Costume Design Degrees
The world of costume design is a competitive place, so enrolling in a two- or four-year program can give you an advantage over other designers. Costume design programs are often closely linked with fashion design programs, and often either one will qualify you for a career in costume design. Costume design programs will generally focus on fashion as it relates to staging a production and how it functions within a narrative. Each costume design degree program will prepare graduates for different career paths, so be sure to choose one that will qualify you for your dream job.
Costume design degrees include:
- Diploma/Certification: These programs will use drawing as a means of designing costumes. Costume designers must take film script and setting into account when designing costumes. A diploma in this field can provide the analytical skills necessary to translate a director’s vision into effective costume design.
- Associate’s: This degree, which typically takes two years to complete, will prepare the graduate for an entry-level or internship position in the costume design industry. The associate’s degree program will cover costume design principles including staging, theatrical set design, performing arts production and costume/accessory design. Upon completion, graduates may decide continue on to a bachelor’s-level degree program.
- Bachelor’s: A four-year bachelor’s degree program will provide students with a close study of both fashion and costume design; graduates will be able to pursue a career in either industry. These degree programs are very hands-on and allow students to learn from— and be critiqued by—veterans of the industry.