Learn how organic and inorganic fibers are used in materials humans interact with every day.

The Fiber Science minor is ideal for students majoring in engineering, information science, chemistry and other sciences, or architecture who would like specific background on composition, structure and behavior of fibers and textile structures that may facilitate application of fibrous materials to biomaterials, buildings, smart materials and more. 

Human Centered Design

This program is offered through the Department of Human Centered Design.

line of college students and professors hold a long rope of woven cotton fabric

Overview

To be considered for the Minor in Fiber Science, students must not be a FSAD major.

The minor requires a minimum of 15-17 credit hours of work: 

  • FSAD 1350 Fibers, Fabrics and Finishes (3 credits)
  • FSAD 1360 Fiber and Yarn Analysis Laboratory (1 credit)
  • FSAD 3350 Fiber Science (3 credits)
  • FSAD 4360 Fiber Chemistry  (3 credits)
  • Two FSAD Fiber Science courses at the 4000 or 6000 level (6 credits)

Students must earn a grade of B- or better in courses required by the minor.

Interested students should start by taking at least one of the required courses. After completing this course, they will submit the Intention to Minor in Fiber Science form. 

The minor is self-guided. It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of courses required and completed toward the minor; students will not be assigned an FSAD advisor.

To receive consideration or priority in FSAD course enrollment, students must submit the completed Intention to Minor in Fiber Science form prior to the semester in which they want to enroll. Formally declaring intent to minor in Fiber Science does not guarantee enrollment in FSAD courses. 

Completing the minor

During the semester in which the student plans to graduate, the student must submit a completed copy of the Application to Graduate with a Minor in Fiber Science form to the deaundergrad [at] cornell.edu (undergraduate programs coordinator). The deadline for May graduates is March 15; the deadline for December graduates is October 15. 

After verification by HCD that all requirements for the minor were completed, the student’s college registrar will be notified and their final transcript will indicate that they earned a Minor in Fiber Science. If you have questions, please deaundergrad [at] cornell.edu (contact the undergraduate programs coordinator).