Fashion Merchandising & Management (MFA)

Fashion Merchandising & Management (MFA)

The Masters of Fine Art in Fashion Merchandising and Management program provides the in-depth knowledge and specialized skill set required for today’s fashion merchandising and management environment. Graduates will be capable of performing the major functions necessary to run a successful operation including planning, managing, and selling fashion products.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree

This program is only available onsite.

Major Classes

FSH 616 Fashion Business: Industry Dynamics Major/3
FSH 630 Fashion Business: Marketing Strategy Major/3
FSH 631 Fashion Business: Merchandising Principles Major/3
FSH 633 Fashion Business: Retail Management & Operations Major/3
FSH 634 Textiles & Raw Materials Major/3
FSH 637 Fashion Business: Product Planning & Sourcing Major/3
FSH 643 Fashion Business: Digital Techniques Major/3
FSH 675 Fashion Business: Visual Merchandising: Image & Brand Major/3
FSH 700 Professional Practices and Portfolio for Fashion Major/3

FOR YOUR INDIVIDUALIZED ENROLLMENT PLAN, CONTACT YOUR ADVISOR

Unit Requirements

Major Coursework Units
Major Coursework 30
Directed Study 18
Electives 6
Graduate Liberal Arts 9
Total 63

Degree Requirements

MFA FASHION MERCHANDISING AND MANAGEMENT DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Successful completion of Final Thesis Project.
  • Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units.
  • Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
    1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic Sensitivity course
    1 Cross Cultural Understanding course

Additional Information

Program Learning Outcomes

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

Specialty Skills: Fashion Merchandising and Management: Merchandising Thesis

  • Research, plan, and write advanced-level project inclusive of a 3-year business plan based on selling product or services

Specialty Skills: Fashion Merchandising and Management

  • Projects must include a visual component and/or a prototype
  • Gather, analyze and organize relevant data to support their projects
  • Analyze case studies/and or project work, demonstrating critical thinking skills
  • Make assumptions based on quantifiable research and statistics
  • Establish realistic financial goals for a fashion business, retail or wholesale
  • Correctly identify key points in the supply chain and demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between its members
  • Demonstrate command of visual merchandising presentation for fashion product and services
  • Identify trends and determine what merchandise can be developed, marketed and sold
  • 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

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

  1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
  2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
  3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
  4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
  5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
  6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
  7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
  8. Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs as well as collaborative, civic and pro bono projects.

*Semester plans are subject to change at any time. Semester breakdowns displayed are suggested and additional options are available to help customize your educational experience. Speak to an admissions or student services representative for more information. Please see our catalog for more details at: https://catalog.academyart.edu

Academy of Art University Search Search Search Previous Next Previous Next Next Next Chat Quote Facebook Google Plus Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube LinkedIn TikTok WeHeartIt Download App Close