Overview

Graduate study in the apparel studies track advances both theoretical and practical knowledge of textile and apparel products related to human behavior. As a graduate student in the Design - Apparel Studies program of the University of Minnesota you will work with established scholars, participate in innovative research, and connect with a cohort of fellow graduate students. The apparel studies track has three concentrations to choose from, product development; retailing and consumer studies; and dress, history, and culture.

Degree Concentrations

Dress, History, and Culture

Dress, history, and culture focuses on understanding and conducting research on material culture, historic trends, and psychological and social behaviors related to dress. As a student you will explore the ways in which historical context, socio-psychological, and cultural factors influence material culture. In this concentration you may select a minor, such as museum studies, anthropology, art history, or American studies.

Product Development

Product development focuses on theories and processes used in developing wearable soft goods products. An in-depth understanding of user psychological, physical, and social needs provides the foundation for analyzing, implementing, and finalizing design solutions. In this concentration you will have the opportunity to work on industry-sponsored, research-based projects.

Retailing and Consumer Studies

Retailing and consumer studies emphasizes understanding and conducting research on individuals, groups, and organizations. In this concentration you will research how consumers select, secure, use and/or dispose of goods and services and how environmental, socio-psychological, and cultural factors influence consumption at all stages.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Quantitative Research Methods

Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research

Fashion, Design, and the Global Industry

Readings in Apparel Studies

Behavioral Aspects of Dress

Design and Globalization

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

34 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Minneapolis, United States

Disciplines

Design Fashion, Textiles and Luxury Goods Fashion Design View 77 other Masters in Fashion, Textiles and Luxury Goods in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To pursue graduate study in the apparel studies track, an undergraduate degree in an area of clothing and textiles (e.g., retail merchandising, clothing design) is suggested

We encourage you to reach out to faculty member(s) who best align with your research interests to determine if you have sufficient background to pursue this area of study at the graduate level and discuss research interests

Complete University of Minnesota Graduate School Application

Strong academic record with a preferred 3.0 GPA

Personal statement of your academic and professional goals for the degree desired (1–2 pages)

Diversity statement (1–2 pages; make the statement relevant for the Diversity of View and Experience Fellowship if applying)

Graduate Record Examination (GRE scores)

Three letters of recommendation

All transcripts

Application fee of $75

A portfolio with 15–20 examples of current work in .pdf file format

TOEFL or IELTS scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Out-of-State

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21264 USD / year

≈ 21264 USD / year

Living costs

Minneapolis

United States

1130 - 2045 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Design - Apparel Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Degree Concentrations

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Minneapolis

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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