Apparel Design
The Apparel Design Master of Arts program at Cornell University offers a research informed, design centered academic environment for students who want to explore the creative, technical, and cultural dimensions of fashion and apparel development. The curriculum blends design theory, material studies, technology integration, and human centered research, giving learners the opportunity to investigate how garments are conceptualized, constructed, and evaluated within contemporary fashion contexts. With a strong emphasis on design research, students develop the analytical and creative skills needed to examine apparel from artistic, functional, and social perspectives. This integrated framework encourages exploration of how sustainability, body diversity, cultural expression, and technology shape modern design practices.
Throughout this one year program, students work with faculty whose expertise spans wearable technology, textile innovation, fit analysis, fashion theory, and digital design tools. The academic structure includes studio work, prototyping, scholarly investigation, and user centered testing, allowing learners to strengthen their thinking in material exploration, garment development, and conceptual design. Through creating prototypes, studying consumer behavior, and engaging in research based inquiry, students learn to connect aesthetic decisions with functional performance and cultural relevance. This combination of creative depth and research methodology equips graduates to contribute to advanced fashion development, innovation, and academic exploration of apparel systems.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Apparel Design
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 15 December 2025
- Location: Cornell University, United States
- Field of Study: Design
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1
• Foundations of Apparel Design
• Material Behavior and Textile Innovation
• Research Methods in Design Studies
• Elective in Wearable Technology, Culture, or Sustainability
Semester 2
• Advanced Apparel Design Studio
• Applied Research Project in Apparel Development
• Digital Tools for Design and Fit Analysis
• Elective in Product Development, Fashion Theory, or Material Experimentation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program pursue roles across design, research, and product innovation, frequently joining apparel design studios, textile and material development companies, wearable technology teams, and research organizations connected to fashion and human centered design. Their advanced preparation in material evaluation, design strategy, and research methodology enables them to contribute to creative development, prototype testing, technical analysis, and concept driven design processes. With interdisciplinary skills and strong analytical thinking, they support innovation in fashion sustainability, garment performance, product design, and academic research on apparel systems.
Why Choose This Program
This program is an excellent option for students who want to advance both creative and research oriented design abilities, offering opportunities to develop strong conceptual insight and advanced design capability supported by Cornell’s interdisciplinary strengths in apparel and textile studies. Through studio based experimentation, material exploration, and rigorous research practice, learners gain the tools to design meaningful apparel solutions, analyze garment performance, and investigate how cultural and technological factors influence design. Its focused one year structure ensures deep academic and creative growth, preparing graduates for impactful roles in apparel innovation, fashion design, and design research.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 607 255 2000
Email: admissions@cornell.edu
Address: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
