Apparel Design (PhD) at Cornell University

Programme overview

The PhD in Apparel Design is offered through the field of fiber science and apparel design, an applied multidisciplinary field with faculty from the Colleges of Human Ecology and Engineering. Research spans apparel and fashion design, design ethnography, sizing and fit, functional apparel and technology management in the apparel industry. A special committee of at least four members is required, and oral and written candidacy examinations and a final oral examination are required.

Faculty: Cornell University Graduate School | Department: Graduate Field of Fiber Science and Apparel Design | Duration: Minimum 8 semesters | Intake: Fall | Location: Ithaca, NY, United States

What you will study

Students are expected to develop strength in a base discipline and breadth to support their specialization, with committee members representing the major, two minor areas and the field. No foreign language is required.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Pre-application required (form from the field). Two recommendations with recommendation forms; a portfolio for apparel design applicants if the research involves a design component. Field minimum TOEFL is a total score of at least 100 with a speaking subscore of at least 26. Graduate School requirements apply. Fall deadline December 15.

USD 20,800 a year (2026-27). Doctoral tuition per year ($10,400 per semester); the source states $20,800 applies to Ph.D., D.M.A. and J.S.D. programs in endowed and contract colleges; tuition only. Source

Graduate School applications are submitted online through the Graduate School application; the application fee is $105. Each graduate field sets its own deadlines, and many fall between early December and mid-January.

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