Master of Fine Arts - Fashion Product Development

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.

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

*Note App Fee Waiver in effect for ApplyBoard to reduce the application fee to $50*