Fashion (MFA)

A two-year (four semesters and an optional summer session) interdisciplinary program administered in collaboration with the Graduate School, the Master of Fine Arts in Fashion is a professional degree in the practice and history of fashion and its many permutations and influences. A progressive degree option is available on a competitive basis to current undergraduate students. With a prestigious faculty of influential professionals from Art, Design, Fashion, Dance, Dramatic Arts, Business and Entrepreneurial Innovation, the MFA Fashion program draws on the synergistic energy generated from the interdisciplinary partnership of art, design and business programs at USC. The MFA Fashion is an ambitious addition to the educational community at USC and to Los Angeles, one of the premiere fashion capitals of the world.

Students will participate in regular seminars, discussions, studio visits and field trips with leading visiting fashion designers from around the world, and enjoy mentored relationships with the fashion faculty. The Roski School’s partnership and affiliation with the contemporary fashion industry in Los Angeles is a critical component of the MFA Fashion program.

All incoming students, regardless of country of origin, are considered for departmental funding.

Thesis and Completion

The Roski MFA Fashion thesis committee will comprise three faculty members. Two members will be Roski faculty, defined as currently teaching in the Roski graduate program with either full-time, part-time or adjunct appointments, tenure-track or non-tenure track. A third member can be any full-time tenure track or non-tenure track USC faculty member, either within the Roski School or from outside Roski. Thesis committees are ultimately subject to approval by the school dean.

Master of Fine Arts Fashion students are evaluated by faculty during reviews held near the end of each semester.

Before a student is recommended for the Master of Fine Arts, a comprehensive review of past work and professional goals is held. A written thesis, documented with visual material, and a practice-based component, such as an exhibition of a student’s collection, a public presentation, community project or a course syllabus at the end of the course of study, complete the Master of Fine Arts program. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on all graduate work is required for the Master of Fine Arts degree.

Admission

Admission is competitive and based on an application and portfolio submission at slideroom.com. 

An undergraduate degree in Art, Design, Fashion or its equivalent with a GPA of at least 3.0 is required. Applications are accepted in the spring for the fall. This is a full-time program; part-time study cannot be accommodated.

Application materials include the following:

1. USC Graduate Application

2. Transcripts (waived for Progressive Degree applicants)

3. Three letters of recommendation

4. Personal statement and CV

5. A portfolio of 20 images, submitted at slideroom.com

6. Results of the TOEFL or IELTS (international students only)

See the Roski website roski.usc.edu for additional information about the MFA Fashion program.