University
No
Yes

 

FAQs

Educational Background

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.

Program Academic Details

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.

Program Administrative Details

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 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 KSU Financial Aid page.

When do I learn about the decisions on graduate assistantship awards?
The applicants for graduate assistantship should hear from the Graduate Program team by 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.

What kind of financial support is available while pursuing the M.F.I.S.? 
The School of Fashion has been extremely luck to recruit and support of academically excellent students with diverse backgrounds through Graduate Dean’s Award and Graduate Dean’s Travel Award offered by the Graduate College. If you are eligible for these awards, please contact Dr. J. Kim-Vick for her nomination on your behalf.

Completing the Degree

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?
Kent State has deferred billing for those with tuition benefits. A form is submitted each semester with the student/employee’s information. Find more details about employer tuition assistance and the form.

 

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries

Fashion designers

-4.4%

decline

28,300

number of jobs

$75,810

potential earnings

Buyers and purchasing agents

-8.8%

decline

449,300

number of jobs

$66,690

potential earnings

Market research analysts and marketing specialists

17.7%

much faster than the average

738,100

number of jobs

$65,810

potential earnings

Additional careers
  • Fashion entrepreneur
  • Supply chain director or manager
  • Assistant buyer
  • Inventory planning analyst
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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