What is the program objective?
The Global Fashion Management program is designed to expand a student’s knowledge to areas of the industry which may not be as familiar as their own specialty, in order to gain a more integrated and global perspective. Through class and seminar lectures, research, guest speakers, and onsite visits, students will receive the most current information available. As an executive training program, emphasis will be placed on predicting future industry trends.

Students enter the program from their respective career track with the goal of moving into an executive position in their own, or another company. The program is not designed to train those without relevant industry experience; our partner schools in Hong Kong and Paris maintain the same standard. New York students maintain their professional positions throughout the program, taking classes in the evening. The program does not accept responsibility for finding positions for those who are interested in employment. By taking advantage of a network of world-wide colleagues, professors (full time and adjunct), and speakers, we expect that students will make meaningful and lasting affiliations among this talented and connected group of professionals, leading to life-long friendships and future employment opportunities.

What do we mean by “industry-related experience”?
Industry-related applies to professions in retail, apparel production, marketing and merchandising, textiles, operations, supply chain management, and accessories industries. In addition, we consider experience in design, fashion journalism, luxury goods marketing, brand management, import/export, and (industry-related) economic development. The ideal candidate will be in a managerial role in any of these areas. Three years of experience as a sales associate and internships (even if they are industry related) do not qualify as acceptable professional experience.

What is the M.P.S. degree?
The Masters of Professional Studies at FIT is an industry-related degree which is application rather than research driven. The M.P.S. equivalent among professional degrees includes the M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration), the M.S.W. (Master of Social Work), and the M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts), among many others.

When are classes held?
Classes are scheduled in the evening (6:20-9:10) to allow professionals to complete the degree while remaining active in their jobs and in the industry. The exception to this schedule is the two-week seminar which takes place every semester in New York, Paris, and Hong Kong. No classes take place during the summer.

Are the seminars mandatory?
The ten-day seminars are mandatory; students must participate in the trips within the sequence of the program curriculum.

Is it possible to accelerate the program?
It is not possible to accelerate the program. Courses must be taken within the recommended sequence of the program curriculum.

What is the cost of the seminars?
It is recommended to budget approximately $4,000 for Paris, and $5,000 for Hong Kong, in addition to the cost of tuition. These figures are approximations and will vary according to individual spending habits. An additional administrative fee of $350-$500 will be in affect for travel to Paris and Hong Kong.