FAQ

The distinctive structure and schedule of the online MPS Fashion Management program make it perfectly suited to the needs of today's professionals.

• The 12-month curriculum is divided into three semesters: fall, spring, and summer.
• The program begins with Introduction to Fashion Management, a one-week, for-credit course that provides a deep dive into the New York City fashion industry. This seminar can be completed on campus or online. 
• Each semester consists of a series of five-week courses offered consecutively. Most courses run for five weeks, one after another, offering you opportunities to focus deeply on subject matter. 
• Each week, you have at least one synchronous online class session of approximately three hours, which minimizes the program’s impact on your regular work schedule. These sessions are scheduled on the weekends at 9:00 a.m. ET, allowing weekday hours for professional commitments.

As a rule, students must stay in their program cohort, as either on-site or online students. The program is designed to build a cohort of peers who begin the program at the same time and complete the program at the same pace, in the same classes, all together. This ensures that students build a strong network as the program progresses.

While online students can complete the program from anywhere in the world, the curriculum and courses are deeply rooted in New York City as a global fashion business capital. Online students benefit from exclusive content such as video interviews with industry leaders recorded on-site in important NYC locations.

Online students living near or planning to visit NYC can, with prior permission, arrange to attend on-site events related to the program. You also have full access to campus facilities such as libraries, study areas, and Parsons’ Making Center.

Online students can access the full range of services provided by The New School’s Career Development office. This includes internship support, online job boards, and individualized career advising consultations.

All synchronous (simultaneous) components of the program are developed and scheduled based on the composition of the student body to accommodate all time zones to the degree possible. Keep in mind that synchronous sessions are essential and typically require approximately three hours per week. 

International students are welcome to pursue the online degree program but should be aware that F-1 or J-1 visas are not available for students who take courses in this format.

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) is a graduate degree that, like a traditional master’s degree (Master of Arts or Master of Science), requires rigorous discipline-specific study but focuses more directly on specialized professional skills that can be applied immediately in business settings.

In contrast to MA and MS degree programs, an MPS degree program:

• Emphasizes specialized professional knowledge, applied research, hands-on practice, and client engagement rather than theory
• Is taught mainly by experienced industry experts rather than scholars, giving you real-world insights and expanding your professional network
• Culminates with an applied capstone project instead of a written research thesis
• Usually offers a flexible schedule tailored to working professionals (e.g., weekend and evening classes)

The New School provides a comprehensive program of financial aid services, including significant institutional scholarship support based on merit. All applicants who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are considered for federal student aid.

For more information about FAFSA, university and external scholarships, student loans, campus employment, and other funding resources, visit The New School’s Office of Financial Aid.

Applicants to all academic programs at Parsons are automatically considered for partial scholarships based on merit. There is no separate application for a merit scholarship.