Apparel Design (MA)

For Apparel Design (MA), tuition fees are 29,500 USD per year.

This is a Master of Arts program focused on the study of fibrous materials and their application in apparel. It is a multidisciplinary program drawing faculty from Human Ecology and Engineering, emphasizing both base discipline strength and breadth for specialization. Students engage with research areas like fashion design, design ethnography, functional apparel, and apparel technology, utilizing specialized studios and labs.

Focus areas include Apparel and fashion design, Design ethnography, Sizing and fit of apparel, Functional apparel, Cultural and historic studies of clothing and textiles, Mass customization and technology.

The curriculum structure is determined by the student's Special Committee, requiring enrollment in research courses each semester. The program culminates in a Master's Exam and Thesis in the spring of the second year.

Applicants must meet Graduate School requirements, including English proficiency with a TOEFL score of at least 100 (26 speaking). Required documents include two recommendations and a pre-application form. A portfolio may be required for applicants with a design component to their research interests. Admission is based on evidence of potential for advanced study.

In Person, Ithaca, NY. Minimum 4 semesters. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

Life in Ithaca balances scenic natural spaces with a lively arts and dining scene and strong student services, from career counseling to study abroad advising. Residential options, student clubs, and entrepreneurial hubs help newcomers settle in and build professional pathways both in the United States and abroad. For international applicants seeking world-class research, wide program choice, and a community that values public service and innovation, Cornell offers a supportive and stimulating environment.