Why Human Ecology?

Why a student might choose a program in the College of Human Ecology rather than a traditional liberal arts program:
With a community of undergraduate colleges Cornell offers several educational approaches to your education, from traditional liberal arts programs to more applied offerings. The College of Human Ecology is considered an applied liberal arts college. Whereas offerings in traditional liberal arts colleges tend to focus on the historical and theoretical aspects of a subject, programs in the College of Human Ecology are more contemporary and applied in nature. Human Ecology exists to identify and address contemporary human issues from a variety of perspectives. We believe that the challenges facing individuals and societies today are generally too complicated to be understood from a single perspective, but that they require a consideration of a psychological, sociological, economic, design, and scientific approach. Human Ecology majors provide a strong liberal arts foundation, but through its applied education offers significant career preparation as well.
For career interests in:
Business and Management
Consider majors such as:
- Policy Analysis & Management (offered through the Brooks School of Public Policy)
- Human Development
- Fashion Design Management
- Design & Environmental Analysis
Design and Technology
Options in our Design + Environmental Analysis, Fashion Design and Management, and Fiber Science majors provide a unique education for those interested in design and the social and behavioral sciences.
Law and Public Policy
Careers in these fields are possible through any Human Ecology major, as there is no specific pre-law program. Many students with these interests pursue majors in:
- Policy Analysis & Management (offered through the Brooks School of Public Policy)
- Human Development
Medicine and Health
Consider our programs in: