Overview

This Apparel Design programme offered by Cornell University investigates apparel as a cultural, functional, and technological phenomenon within a multidisciplinary research environment. The field explores the relationships between clothing, the human body, design processes, and material systems while drawing on perspectives from human ecology, engineering, fashion studies, and design research. Doctoral candidates examine how apparel functions in everyday life and how clothing can respond to aesthetic, social, technological, and human-centred needs.

Key Facts

The programme supports original research in areas such as apparel design, fashion theory, design ethnography, clothing functionality, garment fit, mass customization, and technology in the fashion industry. Students develop disciplinary expertise while engaging with interdisciplinary approaches that connect design with materials science, human factors, and technological innovation. Through independent research, advanced analysis, and scholarly communication, doctoral candidates contribute new knowledge to the development of apparel design and related fields.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

Apparel Design
Fashion Design
Fashion Theory
Design Ethnography
Anthropology of the Fashioned Body
Human Factors and Apparel
Anthropometrics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ithaca, United States

Disciplines

Design View 19 other PhDs in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Two recommendations and recommendation forms

Pre-application for Ph.D. applicants; request form from field via e-mail

Portfolio for Apparel Design applicants

Required Tests

Academic Statement of Purpose

Personal Statement

Transcript Requirements

English Language Proficiency Requirement

International Degree Equivalencies

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20800 USD / year

≈ 20800 USD / year
Out-of-State

20800 USD / year

≈ 20800 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

20800 USD / year

≈ 20800 USD / year

Living costs

Ithaca

United States

1128 - 2460 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Apparel Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Ithaca

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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