Fashion Design (MFA)

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: Design

• Design Thesis: Create a body of work that will be built into a portfolio, representing an advanced level of achievement and targeted to a specific market segment
• Conduct research to develop their creative concept and build a visual story
• Demonstrate good understanding of their market
• Communicate their design ideas 2-dimensionally using traditional and/or digital media
• Create advanced flat technical specification drawings by hand and by computer
• Design collections demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of fashion design and advanced technical skills

Specialty Skills: 3-Dimensional Design/Technical Design/CDFP

• Thesis: Create a body of work that will be built into a portfolio, representing an advanced level of achievement and targeted to a specific market segment
• Apply advanced 3D design techniques to create clothing to a professional standard

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.