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FREQUENTLY 
ASKED QUESTIONS
What Is the Fashion Psychology Field®?
What programs are offered?
Can I be a
Fashion Psychologist
in my country?
Distance Learning?
Fees?

WHAT IS A FASHION PSYCHOLOGIST?

A Fashion Psychologist utilizes the Fashion Psychology Field® a newly applied academic discipline that is focused on the study and treatment of color, beauty, style, image, and shape and its affect on human behavior while addressing cultural sensitivities and cultural norms.

WHO IS THE FOUNDER OF FASHION PSYCHOLOGY FIELD® ?

Dawnn Karen is the Founder/Pioneer of the Fashion Psychology Field®. She has been declared as The World's First Fashion Psychologist by The Times and dubbed as The Dress Doctor by The New York Times after being followed by investigative journalists. Fashion Psychology Field® is also taught at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where (under Color Psychology in the Social Sciences Department and Fashion Psychology under the Continuing Education Department). She is also the 1st Black Female Psychology Professor and the youngest at the acclaimed FIT.

WHO INVENTED FASHION PSYCHOLOGY?

In 2010 while attending Columbia University, Dr. Dawnn Karen invented the Fashion Psychology Field®, after realizing
the American Psychological Association nor the British Psychology Society recognized it as a field. See Ted Talk and read Dress Your Best Life for full story. Similar to APA which owns all 54 divisions of the psychology discipline, Dr. Dawnn Karen solely owns the 55th division through the

United States Trademark and Patent Office.

She has been a victim of academic theft for several years and has appeared in the Supreme Court (United States) and the Court of Appeals (United Kingdom) testifying to this, entering both into the legal systems for justice and vindication.
See The New York Times investigative article.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE

FASHION PSYCHOLOGY INSTITUTE'S PROGRAMS

AND THE OTHER UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS?

We take pride in education disruption and upholding academic integrity. We are the first online institution dedicated to teaching the Fashion Psychology Field®. Unfortunately due to academic theft of the field by senior psychology professionals/institutions, we have had to contend with repeated plagiarism from the onset of its creation. To avoid the participation and the perpetuation of this age-old hazing practice, we suggest all prospective students to learn from the pioneer.

 

WHAT IS DISTANCE LEARNING?

 

Distance learning is synonymous with e-learning and online learning. Distance learning can be in two forms- synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous learning occurs when students are engaging in learning at the same time (i.e. modules). Asynchronous learning occurs when information is shared outside the constraints of time and place among a network of people (i.e. Teleseminars). 

The Luminary Lab program is both synchronous and asynchronous. Specialized Programs are asynchronous. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE 

 

Due to high demand, early registration is suggested. All program applications are reviewed in the order that they are received. Applications must be completed in full to be considered for admission. Once submitted our team meets to determine your eligibility to become a student.  If applying for the Luminary Lab Program applicants for FPI must wait 2-3 weeks upon receipt of Certificate Application. All other applicants for the Specialized Programs automatically are accepted and will receive correspondence to select a start-date upon receipt of application.

FEES

  

There are standard non-refundable application fees that must be met to receive consideration. All fees must be applied before course registration. 

For Luminary Lab Program fees see below.  

For Specialized Program fees scroll below their course description.

Please note payment plans are available for all programs.

 

US applicants can utilize the Paypal Buy Now Pay Later plan that allows payment in 4 interest-free installments. One-Time Payment must be selected to automatically display this option.
It is available to consumers upon approval for purchases of $30 - $1500. Pay in 4 is not currently available to residents of New Mexico, North Dakota, Missouri, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Nevada, Rhode Island, or any U.S. Territories. Loans to California residents are made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law License. PayPal, Inc. is a Georgia Installment Lender Licensee, NMLS #910457.

All international applicants can utilize the payment plans 3-Monthly Payments and 6-Monthly Payments.

DOWNLOADABLE BROCHURE

 Please click here

WHAT COURSES ARE OFFERED?

Online Luminary Lab Program Courses and Specialized Program Courses are centered on the newly applied academic field of Fashion Psychology Field®. New Specialized Programs with Hot Topics will be introduced each quarter. Students will study the various ways in which the Fashion Psychology Field® can be applied to business, entertainment, lifestyle, love, relationships, and more. Classes will be held year-round learning modules, web-based tutorials, and teleseminars and workshops.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO CURRENT FASHION PSYCHOLOGY INSTITUTE® STUDENTS

 

Upon meeting the full course requirements of study at the Fashion Psychology Institute®, students will receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to list the course offering on their resumes to demonstrate their experience in this newly applied field and professional industry. To receive academic credit as well, students will need approval from their home institutions. 10 hours of online course instruction at the Fashion Psychology Institute® calculates to 1 CEU per quarter. To further facilitate the granting of academic credit by one's home institution, students will have the opportunity to complete a final project or exam at the end of the course offering and will receive a grade report in the form of a signed letter from the Institute; rather than a transcript. Students pursuing academic credit are strongly suggested to please confirm with the primary institution about receiving credits.

 

WHERE IS THE RESPONSE TO MY INQUIRY?

Please check your spam folder. Also, add info@fashionpsychologyinstitute.com to your contact list.

 

I HAVE RECENTLY APPLIED TO A PROGRAM.

WHY HAVE I NOT RECEIVED LOGIN DETAILS?

We do not utilize an automated system or platform in order to create and maintain

rapport with each of our Fashion Psychology Institute's students. We will email you personally on details to begin your selected program. Please expect correspondence within 72 hours.

WHAT PLATFORM DOES FPI USE?

