Fashion Design Management
The Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design Management at Cornell University blends the creative world of fashion with the analytical tools of business, offering students a comprehensive education in the design, production, marketing, and global distribution of apparel and lifestyle products. With a foundation rooted in both design thinking and management principles, students explore topics such as product development, fashion theory, supply chain logistics, branding, and retail analytics. The curriculum fosters an understanding of fashion not just as an aesthetic form but also as a dynamic industry shaped by culture, economics, and sustainability.
Throughout the program, students engage in collaborative studio projects, hands-on merchandising labs, and internships that simulate real-world fashion business challenges. Courses are enriched by cross-disciplinary learning that connects fashion with technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Whether students aspire to lead design teams, develop brand strategies, or innovate sustainable materials, the program’s flexibility and industry engagement allow for individual specialization. Cornell’s access to industry networks, expert faculty, and research centers positions students at the forefront of fashion’s evolving landscape, preparing them to lead creatively and strategically in a competitive global market.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Fashion Design Management
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
- 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 – Foundations of Fashion and Business
- Introduction to Fashion Design and Management
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Art, Design, and Visual Culture
- College Writing Seminar
Year 2 – Core Business and Design Skills
- Product Development in Fashion
- Accounting and Financial Analysis
- Textile Science and Innovation
- Consumer Behavior in Fashion Markets
Year 3 – Industry Application and Strategy
- Fashion Marketing and Branding
- Supply Chain Management in Apparel
- Internship or International Study Option
- Elective in Fashion Law, E-Commerce, or Design Strategy
Year 4 – Leadership and Capstone Experience
- Strategic Fashion Management Seminar
- Senior Project in Fashion Business
- Ethics and Sustainability in Fashion
- Portfolio and Professional Practice
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Fashion Design Management program at Cornell enter the workforce with a unique blend of creative and managerial skills tailored to the demands of the fashion industry. They pursue careers in brand management, product development, fashion merchandising, supply chain strategy, and sustainability consulting, working for global fashion brands, design houses, and innovative start-ups. Common job titles include merchandise planner, trend analyst, production coordinator, retail strategist, and fashion buyer. The program also prepares students for roles in fashion tech, e-commerce, and luxury branding, where digital fluency and customer insights are key. Many graduates advance into prestigious master's programs in fashion marketing, global business, or design management, while others launch their own fashion ventures. With a balance of creativity and strategy, Cornell alumni are positioned to lead change in a fashion industry increasingly focused on innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity.
Why Choose This Program
Cornell’s Fashion Design Management program offers a rare integration of creative design, business acumen, and strategic thinking—ideal for students who see fashion as both art and enterprise. The curriculum is designed to reflect the realities of a fast-changing industry, encouraging students to develop versatile skills that blend design aesthetics with data-driven decision making. With access to dedicated faculty, industry guest lectures, global internships, and innovation labs, students are constantly challenged to think beyond trends and consider broader impacts, including sustainability and social responsibility. The program emphasizes leadership, adaptability, and critical problem-solving, ensuring that graduates are not only trend-aware but also ready to shape the future of fashion. For those seeking a career that merges passion, precision, and purpose, this program delivers the creative rigor, global perspective, and professional readiness needed to thrive.
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
