Application Process
Choose a Program
Requirements vary by program. Please review the program-specific application requirements below.
Note: The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) programs are designed for professionals with at least three years of full-time, industry-related work experience. If you do not possess this experience, you will not be considered a competitive candidate.
Start an Application
The School of Graduate Studies only accepts online applications. Applicants are only permitted to apply to one undergraduate or graduate program at FIT per year. The Office of Graduate Admissions uses CollegeNET for the receipt and processing of graduate applications. Through their CollegeNET account, applicants can submit and review their complete application, and access post-submission updates through the applicant portal.
Submit Transcripts
Applicants from institutions based in the United States must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended, listing all courses taken, grades and degrees earned, and dates of graduation to the Office of Graduate Admissions. If you submit your application prior to the conferral of your bachelor's degree or equivalent, you will be required to submit your official, final transcripts prior to your arrival at FIT.
Transcripts must be sent directly from the college/university registrar OR sent electronically from services such as eSCRIP-SAFE, Parchment, and National Student Clearinghouse. (Current/Former FIT students need not request academic transcripts from FIT; these will be supplied by internal procedures.)
It is strongly recommended that official transcripts from US institutions only be sent electronically to [email protected]. If ordering transcripts from a predetermined list of schools, make sure to choose the option for the "FIT - School of Graduate Studies". Transcripts sent to "FIT" or "SUNY FIT" may not reach the Graduate Admissions Office.
Candidates with degrees earned outside the United States are required to obtain a course-by-course international credential evaluation. Additional information about international credential evaluation services can be found on our Graduate International Applicants page.
Letters of Recommendation
Two or three references are required depending on which graduate program you are applying for. Reference the admission requirements for your specific program below to confirm the required number for your program. Recommenders should be able to speak to your scholastic ability or professional performance.
Recommendations are submitted online through the application portal. Enter the following information for each of your recommenders in your online application: name, address, email address, phone number, institution or employer, title, field/discipline.
It is extremely important to enter your recommenders' email addresses correctly so that they each receive an automated email instructing them how to proceed with their recommendation through an online process. Recommenders will be required to complete and submit an online evaluation form through the online application system. There is no function to upload documents in the recommendation form. Mailed and emailed recommendation letters will not be accepted. After your recommender submits the online recommendation, it will become part of your application.
Resume/CV
You must provide a resume or CV that includes your employment and professional history in reverse chronological order, with titles, dates, noting part-time or full-time experience. Applicants are encouraged to include information about relevant skills, experience, and achievements.
Short Written Responses
One to three short written responses are required depending on which graduate program you are applying for. Reference the admission requirements for your specific program below to confirm the required number for your program. Our short written response questions are designed for applicants to show their personality while communicating clearly about their educational pursuits. We encourage applicants to discuss future professional objectives, including pertinent work and travel experience. Written response topics are revealed as you complete your online application.
Standardized Test Scores (GRE)
GRE scores are not required.
English Language Proficiency Scores
Applicants who speak English as a second language must submit evidence of English Language Proficiency to do graduate work, as measured by the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS academic (International English Language Testing Service), PTE (Pearson Test of English), or Duolingo exams. This includes individuals who did not graduate from an undergraduate institution where the primary language of instruction was English, or comes from a country where English is not the official language.
TOEFL, IELTS, PTE and Duolingo results are valid for two years prior to the semester of your application. The minimum scores for English language examinations are:
- TOEFL: A minimum TOEFL IBT (internet-based test) score of 80
- IELTS: A minimum band score of 6.5
- PTE: A minimum score of 53
- Duolingo: A minimum score of 110
Application Fee
There is an application fee of $100, payable by credit card or electronic check. Application fees are non-refundable. Applicants are encouraged to select their program carefully as the college cannot transfer an incorrect application to a new program.
Portfolio
A portfolio is a compilation of materials that demonstrate your skills, qualifications, education, training, and experiences. Submission of an online portfolio is required for all studio programs. Requirements vary by department. Portfolios are submitted through SlideRoom after an applicant has submitted their application. Applicants will receive an email within five days of application submission with instructions on how to access SlideRoom.
Recorded Interview
Upon initial review of your application, all candidates applying for the Art Market Studies, Fashion Design, Exhibition and Experience Design and Illustration programs will be sent a link to submit a brief recorded interview. Applicants will be given two minutes to respond to each of the four recorded questions. Applicants should be prepared to take part in a follow up live interview with their academic department upon request.
