OPT Fashion Jobs
Fashion jobs on OPT span design, merchandising, buying, and production roles at labels, retailers, and agencies. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations under F-1 OPT rules, and STEM OPT extensions are available for fashion tech and data-driven merchandising roles at qualifying employers.
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Fashion Studies, Tenure-Track Faculty
Department
Fashion Studies Program
University Expectation
MTSU seeks candidates committed to innovative teaching, robust research/creative activity, and meaningful service. We also seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty who value working with diverse students.
Salary
The salary is commensurate with education and experience.
Job Summary/Basic Function
The Fashion Studies Program at Middle Tennessee State University invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position (#120350) at the rank of assistant or associate professor. The start date for the position is August 1, 2027.
This tenure-track position combines undergraduate teaching in the Apparel Design concentration with a robust research agenda. The successful candidate will teach lecture and studio courses, engage in service to the university and the community, and take responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and continued readiness of the program’s apparel design and production laboratories. Coursework connects foundational apparel design and construction skills with contemporary approaches including design thinking, co-creation, inclusive and adapted apparel design, emerging technologies, and collaborative design practices. The faculty member is expected to bring professional experience in the apparel industry to this learning environment, contributing expertise in garment construction, flat pattern-making, production design, garment fitting, product development, and apparel manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
- Teach and research in two or more of the following areas: apparel engineering, apparel product line development, apparel industry practices (including sewn product manufacturing), and adapted, inclusive, or human-centered apparel design.
- Actively pursue a program of scholarly research and grantsmanship.
- Support the program’s culture of hands-on learning by operating, servicing, and maintaining industrial sewing machines and related apparel production equipment.
- Participate in curriculum development, marketing for undergraduate programs, and student advising.
- Provide service to the program, college, and university.
- Maintain active involvement in relevant professional associations and industry entities.
Required Education
A terminal degree in apparel, fashion studies, or a closely related field is required by the appointment date. ABD will be considered if it is close to completion. For contract renewal, a terminal degree must be earned by August 1, 2028.
In lieu of a terminal degree in fashion studies or apparel design, a terminal degree in another field, with a master's degree in fashion studies, apparel design, or a closely related field, will be considered.
Required Related Experience
One (1) year of college-level full-time teaching experience in fashion studies or apparel design and one (1) year of full-time professional experience in the fashion or apparel industry are required by the appointment date.
Other Desirables
Applicants with the following will receive special consideration:
- Demonstrated expertise in garment construction, sewing techniques, and apparel production methods.
- Teaching or research experience in apparel science and technology.
- Experience with grantsmanship and securing external funding.
- Experience with emerging technology applications in textile product development and familiarity with sustainable/smart materials.
- Experience managing products from design development through sampling, fitting, and final production.
- Experience teaching adapted, inclusive, or human-centered apparel design.
- Advanced skills in draping and industrial cutting/pressing equipment.
- Experience with flat pattern and draping techniques for an apparel company or brand.
- Experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining industrial sewing machines and production equipment.
- Knowledge and use of industry-standard technical patterning and 3D visualization software.
Documents Needed to Apply
To successfully apply, applicants must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and statement of research or creative activities (as appropriate to the discipline) as separate attachments when submitting the application.
Special Instruction to Applicants
When applying, applicants must provide complete contact information, including email addresses, for three professional references. References will be contacted to provide a reference letter if the applicant is selected for an interview. In addition, if the applicant is selected for the position, official transcripts of all degrees conferred, including translations and evaluations of international transcripts from an approved credentialing agency, will be required before a contract is issued. All submitted materials become the property of MTSU and will not be returned. Submission of materials is the applicant’s responsibility. Applications without all required materials are incomplete and will not be considered.
If you need help with the application, please contact Mitzi Dunkley, Faculty Recruitment Specialist, at (615) 898-5128. If you have position-specific questions, please contact Lauren Rudd at Lauren.Rudd@mtsu.edu.
MTSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty
- 13 paid University holidays
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Retirement plans
- Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
- Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents
MTSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https://police.mtsu.edu/annual-security-report/ or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at (615) 898-2424.
MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus.
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered.
For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation to apply: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email emp@mtsu.edu.
Application Review Date: 11/27/2026
Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Tennessee, United States
Job Type: Tenure-Track
Job Title
Fashion Studies, Tenure-Track Faculty
Department
Fashion Studies Program
University Expectation
MTSU seeks candidates committed to innovative teaching, robust research/creative activity, and meaningful service. We also seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty who value working with diverse students.
Salary
The salary is commensurate with education and experience.
Job Summary/Basic Function
The Fashion Studies Program at Middle Tennessee State University invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position (#120350) at the rank of assistant or associate professor. The start date for the position is August 1, 2027.
This tenure-track position combines undergraduate teaching in the Apparel Design concentration with a robust research agenda. The successful candidate will teach lecture and studio courses, engage in service to the university and the community, and take responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and continued readiness of the program’s apparel design and production laboratories. Coursework connects foundational apparel design and construction skills with contemporary approaches including design thinking, co-creation, inclusive and adapted apparel design, emerging technologies, and collaborative design practices. The faculty member is expected to bring professional experience in the apparel industry to this learning environment, contributing expertise in garment construction, flat pattern-making, production design, garment fitting, product development, and apparel manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
- Teach and research in two or more of the following areas: apparel engineering, apparel product line development, apparel industry practices (including sewn product manufacturing), and adapted, inclusive, or human-centered apparel design.
- Actively pursue a program of scholarly research and grantsmanship.
- Support the program’s culture of hands-on learning by operating, servicing, and maintaining industrial sewing machines and related apparel production equipment.