We do not utilize a second-party website such as teachable, kajabi, thinkific, etc. Our customized platform is built into our student portals.

 I AM A PROFESSIONAL. HOW CAN I BECOME A FASHION PSYCHOLOGIST? 

All professionals must hold a high school diploma, licensure in a field, a degree, or its equivalent. Schooling takes place all year-round. Titled-Certfications and Certificates of Completion will be awarded to all professionals after the program.

 I AM A PSYCHOLOGIST IN MY COUNTRY.

WHICH PROGRAM SHOULD I STUDY?

All psychologists should show proof of credentials and are strongly encouraged to apply to Level 2 or 3 of the Luminary Lab program. Psychologists can apply to specialized programs as well.

 I AM A FASHION PROFESSIONAL IN MY COUNTRY.

WHICH PROGRAM SHOULD I STUDY?

All fashion professionals should show substantial proof of credentials if applying to the Luminary Lab program. Fashion professionals can apply to only Level 1 or Level 2. Special circumstances can permit fashion professionals to apply to Level 3. Please inquire. It is strongly encouraged to apply to the specialized programs (where proof is not required) as well.

 I AM A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT. CAN I TAKE COURSES?

All students much be enrolled as a high school student. Learning takes place on a rolling basis. Perfect for the high school student who is a dreamer and expects to feel inspired! Please note the pre-college enrichment program starts with its own

Psi-Key™: Unlock Your Mind™ program.

WHO REVIEWS THE ASSIGNMENTS?

Dr. Dawnn Karen personally reviews each and every assignment regardless of where

the students is located.

I PURCHASED A PROGRAM. CAN I GET A REFUND?

There will be no refunds for any programs once login information has been sent. 

ENGLISH IS NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE. CAN I TAKE COURSES?

All programs are available in 66 languages. The English utilized within programs are at an L2 or B2 language level. When applying to programs please indicate your preferred language.

I AM DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING. CAN I TAKE COURSES?

All programs are created to incorporate neurodiversity for individuals with various learning disabilities. Captions or subtitles can be made available. When applying to programs please indicate your preferred language.

WHAT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?

The majority of our graduates go on to consult in private consulting to work with individuals. We do not guarantee students jobs.

​ARE PROGRAMS COURSES ADOPTED DIRECTLY FROM THE TEXTBOOK?

Although the book is required, we strive to avoid redundancy. We do not duplicate the textbook in each program's course.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS AKA MICRO-CREDENTIALS?

Beauty Baked & Naked, Closet Chronicles, Color Consciously, Knighted Armoire, Mirror Reflections, Mood Matters, Psi-Key and Summer Couch Sessions.

WHO INVENTED DOPAMINE DRESSING?

Dr. Dawnn Karen coined the term Dopamine Dressing aka Mood Enhancement Dressing earlier in the pandemic after she prescribed a physician client to wear anything yellow while she was battling depression after most of her clients had died. See Tatler Asia article.

IS THERE A COURSE ON DOPAMINE DRESSING?

Yes, the Mood Matters program teaches about the Dopamine Dressing phenomenon.

WHAT TYPE OF CERTIFICATIONS ARE GIVEN?

Graduates of the Luminary Lab Program receive a Macro-credential with title of Fashion Psychology Coach (formerly Fashion Aristocrat), Fashion Therapist or Fashion Psychologist plus a Certificate of Completion. Graduates of the Specialized Programs receive only a Micro-credential without a title.

ARE CERTIFICATIONS ACCREDITED?

All macro and micro credentialed certificates are accredited through the International Association of the Fashion Psychology Field®.

Fashion Psychology Institute® Titled Certification 

In the Fashion Psychology Institute® Luminary Lab Program one can enter to obtain three different levels of certification. These levels possess different requirements in the areas of course work, examinations, online training, and seminars.

 

Pre-College Enrichment Program ***Students Grades 9-12 Start Here***

Must be enrolled in high school or its equivalent

Online Learning in 5-7 Courses

Successful completion of a Pre-College Enrichment Program final exam

Level I Certification- Fashion Psychology Coach ***High School Graduates Start Here***

Must be a student, have a high school diploma or its equivalent

Online Training 

Successful completion of a Fashion Psychology Institute® Luminary Lab Certification final exam 

 

Level II Certification- Fashion Therapist

Must have a degree or its equivalent

Online Courses + TeleSeminar or Live Seminar Training + Online Internship

Complete written and practical Fashion Therapist final exam + special project

Fashion Therapist will allow one to consult clients and conduct research under supervision.

 

Level III Certification- Fashion Psychologist

Must have an advanced degree or its equivalent

Online Training + TeleSeminar or Live Seminar Training + Live Internship

Successful completion of the Fashion Psychologist thesis will allow one to teach, consult, work on campaigns, and conduct research.  

Pre-College Enrichment Program- $$$ Application Fee: $25

Level I Certification- $$$$ Application Fee: $75

Level 2 Certification- $$$$ Application Fee: $125

Level 3 Certification- $$$$ Application Fee: $175

 

 

Continuing Education Units

 

To ensure professionals are continually advancing their skills we provide them with annual continuing education unit opportunities to update certifications. 

HOW LONG ARE THE PROGRAMS?

The Luminary Lab Certification program can 6 months to 2 years depending on your level of entry. The Specialized Programs are taken anytime within a 3-month duration.

RESIDENTIAL STATUS

 ***International Students are Encouraged to Apply*** If you are not a U.S. citizen, legal resident, or will enter the U.S. as a non-immigrant attending the Fashion Psychology Institute® Certification Program's live seminar training and live internship, you may need a visa to attend. ***Live Internship will be replaced with a Virtual Internship***

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