All documents submitted to the college, in support of applications for admission, academic evaluations or required administrative processing must be true, accurate and complete. Supporting documents must not make misrepresentations, omit relevant information or be altered from the original. The School of Graduate Studies reserves the right to modify an admission decision including canceling an application, denying admission, or rescinding an offer of admission based on information provided post submission.
Program-Specific Requirements
Graduate Studies application requirements for the 2024-2025 cycle are below.
Many programs within the School of Graduate Studies focus on a particular academic discipline or profession, requiring industry-specific work experience or professional training in order to apply. Please note: the Global Fashion Management and Cosmetic and Fragrance Marketing and Management programs require at least three years of full-time, industry-related work experience.
Applicants who meet all posted requirements and have submitted all required documents receive full consideration. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Graduate Studies Program Application Details
- Applicants must hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or the foreign equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. The issuing institution must be recognized as having degree granting authority by the appropriate regional/national government
- Online application
- $100 Application Fee
- Official academic transcripts or course-by-course International Credential Evaluation
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae/ Resume
- 1 short written response/1 optional short written response
- English Language Proficiency Scores- international applicants (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE)
- It is recommended that candidates have completed two college-level art history courses or present equivalent experience prior to entering the program. Candidates will have the opportunity to describe their relevant educational and/ or professional experience in their application
- GRE scores are not required
- Video Recording Interview: upon initial review of your application, all candidates will be sent a link to submit a brief recorded interview. Applicants should be prepared to take part in a follow up live interview with their academic department upon request
Additional Questions? Be sure to review our Art Market Studies FAQ's and Admissions FAQ's.
To Start Your Application for Admission, Click the "Apply Now" Button Below.
- Applicants must hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or the foreign equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. The issuing institution must be recognized as having degree granting authority by the appropriate regional/national government
- Online application
- $100 Application Fee
- Official academic transcripts or course-by-course International Credential Evaluation
- 3 Letters of Recommendation - Two letters must come from professionals with whom you have worked, and the third from a college or university faculty member with whom you have studied
- Curriculum Vitae/ Resume
- 3 short written responses/ 1 optional short written response
- English Language Proficiency Scores- international applicants (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE)
Additional Questions? Be sure to review our CFMM FAQ's and Admissions FAQ's.
The Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management program has only one deadline - March 15th.
To Start Your Application for Admission, Click the "Apply Now" Button Below.
- Applicants must hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or the foreign equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. The issuing institution must be recognized as having degree granting authority by the appropriate regional/national government
- Online application
- $100 Application Fee
- Official academic transcripts or course-by-course International Credential Evaluation
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae/ Resume
- 1 short written response/1 optional short written response
- English Language Proficiency Scores- international applicants (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE)
- Portfolio
- Video Recording Interview: upon initial review of your application, all candidates will be sent a link to submit a brief recorded interview. Applicants should be prepared to take part in a follow up live interview with their academic department upon request
Additional Questions? Be sure to review our Exhibition and Experience Design FAQ's and Admissions FAQ's.
To Start Your Application for Admission, Click the "Apply Now" Button Below.
- Applicants must hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or the foreign equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. The issuing institution must be recognized as having degree granting authority by the appropriate regional/national government
- Online application
- $100 Application Fee
- Official academic transcripts or course-by-course International Credential Evaluation
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae/ Resume
- 2 short written responses/1 optional short written response
- English Language Proficiency Scores- international applicants (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE)
- GRE scores are not required
- College-level humanities courses. Successful applicants should have a foundation in the study of the humanities, with satisfactory completion of at least two college-level courses in anthropology, archaeology, history, history of art, literature, or related fields*
- College-level chemistry course. Chemistry is necessary for the program's required conservation courses. Students entering the program are required to have satisfactorily completed the equivalent to one term of college level chemistry with a lab component (usually called General Chemistry I) at any accredited college or community college. This course can be taken online and it can be taken as a pass/fail or letter grade. A fail grade in either marking system is not considered satisfactory completion. Applicants may contact the admissions office for a list of pre-approved courses which satisfy the requirement*
- College-level foreign language courses. Successful applicants must have proficiency in the use of at least one language other than English as a research tool. Native speakers of other languages, for whom English is a second language, may be recognized as meeting this standard. The most useful languages for fashion and textile studies are French, Italian, Spanish, and German, but many other languages are also acceptable/useful for research. Proficiency can be demonstrated with satisfactory completion of at least two college-level courses in a particular language or through satisfactory scores on an approved proficiency exam. Applicants may contact the admissions office for a list of approved proficiency exams*
*Applicants may apply to the program pending the completion of their prerequisite courses. Prerequisite courses must be satisfactorily completed prior to matriculation. The college makes the determination if the prerequisite has been met.
