About the Program
Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) designers aspiring to enter the footwear industry will master the artistry and craft of footwear design and shoemaking in the Footwear Design minor.
The CCS Graduate Minor in Footwear Design includes a unique combination of functionality, aesthetics, color, and material innovation, paired with the complexities of patternmaking and shoe construction.
Students will have the opportunity to focus on materials and processes within the footwear industry, exploring and innovating sustainable alternatives to surpass existing industry standards.
A highlight of the program is the opportunity for experiential engagement with industry partners through sponsored projects. Students are able to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
The three-course minor, totaling 9 credits, fulfills the three elective requirements in the MFA Color and Materials Design program. However, please note this option is not offered within the MA program due to the consecutive nature of the course structure and content.
Program Learning Outcomes
Applied Principles and Practice
Demonstrate advanced proficiency in techniques, acquired through the integration of footwear design, to showcase a comprehensive understanding of applied materials and processes within the footwear industry.
Independent Investigation and Practice
Engage in self-directed research and exhibit proficiency in analyzing and interpreting findings relevant to the specific line of inquiry within the footwear design domain.
Material Innovation and Advancement
Employ advanced research methodologies and material-driven concept development to generate pertinent and inventive material concepts specifically tailored for footwear design.
Trend Research, Analysis, and Impact
Interpret, translate, and forecast trends, assessing their potential impact on individuals, consumers, and their behaviors within the realm of footwear fashion and design.
Critical Analysis and Original Ideation
Cultivate a comprehensive understanding of influential factors, fostering innovative thinking and originality that result in creative and inventive ideas pertinent to the field of footwear design.
Process-Oriented Understanding
Comprehend color, material, and finish characteristics within the manufacturing context, recognizing their aesthetic and functional potential specifically within the domain of footwear design.



