- Participate in curriculum development, marketing for undergraduate programs, and student advising.
- Provide service to the program, college, and university.
- Maintain active involvement in relevant professional associations and industry entities.
Required Education
A terminal degree in apparel, fashion studies, or a closely related field is required by the appointment date. ABD will be considered if it is close to completion. For contract renewal, a terminal degree must be earned by August 1, 2028.
In lieu of a terminal degree in fashion studies or apparel design, a terminal degree in another field, with a master's degree in fashion studies, apparel design, or a closely related field, will be considered.
Required Related Experience
One (1) year of college-level full-time teaching experience in fashion studies or apparel design and one (1) year of full-time professional experience in the fashion or apparel industry are required by the appointment date.
Other Desirables
Applicants with the following will receive special consideration:
- Demonstrated expertise in garment construction, sewing techniques, and apparel production methods.
- Teaching or research experience in apparel science and technology.
- Experience with grantsmanship and securing external funding.
- Experience with emerging technology applications in textile product development and familiarity with sustainable/smart materials.
- Experience managing products from design development through sampling, fitting, and final production.
- Experience teaching adapted, inclusive, or human-centered apparel design.
- Advanced skills in draping and industrial cutting/pressing equipment.
- Experience with flat pattern and draping techniques for an apparel company or brand.
- Experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining industrial sewing machines and production equipment.
- Knowledge and use of industry-standard technical patterning and 3D visualization software.
Documents Needed to Apply
To successfully apply, applicants must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and statement of research or creative activities (as appropriate to the discipline) as separate attachments when submitting the application.
Special Instruction to Applicants
When applying, applicants must provide complete contact information, including email addresses, for three professional references. References will be contacted to provide a reference letter if the applicant is selected for an interview. In addition, if the applicant is selected for the position, official transcripts of all degrees conferred, including translations and evaluations of international transcripts from an approved credentialing agency, will be required before a contract is issued. All submitted materials become the property of MTSU and will not be returned. Submission of materials is the applicant’s responsibility. Applications without all required materials are incomplete and will not be considered.
If you need help with the application, please contact Mitzi Dunkley, Faculty Recruitment Specialist, at (615) 898-5128. If you have position-specific questions, please contact Lauren Rudd at Lauren.Rudd@mtsu.edu.
MTSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty
- 13 paid University holidays
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Retirement plans
- Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
- Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents
MTSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https://police.mtsu.edu/annual-security-report/ or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at (615) 898-2424.
MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus.
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered.
For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation to apply: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email emp@mtsu.edu.
Application Review Date: 11/27/2026
Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Tennessee, United States
Job Type: Tenure-Track
See all OPT Fashion Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Fashion Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Fashion
Target employers with OPT sponsorship history
Large fashion retailers and global luxury houses are far more likely to have HR processes for OPT students. Smaller independent labels may lack the infrastructure. Prioritize companies with dedicated talent acquisition teams when your OPT timeline is limited.
Frame your degree field clearly on your resume
Specialty occupation status requires a direct connection between your degree and the role. If your degree is in fashion design, merchandising, or textile science, make that link explicit in your resume summary and cover letter so hiring managers understand your OPT eligibility.
Start your job search 90 days before OPT begins
OPT applications take up to 90 days to process. Applying for roles before your authorization arrives lets you start on day one. Waiting until your EAD card arrives shrinks your usable OPT window significantly, especially in a competitive hiring cycle.
Understand which fashion roles qualify for STEM OPT
Roles in fashion technology, e-commerce analytics, and data-driven trend forecasting at STEM-designated employers may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying, as not all fashion programs are STEM-classified.
Track your unemployment days carefully throughout OPT
F-1 OPT students are limited to 90 cumulative days of unemployment. Gaps between fashion contracts, internships, or seasonal roles all count. Keep records of your employment dates and notify your DSO promptly if any gap extends beyond a few weeks.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer
Your OPT window ends. Before signing with a fashion employer, confirm whether they sponsor H-1B visas. Companies that have sponsored before are easier to verify. Knowing this early gives you time to plan your long-term visa strategy before your authorization expires.
Fashion OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do fashion jobs qualify as specialty occupations for OPT purposes?
Most professional fashion roles do qualify, including fashion design, visual merchandising, product development, buying, and textile engineering. The key requirement is that the role normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. Entry-level retail floor positions or general sales associate roles typically do not qualify, so focus applications on roles that directly use your degree.
Can I work as a freelance or contract fashion designer on OPT?
Yes, self-employment is permitted on OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. You must be actively working in a qualifying fashion role, not just incorporated with no clients. Keep detailed records of projects, contracts, and hours worked. Report your self-employment to your DSO and update your SEVIS record, as the same 90-day unemployment limit still applies.
Where can I find fashion employers that hire OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and lists fashion roles from employers experienced with work authorization. Searching Migrate Mate filters out roles where sponsorship is unlikely, saving you time during a period when every week of your OPT window matters. You can browse open fashion positions across design, merchandising, buying, and production categories.
Does working in fashion tech or e-commerce qualify me for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not just your job title. If your fashion or design program was classified under a STEM-designated CIP code by your school, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM extension. Roles in fashion analytics, e-commerce systems, or wearable technology development are the most common qualifying scenarios. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying.
What happens to my OPT status if a fashion job offer is rescinded or the role is seasonal?
A rescinded offer or end of a seasonal contract counts toward your 90-day unemployment limit from the day employment ends. You don't lose status immediately, but the clock is running. Notify your DSO as soon as employment ends, begin searching for a new qualifying role immediately, and document all job search activity. If you hit 90 days without employment, your OPT is automatically terminated.