The fashion studies program includes two areas of specialization: fashion business and fashion design.  The program prepares students for professional careers in fashion design, fashion business, product development, merchandising, and retail management. The U.S. fashion market is the largest in the world and maintains high employment growth. The U.S. has nearly two million retail firms, many of which sell apparel and textiles products. The apparel manufacturing industry, which includes the design and manufacture of apparel is a global enterprise that takes advantage of highly sophisticated technologies.

Employment Prospects

Graduates of the fashion business specialization work in retail organization as buyers, planners, market researchers, retail managers, merchandisers, distribution analysts, small business owners, trend forecasters, fashion coordinators, fashion journalists, and stylists. Graduates of the fashion design specialization establish careers in the industry as creative designers, quality assurance technicians, technical designers, pattern makers, CAD (Computer Aided Design) specialists, and product developers.

Students have the opportunity for employment throughout the United States and internationally. While the primary hubs for the fashion industry remain in large coastal cities such as New York and Los Angeles, there are industry positions in other regions throughout the country. For example, corporate retailers have established their headquarters and regional offices in various mid-sized markets throughout the United States including Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Columbus, Kansas City, Miami, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco and Seattle. Graduates interested in retail management or small business operations can find a position in the city of their choice.

Special features

• The fashion studies program is accredited by the Textiles and Apparel Programs Accreditation Commission (TAPAC) and the fashion design specialization is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
• All students participate in at least one summer internship and may also choose to participate in study abroad and a variety of both domestic and foreign faculty-led study tours.
• Upper-level undergraduates can participate in the visiting student program at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
• Opportunities in coursework and experience-based learning provide exposure to diverse cultural perspectives.

What will I study?

Fashion Studies students develop technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and leadership abilities while being challenged to excel in the specialization they have selected. Students learn about all aspects of the fashion industry from the manufacture of fibers to fashion design, production, distribution, marketing and retail management. The fashion studies program at K-State emphasizes the importance of environmental, economic, and social sustainability throughout the industry.

The goals of the fashion studies program are to develop individuals with creative and analytical thinking abilities and to develop competent, resourceful, business leaders who have a liberal and general education. Course work for fashion studies students includes written and oral communications, mathematics, social sciences, natural and physical sciences, and computer applications.

All students participate in an integrated core of studies in textiles, aesthetics, digital communication, fashion forecasting, soft goods evaluation, consumer behavior, historic analysis of fashion, and supply chain management. The program provides both practical experiences and a solid knowledge base for graduate studies.

Our program offers students an academic experience that includes strong industry ties, required internships, and faculty-led study tours within the United States and abroad, an annual public exhibition of student work, and events that bring professionals and alumni to campus.

High School Preparation

Students who meet the Kansas qualified admission requirements are prepared to enter the fashion studies program at K-State. For those who specialize in fashion business, two years of high school algebra and work experience in retailing are recommended. Those specializing in fashion design are expected to have course work and other experiences in sewing, design and art. Cultural activities, travel and exposure to a wide variety of media are also encouraged for all students entering the program.

Computer Access

Fashion Studies students are required to provide a personal laptop computer beginning in the first year of study in the program.  Please consult the fashion studies website for minimum computer requirements. As technology changes, so do the computer specifications. Students are encouraged to verify the most current requirements.