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.
Fashion Industry Studies - M.F.I.S.
Contact Us
College of the Arts
School of Fashion
www.kent.edu/fashion
- Program Coordinators:
Dr. J. Kim-Vick, Graduate Studies Coordinator and Professor
jkim55@kent.edu | (330) 672-1473
Mrs. Karen Rodhe, Staff
krodhe1@kent.edu | (330) 672-1451 - Speak with an Advisor
- Chat with an Admissions Counselor: Kent Campus | Regional Campuses
Master of Fashion Industry Studies - M.F.I.S
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 for Fashion Industry Studies - M.F.I.S.
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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.
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.
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Admissions
for Fashion Industry Studies - M.F.I.S.
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 (starting with fall 2025 admission term, minimum 3.000 GPA will be required)
- Official transcripts(s)
- GRE or GMAT scores if GPA is below 3.300 for conditional admission (starting with fall 2025 admission term, scores are no longer required)
- Résumé
- 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)
- Applications may also submit an optional visual portfolio with a minimum 5-10 examples of work in any media documenting the design process
- Three letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
- Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 65 PTE score
- Minimum 120 DET 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.
- 2
International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.
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.
- Funding deadline: February 15
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Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Analyze the elements of a fashion industry problem and identify pertinent issues. (Critical Thinking)
- Employ research methods with appropriate knowledge and technologies to solve industry problems. (Analytical Skills)
- Analyze and synthesize collected data to generate pragmatic solutions through testing and experimentation that connect fashion history, theory and/or practice(s). (Problem-Solving Skills)
- Use suitable technologies to make effective visual, spoken and written communications. (Professionalism and Communication)
- Analyze the complex issues confronting organizations and generate solutions to industry problems that create long-term value and shared prosperity for the broad array of stakeholders. (Environmental and Social Responsibility)
- Appreciate the diverse viewpoints and various cultural factors to draw solutions for fashion industry problems. (Global Mindset)
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Coursework
Program Requirements
Major Requirements
Course List 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 55035HISTORIC TEXTILES FDM 55389FASHION INDUSTRY INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE STUDY TOUR FDM 60050TECHSTYLELAB: DIGITAL DESIGN AND NEW MEDIA IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY FDM 65045FASHION INDUSTRY MERCHANDISE MANAGEMENT FDM 65055ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY FDM 65096INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY FDM 65100SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN AND LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY FDM 65110CIRCULAR ECONOMY STRATEGIES IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY FDM 65120FIBER AND TEXTILE INNOVATION FDM 65220INNOVATIONS IN THE FASHION RETAIL INDUSTRY FDM 65300DIGITAL KNIT DESIGN FDM 65310DIGITAL KNIT PROGRAMMING I FDM 65320DIGITAL KNIT PROGRAMMING II FDM 65330DIGITAL 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 60099FASHION INDUSTRY PRACTICUM CAPSTONE FDM 60199THESIS I Minimum Total Credit Hours: 30 - 1
The Non-Fashion Elective from Cognate Area must be approved by the student's practicum capstone or thesis advisor.
- 2
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.
Progression Requirements
- Good academic standing (minimum 3.000 GPA)
Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements Summary Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA - 3.000 - Students in the M.F.I.S. degree are required to complete 24 credit hours of graded graduate coursework and minimum of 6 credit hours of thesis I or 27 credit hours of graded graduate coursework and minimum of 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 20030 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.
- No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
- Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
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Roadmap
Roadmap
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.
Plan of Study Grid 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 60199FASHION INDUSTRY PRACTICUM CAPSTONE or THESIS I3 Credit Hours 3 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 30 -
Program Delivery
- Delivery:
- In person
- Location:
- Kent Campus
- Delivery:
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Accreditation
for Fashion Industry Studies - M.F.I.S.
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
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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.
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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 M.F.A.
2008
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Yes
Yes
Ph.D.
2014
University of Missouri
Yes
Yes
Dr. Michelle Burton Ph.D.
2022
Iowa State University
Yes
Yes
M.F.A.
1996
University of California, Davis
Yes
Yes
Ph.D.
2015
Kansas State University
Yes
Yes
Ph.D.
2005
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Yes
Yes
Ph.D.
2013
Iowa State University
Yes
Yes
Ph.D.
2015
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Yes
Yes
Ph.D.
2004
Iowa State University
Yes
Yes
M.F.A.
2018
Kent State University
No
Yes
Ph.D.
2001
Universite de Haute Alsace
Yes
Yes
M.F.A.
2010
The Ohio State University
Yes
Yes
Ph.D.
2002
The Ohio State University
Yes
Yes
Ph.D.
2018
University of Missouri
No
Yes
M.F.A.
2003
University of North Texas
Yes
Yes
M.F.A.
2009
Kent State University
Yes
Yes
M.F.A.
2004
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Yes
Yes
M.F.A.
2019
University of North Texas
Yes
Yes
M.F.A.
2008
Syracuse University
No
Yes
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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 Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center.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 for Fashion Industry Studies - M.F.I.S.
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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Fashion designers
-4.4%
decline
28,300
number of jobs
$75,810
potential earnings
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Buyers and purchasing agents
-8.8%
decline
449,300
number of jobs
$66,690
potential earnings
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Market research analysts and marketing specialists
17.7%
much faster than the average
738,100
number of jobs
$65,810
potential earnings
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Additional Careers
- Fashion entrepreneur
- Supply chain director or manager
- Assistant buyer
- Inventory planning analyst
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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.