Master of Science in Fashion Design

The MS in Fashion Design is a full-time program that stresses the development of technical skills and research and experimentation. A typical graduate sequence may consist of eight terms of graduate courses and four terms of prerequisite coursework, beginning with the summer term Accelerated Design and Drawing courses.

The curriculum is organized so that studio, laboratory, and classroom work give the graduate student a directed experience in the study of aesthetics, criticism, and contemporary art concepts; contemporary and historic art and design; current technology; the discipline of drawing; and the making of art.

The goal of the MS program in fashion design is to integrate the understanding of design with the construction of clothing so that the final products answer physical, aesthetic, psychological, and social needs within the context of contemporary fashion and industrial limitations. This approach provides a sound basis for a broad range of employment in the fashion industry and in education. Other professional opportunities lie in merchandising, costume design, curatorial work, and computer-aided design.

The faculty of the Department of Fashion Design & Merchandising includes art historians, CAD specialists, designers, fiber artists, merchandising specialists, painters, and sculptors. The department also draws on practicing professionals as adjunct professors for specialized coursework and for critique of student work.

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available to students after the first year.

At Drexel, students can participate in the activities of the Fashion Group of Philadelphia, the local chapter of an international fashion industry organization. Students may also participate in the Fashion and Design Student Organization and attend trips to fashion events in New York City. The Fashion and Design and Merchandising programs produce a professionally juried annual fashion show, which provides excellent exposure for graduate students.

For more information, visit Drexel's Graduate Program in Fashion Design web page.