Additional Questions? Be sure to review our Fashion and Textile Studies FAQ's and Admissions FAQ's
To Start Your Application for Admission, Click the "Apply Now" Button Below.
- Applicants must hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or the foreign equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. The issuing institution must be recognized as having degree granting authority by the appropriate regional/national government
- Online application
- $100 Application Fee
- Official academic transcripts or course-by-course International Credential Evaluation
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae/ Resume
- 1 short written response/1 optional short written response
- English Language Proficiency Scores- international applicants (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE)
- Portfolio
- Video Recording Interview: upon initial review of your application, all candidates will be sent a link to submit a brief recorded interview. Applicants should be prepared to take part in a follow up live interview with their academic department upon request
- Thesis Proposal - applicants are required to submit a 250 - 750 word written thesis proposal with their portfolio in SlideRoom. The thesis proposal presents the scope of work you plan to pursue in the MFA in Fashion Design program and the questions you want to attempt to answer through your research.
It is important for your written proposal to support the 10-page visual representation provided in your online portfolio. Our committee looks for candidates who can present a record of thinking through both written and visual pieces.
We understand that concepts can be abstract, so view your proposal as a guide through the development of your ideas. You are encouraged to discuss the methodology that will guide your research, with an understanding that your thoughts and ideas will evolve as you go through the program.
Your proposal will aid the mentors and industry partners specially selected for your project in crafting your personal journey, working closely with you to define the context your project will best be understood.
You are encouraged to review our former student thesis topics for the MFA in Fashion Design program.
Additional Questions? Be sure to review our Admissions FAQ's and our Fashion Design FAQ's.
To Start Your Application for Admission, Click the "Apply Now" Button Below.
- Applicants must hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or the foreign equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. The issuing institution must be recognized as having degree granting authority by the appropriate regional/national government
- Online application
- $100 Application Fee
- Official academic transcripts or course-by-course International Credential Evaluation
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae/ Resume
- 3 short written responses/1 optional short written response
- English Language Proficiency Scores- international applicants (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE)
- GRE/GMAT Scores are not required
Additional Questions? Be sure to review our Global Fashion Management FAQ's and Admissions FAQ's.
To Start Your Application for Admission, Click the "Apply Now" Button Below.
- Applicants must hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or the foreign equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. The issuing institution must be recognized as having degree granting authority by the appropriate regional/national government
- Online application
- $100 Application Fee
- Official academic transcripts or course-by-course International Credential Evaluation
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae/ Resume
- 1 short written response/1 optional short written response
- English Language Proficiency Scores- international applicants (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE)
- Portfolio
- Video Recording Interview: upon initial review of your application, all candidates will be sent a link to submit a brief recorded interview. Applicants should be prepared to take part in a follow up live interview with their academic department upon request
Additional Questions? Be sure to review our Illustration MFA FAQ's and Admissions FAQ's.
To Start Your Application for Admission, Click the "Apply Now" Button Below.
Application Deadlines
The dates below determine when candidates should apply and expect to receive a decision. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all required admissions materials are received by the deadline. An application is only considered complete when the online application and all supplemental documents have been received by the Office of Graduate Admissions. Received materials can be viewed through the applicant portal. It is the applicant's responsibility to monitor their checklist through their application portal to confirm receipt of all required application materials.
Applications are due at 11:59pm Eastern Time on the date of the posted deadlines. Programs vary in their willingness to consider applications after March 15, and as a result, candidates are most competitive for their program if they follow the outlined submission dates.
November 1st, 2024
Application for admission is available.
January 15, 2025
January 15 is the priority deadline. This deadline is for fellowship consideration and international applicants.
- Applicants who apply by the priority deadline receive the strongest consideration for acceptance, as well as consideration for the Dean's Graduate Fellowship, a one-year, non-renewable award of $5,000 designed to provide graduate students with research experience and funding support. Additional details about the fellowship application process can be found on the Dean's Fellowship Page.
- The priority deadline ensures ample time to process supplemental application materials since this process may vary for each candidate. This also certifies a timely review of financial and identification documents if candidates require a F-1 or J-1 Visa to study in the United States. Learn more about requirements for graduate international students by visiting our International Applicants page. Candidates are eligible to apply for other deadlines, however, this is the best way to avoid common delays.
Generally notifications will be sent by the first week of April.
March 15, 2025
This is the deadline for general admission. Applications received and completed after March 15th are reviewed on a space available basis. Please note that your application may not be eligible for review if received past this deadline. Review begins on January 15th and continues until the class is filled.
The Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management program has only one deadline: March 15.
Generally notifications will be sent by the first week of May.