Fashion Merchandising & Management (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: Fashion Merchandising and Management: Merchandising Thesis

• Research, plan, and write advanced-level project inclusive of a 3-year business plan based on selling product or services

Specialty Skills: Fashion Merchandising and Management

• Projects must include a visual component and/or a prototype
• Gather, analyze and organize relevant data to support their projects
• Analyze case studies/and or project work, demonstrating critical thinking skills
• Make assumptions based on quantifiable research and statistics
• Establish realistic financial goals for a fashion business, retail or wholesale
• Correctly identify key points in the supply chain and demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between its members
• Demonstrate command of visual merchandising presentation for fashion product and services
• Identify trends and determine what merchandise can be developed, marketed and sold
• Communicate professionally and effectively through written, visual and oral presentations using industry standard software

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.