Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design, MA

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Overview

Advance your career in the global fashion industry with the master of arts in family and consumer sciences (fashion merchandising and apparel design track) at Western Michigan University. This flexible, 30-credit-hour graduate program is designed for ambitious professionals seeking management-level positions or a foundation for doctoral studies. Students benefit from a personalized curriculum, working closely with expert faculty to develop a research agenda tailored to their unique career goals. With a focus on critical analysis, problem-solving, and advanced competency in the fashion business, this program empowers you to bridge the gap between theory and industry practice.

WMU’s fashion program is nationally recognized and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), ensuring your degree meets the highest industry standards. Graduates achieve remarkable success, with alumni finding employment at world-renowned brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Macy’s. Whether you are interested in becoming a brand manager, product developer, or fashion marketing executive, the M.A. in fashion merchandising and apparel design provides the hands-on experience and professional networking necessary to thrive.

Meet Iris

Master's student and fashion history instructor, Iris is passionate about the preservation of historical garments and has curated WMU's collection for research purposes.

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icon for the accelerated master's degree option

Learning outcomes

The program is designed to build and enhance competency in three core learning domains:

1. Foundational Skills

Ability to analyze, evaluate and create new ideas or products in the focused area of study

2. Academic and Research Skills

Recognize and develop strategies to solve problems in the apparel and textile field
Link theory to practice
Writing/APA skills

3. Professional and Personal Development

Collaboration
Self-directedness
Critical analysis/problem solving

Who should apply?

The program is appropriate for students interested in pursuing management level positions in organizations that design, produce and market apparel and related products. The program also serves students planning to pursue a doctorate in preparation for a career in academia. The program offers a personalized approach to advanced study in fashion merchandising and design. Students will work closely with graduate faculty to develop a plan of study and individual research agenda to capitalize on your educational background and professional experience and interests.

This fashion merchandising and design M.A. program may be appropriate for applicants with a bachelor's degree in another discipline. Additional undergraduate coursework may be required for admission to the master's program.

Admission requirements

To learn about admission requirements, please visit the Graduate College's webpage.

Admission requirements

Career opportunities

Our graduates find success in a wide variety of industry and educational sectors, including as college instructors, marketing executives, brand and quality managers, product developers and international trade association representatives. Graduates have also used their studies as preparation for entry to a doctor of philosophy degree program.

Program of study

Courses focus on developing advanced competencies necessary for success in the fashion business or education environment.

Download the program guide

Practicum

FCS 6220: Practicum in Family and Consumer Sciences (two to six credits)

This practicum gives master's level students an opportunity to apply knowledge and information acquired in the family and consumer sciences academic setting and further develop and refine professional skills with the guidance and assistance of professionals currently working in the field. Prerequisite: Admission to the M.A. in Family and Consumer Sciences.

Cost & funding