Overview

The Costume Design M.F.A. at Indiana University Bloomington provides a rigorous sixty-hour curriculum designed to prepare artists for the professional theatre industry. This programme integrates advanced academic study with extensive practical experience in realised production work. Students benefit from a structured environment that fosters creative collaboration and technical mastery across multiple performance genres.

Why Costume Design at Indiana University Bloomington?

The programme is led by award-winning working professionals and members of United Scenic Artists, ensuring that the training remains relevant to current industry standards. Students have access to exceptional production spaces and the unique opportunity to participate in a graduate-level study abroad course in London. During their three-year residency, designers are guaranteed at least four major productions and one contemporary dance piece, allowing them to build a substantial portfolio of realised work. The department's strong links to professional companies provide a bridge between academic study and a career in the arts.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 27271 per year
National fee: USD 27271 per year
Local fee: USD 27271 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on a blend of design theory, historical context, and practical rendering skills. Modules may include:

Costume Design
Costume History
Script Analysis
Aesthetics for Costuming
Rendering, Drawing and Media
Costume Technology
Collaboration

Careers with Costume Design

Graduates are highly prepared for roles in professional theatre, opera, ballet, and academia. Alumni from the programme have secured positions at prestigious organisations across the United States, including the Washington Opera, San Francisco Opera, and the Santa Fe Opera. Others have pursued successful careers in regional theatres such as the Indiana Repertory Theatre and various Shakespeare festivals. The programme also equips students for teaching roles, with graduates employed at institutions like the University of Florida and the State University of New York. Key career paths include:

Professional Costume Designer
Costume Coordinator
Wardrobe Manager
Millinery and Mask Specialist
Academic Faculty Member

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Rendering for Costume Design

Costume Design

Advanced Costume Design Aesthetics

Construction & Couture Techniques

Historic Costume for the Stage

Portfolio Seminar for Costume Design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Applications will be accepted until all openings have been filled.

Language

English

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IELTS

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bloomington, United States

Disciplines

Liberal Arts Drama View 255 other Masters in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

You are admitted to the program after proving competency as shown by your portfolio, statement of goals, and required onsite interview.
The Design and Technology Faculty Committee selects candidates based on judgments of portfolio, writing quality, and professional potential.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27271 USD / year

≈ 27271 USD / year
Out-of-State

27271 USD / year

≈ 27271 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

27271 USD / year

≈ 27271 USD / year

Living costs

Bloomington

United States

1071 - 1733 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Costume Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bloomington

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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