Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management

Widely hailed as the think tank for the beauty industry, the Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management (CFMM) Master in Professional Studies program is the only one of its kind in the country.

Tailored to emerging executives, FIT’s program develops empathetic leaders with dual competency in creative and analytical business skills fostered through unique global academic and experiential learning opportunities. By conducting original and disruptive research and brainstorming solutions to business issues and opportunities with industry luminaries, you'll fast-track your professional development and career.

You'll gain a global perspective through overseas field research, academic study, and learning from senior-level industry executives. Graduating student teams present research throughout their two years of study, culminating in a capstone project that is presented to industry at a high-profile annual event, as well as international business conferences. Applicants must have at least three years of relevant work experience at the corporate level; the average among entering students is seven.

Degree Details

CFMM graduates produce innovative, pacesetting work at the intersection of beauty, innovation, technology, and sustainability.

The 2022 CFMM capstone research focused on guiding organizations on how to best adapt to the corporate and consumer shifts within the beauty industry, and beyond, to ensure future success.

Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management ’09 graduates, class of 2009, now working together as C-Suite executives at e.l.f. cosmetics in Silicon Valley accepted the WWD Beauty Biz “Brand of Year (Mass Markets)” Award.

Based on their original research, graduating students described how the Fifth Industrial Revolution will transform the relationship between beauty and technology.

Five Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management students developed a project, titled “Sequence,” that would harness big data to create personalized fragrances for individuals based on their DNA, highlighted at the New York state capitol in Albany for SUNY’s annual graduate research symposium.

As wellness, mindfulness, and holistic health become a priority for brands and society as a whole, what does that mean for governments, for businesses—and for the beauty industry? Two teams of CFMM students tackled those bold topics.

a group of FIT CFMM student visiting India and posed in front of the Taj Majal

The 2023 capstone presentations were based on the students' travels to emerging markets, such as the United Arab Emirates and India, where they researched new drivers of growth for beauty brands as well as go-to strategies to harness talent.

Be a boss … In a constantly evolving industry, your experience at FIT will prepare you to lead teams that are ready for the challenges of the future.

When I think about Gen Z, I see them as a generation of creators. They have not only the tools but the know-how to create in ways we have never seen.

Kory MarchisottoCosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management ’09, chief marketing officer, e.l.f. Beauty, and president, Keys Soulcare

Graduates include several CMOs and general managers, scores of SVPs, and other executives at top beauty brands such as L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, Chanel, Shiseido, LVMH, and e.l.f. Cosmetics. Our executive mentor program matches students in the program with beauty industry executives, a rare opportunity to work with leaders in the field.

Career Outlook

Our faculty members are changemakers in the beauty industry. Meet more Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management faculty.

Stephan Kanlian

The founder and chair of FIT’s CFMM program, Professor Kanlian previously held marketing and business development positions in the corporate, public, and nonprofit sectors. He leads trips to Europe and Asia each year for his students, meeting with industry and thought leaders, to ensure they develop a global perspective in retail, marketing, and branding.

Mark Polson

Polson has more than 25 years of experience solving strategic business issues at The Estée Lauder Companies, most recently servicing as vice president, fast to action and design thinking. Now a full-time associate professor in the department, Polson has taught in the program for 15 years, and is a member of CFMM’s very first graduation class.

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