Carnegie Mellon University

Overview

Costume Design at Carnegie Mellon University equips students with the skills to design and craft costumes for various performance mediums, including stage and screen. Through a combination of studio-based training, critical analysis, and hands-on production experience, students learn to merge creativity with technical expertise.

Students collaborate with faculty and industry professionals to hone their drawing, textile, and construction skills, which they then apply to real-world performances in theatre, film, television, and dance.

What you'll study

The programme emphasizes key areas such as costume design, construction, textiles, and visual storytelling. Students engage in on-campus, studio-based learning and production practices throughout their studies.

• Core learning areas: Design fundamentals, visual communication, textile study, costume construction, and collaborative production.
• Coursework examples may include:
  • Make-Up for Designers
  • Figure Drawing
  • Design Collaboration Project
  • Who Wore What: When, Where, and Why
  • Understanding Textiles
  • Millinery
  • Fabric Dyeing
  • Drawing for Theatrical Designers
  • Costume Design for Dance
• Production and portfolio development:
  • Design and making assignments tied to live performances.
  • Collaborative projects focusing on teamwork and process documentation.
  • Portfolio-building through completed costume designs and technical work.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Costume Design programme is based on academic readiness and the materials submitted with your application. GRE/GMAT scores are not required.

International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through one of the accepted tests:

• Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 135
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 102
• IELTS (Academic): Minimum score of 7.5

Scores must meet the stated minimums and be valid at the time of application.

General application requirements include:

• Submission via the Common Application
• Application fee
• High school transcripts
• Secondary school counselor evaluation
• Teacher recommendation
• Common Application essay
• Common Application writing supplement

Career prospects

Graduates of the Costume Design programme are well-prepared to enter the workforce in various roles across the performing arts. The skills developed throughout the course enable graduates to pursue careers in costume design, wardrobe supervision, and production management, among others.

After completing their degree, students may also explore work opportunities in the country where they studied, depending on immigration regulations and personal circumstances. Many international students take advantage of Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain practical experience in their field after graduation.