M.S. in Fashion Design and Merchandising

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 80

1. Academic Qualifications:

• Applicants should have completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• A minimum overall percentage of 83-86 or its equivalent is typically required for admission.

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: An overall score of at least 6.5 with no individual band score below 6.0.
• TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 79 is often required.

3.  Score reporting required.

Mississippi State University (MSU) recognizes the importance of providing financial assistance to international students to help them pursue their higher education goals. The university offers a variety of scholarships to support the academic achievements and contributions of international students. These scholarships are designed to recognize excellence, diversity, and leadership. 

1. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students based on their academic merit. This scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in their previous studies. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable based on maintaining a specified GPA.

2. International Student Scholarships: MSU offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships consider factors such as academic achievement, leadership potential, and contributions to the campus community. Award amounts and eligibility criteria may vary.

3. Intensive English Institute (IEI) Scholarships: MSU's IEI offers scholarships to international students who enroll in English language programs. These scholarships help students improve their English language skills before pursuing their academic studies at the university.

4. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at MSU offer scholarships to international students who are pursuing specific fields of study. These scholarships are often based on academic performance, research interests, and involvement in departmental activities.

5. Cultural Exchange Scholarships: MSU encourages cultural exchange by offering scholarships to international students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships promote diversity and foster a global learning environment on campus.

6. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students may have the opportunity to work as research or teaching assistants, which can come with a stipend, tuition waiver, and valuable work experience.

7. External Scholarships: MSU provides information and guidance to international students seeking external scholarships, grants, or funding opportunities offered by government agencies, foundations, and organizations.

Application Process: The application process for scholarships at MSU may vary depending on the scholarship program. Generally, students need to complete their application for admission to the university before they can be considered for scholarships. Some scholarships may require additional essays, letters of recommendation, or a statement of purpose.

Deadlines: Scholarship application deadlines vary and are often aligned with the university's admission application deadlines.

Mississippi State University's Master of Science (M.S.) program in Fashion Design and Merchandising prepares graduates for diverse and exciting career opportunities within the fashion industry.  

1. Fashion Designer: Graduates often pursue careers as fashion designers, creating original clothing, accessories, or footwear. They may work for fashion houses, design firms, or start their own fashion labels.

2. Fashion Merchandiser: Fashion merchandisers analyze market trends, manage inventory, and plan product assortments for retail stores or fashion brands. They ensure that products align with consumer preferences and maximize sales.

3. Retail Buyer: Retail buyers select and purchase merchandise for stores, ensuring that it appeals to the target market. Graduates can work for fashion retailers, department stores, or e-commerce companies.

4. Product Developer: Product developers oversee the production of fashion items, from concept to manufacturing. They collaborate with designers, manufacturers, and suppliers to bring fashion products to market.

5. Fashion Marketer: Fashion marketers promote clothing and accessories through advertising, social media, and events. They create marketing campaigns to build brand awareness and drive sales.

6. Visual Merchandiser: Visual merchandisers design and arrange in-store displays and layouts to attract customers and enhance the shopping experience. They work for retailers and fashion brands.

7. Fashion Stylist: Graduates can become fashion stylists, working with individuals or media productions to curate outfits and create stylish looks.

8. Fashion Illustrator: Fashion illustrators use their artistic skills to create visual representations of clothing designs. Their illustrations are used in design presentations and fashion publications.

9. Textile Designer: Textile designers create patterns, prints, and fabric designs used in fashion. They work with textile manufacturers and may specialize in areas like print design or fabric development.

10. Fashion Educator: Some graduates choose to become fashion educators, teaching fashion design, merchandising, or related courses at colleges, universities, or fashion schools.

11. Fashion Consultant: Fashion consultants provide expert advice to individuals or businesses on fashion-related decisions, such as wardrobe choices, branding, or retail strategies.

12. Sustainable Fashion Specialist: As sustainability becomes a critical focus in the fashion industry, graduates can work as specialists in sustainable fashion, promoting eco-friendly practices and materials.

13. Fashion Blogger or Influencer: Graduates with a strong online presence and fashion expertise can become fashion bloggers or influencers, partnering with brands and sharing fashion content with a wide audience.

14. Costume Designer: Costume designers create clothing and accessories for theater, film, television, and performing arts productions.

15. Pattern Maker: Pattern makers develop the templates used in clothing production, ensuring that garments are accurately constructed.

16. Fashion Event Planner: Event planners specializing in fashion organize fashion shows, exhibitions, and industry events, showcasing new collections and designers.

17. Brand Manager: Brand managers oversee the branding and marketing efforts of fashion labels, ensuring a consistent brand image and messaging.

18. Market Research Analyst: Market research analysts gather and analyze data on consumer preferences, helping fashion companies make informed decisions about product development and marketing strategies.

19. Accessories Designer: Graduates can specialize in accessories design, creating jewelry, handbags, or footwear for fashion brands or as independent designers.

20. Fashion Entrepreneur: Entrepreneurial graduates can start their own fashion businesses, such as boutique stores, online fashion platforms, or design studios.