Fashion Design and Management
The Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design and Management at Cornell University combines creative exploration with critical thinking, offering students an immersive understanding of fashion as both an artistic and commercial practice. This interdisciplinary program balances design principles, trend forecasting, consumer behavior, and sustainability strategies to prepare students for the rapidly evolving fashion landscape. Through the study of textiles, visual communication, and cultural narratives, students explore fashion not only as product development but as a vehicle for identity, storytelling, and social impact.
Over four years, students build competencies in both hands-on and theoretical areas, engaging in studio work, collaborative design challenges, and real-world case studies. The curriculum integrates business acumen with creative innovation, allowing students to specialize in areas such as branding, product development, or ethical sourcing. With access to modern design labs, mentorship from faculty with industry experience, and opportunities for internships or study abroad, students graduate with the ability to both conceptualize and manage fashion products from idea to market. The program nurtures a balance of creativity, criticality, and strategy, ideal for students aiming to lead with vision and integrity in the fashion world.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Fashion Design and Management
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Cornell University, United States
- Field of Study: Fashion Design
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Design Foundations and Industry Context
- Introduction to Fashion Design and Management
- History of Fashion and Dress
- Visual Literacy and Design Techniques
- Writing Seminar in Culture and Commerce
Year 2 – Core Skills and Materials Exploration
- Apparel Construction and Patternmaking
- Textile Science and Sustainability
- Marketing Principles for Fashion
- Consumer Behavior in Design
Year 3 – Brand Strategy and Global Perspective
- Fashion Product Development
- Fashion Branding and Communication
- Study Abroad or Internship Experience
- Elective in Fashion Law, Merchandising, or Innovation
Year 4 – Professional Development and Capstone
- Senior Seminar in Fashion Design Management
- Portfolio Development and Presentation
- Independent Project or Thesis
- Ethics and Leadership in the Fashion Industry
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Fashion Design and Management program at Cornell enter a diverse and dynamic industry where creative direction and business strategy intersect. Career paths include roles in fashion merchandising, brand management, trend forecasting, product development, and sustainability consulting, where graduates contribute to shaping the visual identity and operational flow of fashion businesses. Many also pursue roles as fashion buyers, design coordinators, creative strategists, or retail analysts within leading global brands, luxury houses, or independent labels. The program’s strong academic foundation also supports further study in fashion marketing, design innovation, or MBA programs with a focus on the fashion sector. Equipped with an understanding of both aesthetic values and market logic, Cornell graduates are poised to influence the future of fashion through responsible design and strategic thinking.
Why Choose This Program
Cornell’s Fashion Design and Management program offers a balanced, forward-looking, and highly personalized education that prepares students to thrive in one of the world’s most influential industries. With a curriculum that spans creativity and commerce, students are taught to view fashion through multiple lenses—artistic, ethical, economic, and technological. The program encourages exploration while fostering leadership, giving students the tools to navigate the industry's fast-paced environment with confidence. Access to cutting-edge facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship from experienced professionals enrich the academic experience. For those seeking to innovate across design, business, and sustainability, this program delivers the depth, flexibility, and global insight necessary to shape the future of fashion with purpose and creativity.
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
