Master's Degree in Fashion Design
A graduate degree program in fashion design combines advanced fashion design knowledge with expert business acumen. Students learn how to interpret market and trend analysis in order to create effective business plans and design concepts. They also hone their marketing, promotion and product development skills. Graduate students utilize advanced computer technology to create, design and manufacture their very own unique fashion designs.
Most master's degree programs in fashion design confer the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree upon successful completion of coursework. A final project replaces the traditional master's thesis and requires students to produce their very own fashion collection or portfolio. This collection is often reviewed at an open or public fashion show.
Students in a master's degree program in fashion design learn advanced design techniques and principles. Often they study 3D design, applied textiles, merchandising and trend analysis. Students may also take the following courses:
Popular Careers
Graduates with an associate's degree in fashion design may find entry-level employment with clothing manufacturers, seamstress or tailoring businesses or cultural production companies, such as theaters. Many start their own businesses.
Individuals with a graduate degree in fashion design are prepared to direct and manage large design houses or apparel manufacturers. Often they head major department store chains or high-end boutiques. They may also choose to open their own design firm and start their own design label. Positions such as: senior fashion director, director of merchandising and district retail manager are appropriate for a fashion design master's degree graduate. Some popular fashion design positions include:
Employment Prospects and Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that there will be a 3% increase for fashion designers between 2014 and 2024 (www.bls.gov). Out of the 23,100 fashion designer jobs in 2014, 32% worked for apparel, piece goods, and notions merchant wholesalers, according to the BLS. Most of these positions are in fashion-oriented areas, including New York and California.
Fashion designers' wages vary widely according to BLS statistics. The median annual salary for fashion designers in May 2015 was $63,670. The highest paying jobs tend to be in motion picture and video industries.
Continuing Education Information
Fashion designers are not bound by certification or licensing requirements. However, consumer demand fuels their need to stay ahead of fashion trends. Fashion professionals constantly need to foster their unique and creative vision, hone their keen eye for color and maintain their attention to detail. Those designers interested in managing international fashion houses may find a master's degree in fashion or visual merchandising beneficial.
Many fashion designers attend annual conferences or fashion shows to help them maintain their expertise, keep current with their fashion perspectives and promote their own fashion collections. Senior-level designers may also attend business seminars that sharpen consumer relations skills and marketing techniques.
Depending on what type of career you would like to pursue, an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in fashion design may be needed. Undergraduate programs teach students foundational skills in fashion, techniques, and how to create their own designs, while graduate programs focus on design concepts and business plans.