Master of Arts (MA) in Costume Design
DURATION
4 Semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Feb 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 1,615 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning, On-Campus
* per unit for international students / USD 1,407 per unit for domestic students
Introduction
The MA in Costume Design prepares students to join the next generation of artisans and designers with key technical skills and opportunities to practice their craft in active production environments. By combining a rigorous sewing program with industry-specific design courses, the students will be prepared to work in any number of positions in either theatre or film. Students will have opportunities to design theatrical productions, collaborating with the director, fellow designers, and the actors to create costumes that support the needs of the production. Finally, each student will graduate with a portfolio that showcases the range of their talents in the design and construction of garments and specialty items like jewelry and millinery work.
Program Outcome
Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Costume Design Skills
- Conduct research to develop creative concepts and build a visual story
- Demonstrate a consistent level of design quality from pre-production through the shooting of the film or rehearsal process in live performance art
- Conduct specific research based on a given script that shows a clear understanding of the costume needs for the story
- Design costumes that support the needs of the story and characters
- Communicate design ideas 2-dimensionally using traditional and digital media
- Develop a 2D design concept into fully realized 3D costumes for a production
- Apply advanced 3D design techniques to create clothing to a professional standard
Professional Readiness
- Produce a cohesive portfolio tailored to reflect career goals
Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
Career Opportunities
Academy of Art University offers some of the best training and hands-on experience to help accelerate your career. We pride ourselves in doing an exceptional job preparing you to excel in your future fashion careers. Our degree programs are designed to equip aspiring fashion professionals with a comprehensive toolbox of marketable skills that lead to success in the fashion industry.
Fashion Designer
Based on your conceptual vision, your grasp of fashion direction, and your ability to anticipate designs that will appeal to consumers, you will transform your fashion inspirations into original collections of clothing. Sketch, select colors and fabrics, and give direction to make the products you design.
Design Director
Oversee trends, color, and fabric direction for upcoming seasons across all product lines as a design director for a fashion label. You will manage design teams, oversee manufacturing and marketing, and set the direction for a brand voice to create the future of fashion.
Knitwear Designer
You will create ideas for a range of products including sweaters, cardigans, knit jackets and coats, knit dresses, and knit accessories. A wide variety of environments will be open to you - from retail brands to boutiques, to freelancing and will work with apparel manufacturers to create men's, women's, and children's fashions for the mass market.
Textile Designer
You will research, draw, and design seasonal prints for fashion, interiors, and other surfaces using both hand-drawing and computer skills. Design repeat patterns and graphic prints for the home and apparel. Create and inspire the next wave of textile designs.
Gallery
Curriculum
Unit Requirements
| Major | 33 |
| Graduate Liberal Arts | 3 |
| Total | 36 |
Degree Requirements
- Successful completion of Final Portfolio Review
- A minimum grade of C in all required 36 units
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
- 1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic course
Curriculum
Semester 1
- FSH 651: Fashion Construction (Major)
- FSH 661: Costume Design 1 (Major)
- GLA 613: Fashion, Arts, and Influence (Graduate Liberal Arts)
Semester 2
- FSH 601: 3D Design 1 (Major)
- FSH 640: Fashion Drawing (Major)
- FSH 662: Costume Design 2 (Major)
Semester 3
- FSH 663: Costume Design 3 (Major)
- FSH 665: Costume Design Production (Major)
- FSH 676: Costume Crafts (Major)
Semester 4
- FSH 664: Costume Design 4 (Major)
- FSH 671: Renaissance Costume Construction (Major)
- FSH 740: Portfolio for Costume Design (Major)
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Facilities
English Language Requirements
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