The Department of Fashion, Body and Garment at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers serious fashion design students a dynamic, intensive Master of Fine Arts in Fashion, Body and Garment program. Available in both two-year and three-year tracks based on experience, the program allows students to produce a distilled collection or body of work—and learn how to best show that work off, from presentations to gallery exhibitions.
In the program’s main component, the Fashion Design Studio taken each semester, students will investigate both craft and style to develop a deeper understanding of fashion within the context of community, sustainability, technology, and the industry.
Fashion, Body and Garment MFA students are encouraged to explore while also focusing on their individual practice through a combination of:
You are also encouraged to explore a range of electives in other disciplines, such as:
It's been a decade since the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's Fashion Department launched its graduate program called Master of Design, Fashion, Body & Garment.
We are extremely proud of its success, but even more by its growth. The program keeps evolving as the world keeps changing, ensuring its relevance to our creative future. This dynamic quality is what keeps it fresh, exciting, and always BOLD.
As an artist, educator, and activist it has also been an incredible opportunity for me to spearhead this program. It has gifted me with a plethora of amazing young creators who are quickly becoming the next leaders in the field of fashion, art, education, politics, and parenting.
I could not be more proud of each and everyone's success to date and look forward to your future development via whatever road you choose next.
– Nick Cave
Stephanie and Bill Sick Professor of Fashion, Body and Garment
Our two-year MFA program is designed for students looking to build on their existing foundations and elevate their portfolios to new heights. This program encourages fashion students to push the boundaries of fashion design, work at a large scale, and think expansively about their practices. Our MFA in Fashion, Body and Garment offers a transformational experience that embraces a pluralistic approach, allowing students to explore fashion as installation, performance, and beyond. With the freedom to experiment and innovate, students will take their work to the next level while redefining the possibilities of their craft. Learn more about the courses and curriculum.
| First Year Fall | 15 |
| First Year Spring | 15 |
| First Year Additional Requirements Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate Critiques | |
| Second Year Fall | 15 |
| Second Year Spring | 15 |
| Second Year Additional Requirements Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate Critiques Participation in the Thesis Show | |
| Total Credit Hours Fashion, Body & Garment Studios: 27 Interdisciplinary or Fashion Electives:15 Professional Practice: 6 Art History: 12 | 60 |
Completion schedule: Students have a maximum of four years to complete the degree. This includes time off for approved leaves of absence.
Transfer credits: A minimum of 45 credit hours must be completed in residence at SAIC. Up to 15 transfer credits may be requested at the time of application for admission and are subject to approval at that time. No transfer credit will be permitted after a student is admitted.
Design Studio: Each design studio must be successfully completed prior to participation in the consecutive design studio.
Advanced Fabrication Lab: FASH 5311 Advanced Fabrication Lab must be taken in the first fall semester.
Full-Time Status Minimum Requirement: 12 credit hours
Our three-year MFA program is designed to provide students with the technical foundations they need, from making patterns to learning essential construction techniques. With incoming students coming from a variety of experience and disciplinary backgrounds, this program offers an additional foundational year. This allows students to develop and refine their fashion-related skill sets without having to start from scratch in an undergraduate program. As a fast-track option for those with an existing undergraduate degree, this unique program helps students transition into fashion design and related fields. Unlike any other degree—our groundbreaking MFA allows students to spend three intensive years honing their technical skills, developing distinct points of view, and benefiting from tailored advising. That makes this program an ideal choice for anyone looking to pivot their career and enter the world of fashion design. Learn more about the courses and curriculum.
| First Year Fall | 12 |
| First Year Spring | 12 |
| First Year Additional Requirements Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate Critiques | |
| Second Year Fall | 12 |
| Second Year Spring | 15 |
| |
| Second Year Additional Requirements Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate Critiques | |
| Third Year Fall | 15 |
| |
| Third Year Spring | 12 |
| |
| Third Year Additional Requirements Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate Critiques Participation in the Thesis Show | |
| Total Credit Hours Fashion, Body & Garment Studios: 39 Interdisciplinary or Fashion Electives: 21 Professional Practice: 6 Art History: 12 | 78 |
Completion schedule: Students have a maximum of four years to complete the degree. This includes time off for approved leaves of absence.
Transfer credits: A minimum of 45 credit hours must be completed in residence at SAIC. Up to 15 transfer credits may be requested at the time of application for admission and are subject to approval at that time. No transfer credit will be permitted after a student is admitted.
Design Studio: Each design studio must be successfully completed prior to participation in the consecutive design studio.
Advanced Fabrication Lab: FASH 5311 Advanced Fabrication Lab must be taken in the fall semester of the second year of the MFA 3-yr.
Full-Time Status Minimum Requirement: 12 credit hours
Engage with key faculty members from our graduate departments, meet current graduate students, learn about our curricula and facilities, and inquire about admissions and financial aid. While not required, you may wish to bring your portfolio for review. Graduate campus tours will also be offered.
Learn how to prepare a competitive application, meet with faculty and staff, and explore our programs and facilities. LEARN MORE
Visit the graduate admissions website or contact the graduate admissions office at 312.629.6100, 800.232.7242 or gradmiss@saic.edu.
Fashion, Body and Garment program inquiries: FashionGrad@saic.edu