Undergraduate
The Department of Fiber Science & Apparel Design (FSAD) offers a comprehensive education that covers the art of designing clothing and accessories, the business of manufacturing and marketing them internationally and the science of fibers and textiles.
Students will also be able to take courses in other departments of the College and the University. During the summers and occasionally during the winter break many students will do internships to explore aspects of the industry and gain experience. These internships can be done for credit, under the department Internship Guidelines. Most students also go abroad, usually during the spring of the junior year, and important experience for anyone preparing for a career in this global industry. Some students choose to participate in the Cornell New York semester for their Off-campus study. In order to graduate with honors you can apply for the FSAD Honors Program. For more information on the Honors Program and the application, please click here.
In addition to a shared core of foundation courses, students will specialize in one of three options:
The Apparel Design option is unique in its focus on the fashion design process, integrating conceptual design thinking with apparel skills, and design methods with innovative, cutting-edge technologies. Following three semesters of apparel and textiles foundation courses, the student is ready to begin the Collections studio sequence, during which they will develop their individual vision of fashion, to be expressed in a final Collection.
Download the curriculum and a sample schedule worksheet for this option.
Fashion Design Management
Fashion Design Management applies economic and marketing principles to consumer and industry issues. It focuses on the processes used to design, manufacture, and market apparel and textile products. Students will also explore topics such as advertising and marketing, and entrepreneurship, as well as, the impact of developing technologies, the globalization of the industry, questions of sustainability. By their second year, students will choose to focus on one of three areas: Management and Marketing; Product Development; or Communications.
Download the curriculum and sample schedule worksheets for the Management, Production, or Communications options.
Fiber Science
In the Fiber Science option students will explore the physical, chemical, and engineering properties of fibrous materials and their applications, including biomedical materials, advanced engineering composites, geotextiles, and protective clothing, as well as the more traditional applications found in apparel and interiors.
Download the curriculum and a sample schedule worksheet for this option.
To apply to the Fiber Science & Apparel Design program, please contact Human Ecology Admissions.
FIBER SCIENCE MINOR
The department also offers a Fiber Science Minor that requires a minimum of 12 to 13 credit hours of work within FSAD. There can be no substitution of the required courses for the minor. You will need to complete the Intention to Minor in Fiber Science and the Application to Graduate with a Minor in Fiber Science.
UNDERGRADUATE DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM
The dual degree program allows students to earn the B.F.A., as well as a B.A. from the College of Arts and Sciences, a B.S. from the College of Human Ecology or a B.S. from the College of Engineering. Students apply to the dual degree program during their sophomore year. Once admitted, they are assigned an advisor in each college to assist with course planning and graduate Requirements. For more information on the curriculum, please click this link.