Production Management: Fashion and Related Industries

Once a designer envisions a product, how does that idea (or sketch or virtual prototype) become a three-dimensional item that consumers can buy? Production managers are the essential link in the fashion chain, turning an idea into a high-quality product that is ready for sale on time and at the right price.

In this program, you’ll work with the advanced technology used in the industry, develop your own business plan, and master skills that apply to a wide range of fields. Our curriculum blends business knowledge with hands-on technical skills, preparing you to work in a competitive industry that offers many career opportunities.

When you earn your AAS, you are eligible to apply to the bachelor’s program in Production Management or FIT’s BS degree programs in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing, Direct and Interactive Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Home Products Development, and Textile Development and Marketing.

By completing certain course requirements, graduates may also apply for admission to the BS programs in Advertising and Marketing Communications; Fashion Business Management; International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries; and Technical Design.

Degree Details

In the BS program, you’ll concentrate on the intricacies of the process: manufacturing, quality control, and supply chain. You will immerse yourself in business administration and production techniques for competitive manufacturing systems in today’s global marketplace. You’ll learn analytical and conceptual problem solving, effective business communication, and industry systems and software, and apply these skills through a required internship.

If you have an AAS in Production Management from FIT, you may apply. Learn more about eligibility for this program.

Degree Details

You will work on cutting-edge equipment in facilities modeled on those in the industry — setting you up for success after graduation.

Kimmy Scotti, Production Management ’07, Jewelry Design ’04, worked with her sister, LisaMarie, Interior Design ’09, to solve a common problem once and for all.

As part of a collaborative research and internship experience, a team of five students worked with a multinational software company to adapt its software to a fellow FIT alum and independent shoe designer.

The process makes the product … Every industry needs an efficient way for a design vision to become a reality. That’s production management.

The [process of adaptation and problem-solving] was everything we talk about in class. … It was nice to see those things come to life.

Andrea BillingsProduction Management ’20 and 2020 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence (CASE)

Students have interned at GIII, Oscar de la Renta, Nili Lotan, Proenza Schouler, The Row, Thom Browne, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg, A/X Armani Exchange, Carolina Herrera, Ralph Lauren, and VF Corporation. Graduates have worked at Gap, Coach, Brooks Brothers, Lafayette 148, and more. Their roles include production coordinator, product engineer, logistics and distribution manager, salesperson, director of manufacturing, general operations manager, technical designer, consultant, independent business operator, and product developer.

Beyond Graduation

production management outside the classroom

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In classes taught by practicing professionals in the field, you will gain valuable hands-on experience, as well as theoretical knowledge that will help you solve real-world problems. Meet more Production Management faculty.

Peter Wai Chan

Chan is an expert in apparel production management. He holds two bachelor's degrees from FIT; an MBA and MS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; an MA in business and workplace education from NYU; an MPS in industrial and labor relations from Cornell; and an EdD from Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Chan is an associate professor and chair of the Production Management Department.

Bernard Kahn

Kahn is an assistant adjunct professor of Production Management with more than 50 years’ expertise in factory production and efficiency, industrial marketing, sustainability, and business organization and technology in fashion and sewn products. He has taught for more than 40 years at FIT and Parsons and has consulted for fashion companies large and small around the world. Kahn holds an associate’s degree in management engineering technology; a BS in production management from FIT; and an MA in organizational management from the University of Phoenix.

Linda Cohen

Cohen is an assistant professor in the Production Management Department. An expert in production management, with a background in creative/technical design and product development, she holds a BFA (Fashion Design) and AAS (Fashion Design and Management Engineering Technology) from FIT..

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