Welcome to the Department of Human Centered Design!

We look forward to working together with you to change the world, in our majors:
Design + Environmental Analysis
Fashion Design & Management (This includes Fashion Design and Fashion Design Management.)
Fiber Science

Take a look at what it’s like to be a member of our community!

Curricula  

Design + Environmental Analysis 
Fashion Design
Fashion Design Management
Fiber Science

Suggested Schedules

Design + Environmental Analysis
Fashion Design
Fashion Design Management
Fiber Science    

Course Enrollment     

Course enroll begins :
July 21- 24, 2025

We will directly enroll you in some courses for your major.  Please do not drop these courses as you try to schedule other courses since you could find yourself without a critical introductory course. 

Orientation 

Our orientation is Friday, August 22.  The orientation sessions for your majors are:

• Fashion Design & Management and Fiber Science Majors Meeting, 10am – 12:00 pm, MVR 1102
• DEA Majors Meeting: 10am – 12:00 pm MVR 4301

You will meet your Fashion Design & Management and Fiber Science and DEA advisors at the Orientation session.  We look forward to meeting you there. 

* Learn more about College of Human Ecology orientation here

Computer Requirements

For D+EA (Design + Environmental Analysis) students

Minimum Specifications

• Processor: Intel i7 (13th gen or newer) or Intel i9
• RAM: 32 GB
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 equivalent or better (or RTX A-series if you prefer Quadro drivers)
• Storage: 1 TB NVMe SSD
• Operating System: Windows 11

Why Not Mac?

• Key software like Rhino, V-Ray, Revit, and real-time 3D/VR simulation tools do not run natively on macOS
• Virtualizing Windows on a Mac
  • Results in performance drops
  • Some apps are not officially supported

Recommended Brands & Models

• Dell Alienware
• Razer
• ASUS
• Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2

For FSAD (Fiber Science & Apparel Design) students

Computer Requirements

• Any recent laptop is adequate
• Design software is cloud-based — no need for high specs or local installation

Questions      

if you have questions contact :
Darin Gillenwater, our Undergraduate Coordinator
djg326@cornell.edu or 607.255.3196

We can’t wait to meet you !

Keith Green :  DEA                 
Interim Director of Undergraduate Studies
dea-dus@cornell.edu                

Fran Kozen :  FSAD
Director of Undergraduate Studies
fsad-dus@cornell.edu