Masters in Fashion Designing in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

A Masters in Fashion Designing in the USA merges creativity with business, preparing students for global fashion careers. Top schools like Parsons, FIT, and SCAD offer programs in design, merchandising, and sustainability. Graduates gain exposure to major fashion markets and top brands. This guide explores universities, tuition fees, eligibility, and career pathways.

Want to study fashion in USA? A Master’s in Fashion Designing in USA lets you work with top designers, learn hands-on, and build your portfolio in real-world settings. Programs are usually 1 to 2 years long and offered in fashion hubs like New York, LA, and San Francisco.

You’ll need a design background, a strong portfolio, and English test scores. Most schools don’t ask for the GRE. Fees range between $35,000–$55,000 per year (₹28–₹45 lakhs).

This page walks you through everything best fashion design schools in USA, admission steps, portfolio tips, course fees, scholarships, and what careers you can expect after graduation.

Highlights: Master’s in Fashion Designing in USA

Table: Key Features – Master’s in Fashion Designing in USA

Curriculum for Master’s in Fashion Designing in USA

The curriculum for Master's in Fashion Designing in USA depends on the degree type—MFA (Master of Fine Arts), MA (Master of Arts), or M.Des (Master of Design).

• MFA programs are studio-heavy and focus on building a professional design portfolio.
• MA programs combine theory, research, and creative development.
• M.Des programs blend fashion, tech, and product innovation, often including cross-disciplinary electives.

Most fashion design master’s programs in USA begin with core design and textile training and move into specialization tracks. Programs like SCAD, Parsons, and FIT include internships, and end with a final thesis or runway collection.

Table: Fashion Design Master’s – Curriculum and Degree Types

MFA programs suit students aiming to work as lead designers or creative directors.
MA is ideal if you're looking to enter roles in communication, fashion theory, or strategy.
M. Des is best for those combining fashion with tech, innovation, or business development.

Top Universities for Master’s in Fashion Designing in USA

Most top fashion design schools in USA don’t appear in global university rankings like QS, because these rankings focus on full-scale universities. But schools like Parsons, FIT, and SCAD are highly respected in fashion. 

Table: Best Fashion Design Schools in USA – Programs & Tuition

Specializations in Fashion Designing in USA

Most Master’s in Fashion Designing in USA programs ask you to choose a specialization early in the course. This choice decides what you learn, the type of projects you do, and the kind of jobs you can apply for after graduation. Top schools like Parsons, FIT, and SCAD offer clear tracks that match industry roles.

Table: Specializations in Fashion Design Master’s Programs USA

Each track shapes your final collection, portfolio, and internship path. 

• If you choose fashion tech, you’ll work more with software. 
• If you go into costume or styling, you’ll spend more time on fit, themes, and storytelling. 

These choices also guide what kind of fashion design internships in USA you’ll get and what job roles you qualify for.

Intakes for Master’s in Fashion Designing in USA

Fashion schools in USA offer two main intakes—Fall (August/September) and Spring (January). Fall is the primary intake and has more seats, funding options, and access to internships. Spring intake is available at fewer schools and usually has tighter deadlines. 

Top schools like Parsons, FIT, and SCAD have fixed windows for portfolio review and document submission. These deadlines often fall earlier than regular academic programs.

Table: Intakes and Deadlines – Master’s in Fashion Designing in USA

Tips for Application Timing for Master's in Fashion Designing in USA

• Start your application 10–12 months before the intake you want
• Upload your portfolio early—review slots fill quickly
• Many schools do not require GRE but have strict SOP and LOR formats
• Keep in mind that Parsons and SCAD often close before January for Fall

Eligibility Criteria for Master’s in Fashion Designing in USA

To apply for a Master’s in Fashion Designing in USA, you need a relevant undergraduate degree, a portfolio, and proof of English proficiency. Some schools also ask for a resume, SOP, and LORs. Most programs do not require the GRE, especially design-focused degrees like MFA or M.Des.

Eligibility can vary slightly across schools, but the core requirements are the same for top programs at Parsons, SCAD, and FIT.

Table: Entry Requirements – MS Fashion Design USA

What Counts as a Strong Portfolio for Master's in Fashion Designing in USA?

• Hand-drawn sketches, CAD work, tech packs, or 3D designs
• Process boards that show how a concept developed
• Final garments or prototypes (can be photo-documented)
• Fashion communication or styling projects (for non-construction tracks)

A well-structured portfolio is the most important part of your application. Schools look for originality, technical control, and a clear design voice. If you’re targeting top fashion design schools in USA, start working on your portfolio at least 6–8 months before the deadline.

Admission Process for Master’s in Fashion Designing in USA

You apply online through the university’s portal or platforms like SlideRoom. Most fashion design master’s programs in USA ask for a portfolio, SOP, resume, transcripts, and recommendation letters. Some schools also conduct interviews. The portfolio is the most important part—schools look at how you think, not just what you make.

Table: Admission Steps – MS in Fashion Design USA

What Fashion Designing Schools in USA Check

• Your design process and originality
• Your technical and digital skills
• Your clarity on career goals

Cost of Studying Fashion Designing in USA

Studying fashion design in USA requires you to budget for tuition, housing, daily expenses, design supplies, studio charges, health insurance, and visa costs. On average, the fees for fashion designing courses in USA range from $35,000–$55,000 per year (₹29–₹45 lakhs) depending on the school and program type (MFA, MA, M.Des).

Table: Annual Cost Breakdown – Master’s in Fashion Designing in USA

What Adds to the Cost of Master's in Fashion Designing in USA

• Schools like Parsons and FIT charge studio usage or lab fees separately
• Fabric, tools, printing, and presentation costs vary by collection type
• Living in fashion hubs like NYC or LA is 15–25% more expensive than smaller cities
• On-campus housing is limited; off-campus rent can cost $1,200–$2,000/month in major cities

Planning your budget early helps, especially if you're applying for scholarships for fashion design students USA or looking to reduce costs with campus jobs.

Scholarships for Master’s in Fashion Designing in USA

Top fashion schools in USA offer targeted scholarships tied to portfolio strength, academic record, or need. 

For example, Parsons offers the Parsons Merit Scholarship based on design potential. SCAD has a Graduate Achievement Scholarship for students with strong resumes and portfolios. FIT offers the Presidential Scholars Program to high-performing international students.

Indian students can also apply for programs like the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation or JN Tata Endowment, which partially fund graduate studies in design.

Table: Fashion Design Scholarships – Program-Based and External

These awards are competitive. Many are linked to the portfolio review timeline—so apply early, ideally 6–8 months before the intake. Some schools combine scholarships with assistantships or teaching support roles, which offer extra tuition coverage or stipends.

Jobs and Salary After Master’s in Fashion Designing in USA

Graduates from top fashion design master’s programs in USA work in apparel design, styling, brand development, merchandising, and digital fashion.

The average salary for entry-level roles starts from $45,000 (₹37 lakhs) and can go up to $90,000 (₹74 lakhs) in creative direction or branding roles.

Table: Job Roles After Master’s in Fashion Designing in USA

Top Hiring Companies for Fashion Design Graduates in USA

• Luxury and Design Studios: Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Thom Browne
• Retail and Apparel Chains: Levi’s, Gap Inc., Abercrombie & Fitch, Target
• E-commerce & Digital Fashion: Amazon Fashion, Rent the Runway, REVOLVE
• Creative Agencies: Studio 189, The Row, Tibi
• Freelance Work: Common in styling, illustration, CAD design, and branding projects

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