CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
MFA Costume Design
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€52k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Ranked among the best in the countryProgram Ranking
- World-class faculty with diverse industry experienceFaculty Expertise
- Opportunities with local theater and opera companiesProfessional Experience
- International offerings like Prague QuadrennialGlobal Opportunities
- Visits to New York costume studios and fabric districtIndustry Exposure
- Alumni have earned 15 Tony NominationsAlumni Success
Carnegie Mellon's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Costume Design program is a highly-ranked program focused on developing students' aesthetic sensibilities, historical knowledge, critical analysis, and practical making skills. Through intensive, mentored instruction, students engage with various performance mediums including theater, film, television, opera, musicals, and dance. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience through realized productions and opportunities to assist or design professionally with Pittsburgh's local theater companies. Students also benefit from trips to New York's costume studios and fabric district, providing exposure to industry resources and connections. The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and professional network necessary for fulfilling and successful careers in costume design.
Curriculum
The Costume Design curriculum offers intensive, mentored instruction designed to develop aesthetic sensibilities, understanding of global history, critical analysis, making skills, and practical application in realized productions. Coursework and production experiences span theater, film, television, opera, musicals, dance, and devised work.
- Year 1
- Costume Design Studio
- History of Costume
- Materials and Techniques
- Production Design Collaboration
- Year 2
- Advanced Costume Design
- Professional Practice in Design
- Thesis Project
- Assisted/Designed Productions
Careers
Graduates leave the MFA Costume Design program with the skills and industry connections to build artistically fulfilling and successful careers in various fields.
- Costume Designer
- Assistant Costume Designer
- Costume Technician
- Fiber Artist
- Wardrobe Supervisor
Frequently asked questions
- What are the estimated tuition fees for the MFA Costume Design program?
- Tuition for the MFA Costume Design program is estimated at $60,900 per academic year, based on the Mellon College of Science Masters program. This amount does not differentiate between international and domestic students. The estimated total living expenses are $34,018 per academic year.
- What are the academic requirements for admission?
- A bachelor's degree is typically required for admission to the MFA program. While specific undergraduate coursework is not detailed, a background in design, theater, or a related field is recommended.
- What is the English language proficiency requirement for international applicants?
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL iBT score of at least 100. TOEFL waivers are not issued.
- How do I apply for the MFA Costume Design program?
- Applications are submitted through the School of Computer Science online graduate application portal, which opens on September 9th for Fall admissions of the following year. Required materials include transcripts, a resume, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation.
- When is the application deadline and when are decisions released?
- The application opens on September 9th for Fall admissions. While a specific deadline is not provided, it is typically in December or January for Fall admission. Admission decisions are usually released in late winter or early spring.
- What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the MFA Costume Design program?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as Costume Designer, Assistant Costume Designer, Costume Technician, or Wardrobe Supervisor. They may work with theater and opera companies, or pursue careers in film, television, exhibition curation, and international design festivals.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree is typically required for admission to the MFA program. Specific undergraduate coursework or experience in design, theater, or a related field is recommended.
TOEFL iBTMinimum 100 is normally expected for successful applicants. Waivers are not issued.
While the provided 'Apply' page is for a different program (MS in Automated Science: Biological Experimentation), it states that TOEFL waivers are not issued for non-native English speakers, regardless of previous study in English-speaking environments. This policy is likely consistent across CMU graduate programs.
Fees
Tuition (international)Mellon College of Science (MCS) Masters Tuition: $60,900 per academic year.
Tuition (home)Mellon College of Science (MCS) Masters Tuition: $60,900 per academic year. (No distinction is made between international and domestic tuition for Masters programs in the provided fee information).
LivingEstimated Total Living Expenses (Housing, Food, Books, Personal, Travel, Transportation, Technology Fee, Student Activities Fee, estimated loan fees): $34,018 per academic year. Health Insurance is TBD.
Tuition and fee information is based on the Mellon College of Science (MCS) Masters program for the 2026-2027 academic year and is used as a proxy for the School of Drama's MFA programs. Specific tuition for the MFA Costume Design program may vary. The total estimated cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, and living expenses.
How to apply
1. Prepare Application MaterialsGather required documents including transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
2. Submit Online ApplicationComplete and submit the application through the School of Computer Science online graduate application portal. The application opens on September 9th for Fall admissions in the following year.
3. Request RecommendationsEnsure three letters of recommendation are submitted, with at least two from faculty or recent employers.
4. Submit TranscriptsUpload a PDF of the most recent transcript from each college and/or university attended.
5. Write Statement of PurposeCraft a statement detailing research interests, experience, and objectives. An optional paragraph on diversity, equity, and inclusion contributions is encouraged.
6. Meet English Proficiency RequirementsIf English is not your native language, submit a TOEFL iBT score of at least 100. Waivers are not issued.
7. Await Admission DecisionAdmission decisions are typically released after the application deadline.
Scholarships
Rales Fellowship Program—
Conference Funding—
Professional Engagement Funding—
Scholarly Project Funding$750
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated tuition fees for the MFA Costume Design program?
+
Tuition for the MFA Costume Design program is estimated at $60,900 per academic year, based on the Mellon College of Science Masters program. This amount does not differentiate between international and domestic students. The estimated total living expenses are $34,018 per academic year.
What are the academic requirements for admission?
+
A bachelor's degree is typically required for admission to the MFA program. While specific undergraduate coursework is not detailed, a background in design, theater, or a related field is recommended.
What is the English language proficiency requirement for international applicants?
+
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL iBT score of at least 100. TOEFL waivers are not issued.
How do I apply for the MFA Costume Design program?
+
Applications are submitted through the School of Computer Science online graduate application portal, which opens on September 9th for Fall admissions of the following year. Required materials include transcripts, a resume, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation.
When is the application deadline and when are decisions released?
+
The application opens on September 9th for Fall admissions. While a specific deadline is not provided, it is typically in December or January for Fall admission. Admission decisions are usually released in late winter or early spring.
What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the MFA Costume Design program?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as Costume Designer, Assistant Costume Designer, Costume Technician, or Wardrobe Supervisor. They may work with theater and opera companies, or pursue careers in film, television, exhibition curation, and international design festivals.