Master in Costume Design (MFA)

Tuition fees are 56,074 USD per year.

The Master in Costume Design (MFA) at California Institute of the Arts is a degree for students who want to become costume designers. This 2-year Master's program helps students develop their skills in costume design.

The curriculum covers the history of clothing, text analysis, construction, and graphic skills. Students also learn about new technologies and management. They work on projects with students from other departments, such as film, dance, and music. This helps them develop analytical thinking and creative skills.

Graduates of this program can become costume designers for theater, film, or dance companies. They can also work as fashion designers, wardrobe managers, or art directors. Some possible job titles include costume designer, fashion designer, wardrobe supervisor, and art director.

California Institute of the Arts, located near Valencia in Southern California, is a leading institution for creative education founded with a legacy of innovation in the arts. CalArts encourages experimental practice across disciplines including art, film, music, theater, dance, and animation, and offers a compact, studio-focused learning environment where students develop original work under the mentorship of practicing artists and industry professionals.

The institute promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning, supporting individual artistic development with cutting-edge studios, performance spaces, and digital labs. Small class sizes and intensive critique-based courses help students refine their voices and build professional portfolios, while visiting artists, festivals, and partnerships provide exposure to the wider creative industry. Academic advising, portfolio coaching, and career development services support transitions to festivals, galleries, studios, and commercial roles.

International students find a welcoming community and opportunities to participate in collaborative projects, residencies, and public exhibitions that elevate their practice. CalArts fosters a culture of experimentation, critical inquiry, and professional networking, making it a strong choice for creative learners who seek rigorous mentorship, cross-disciplinary exploration, and direct engagement with the contemporary arts scene in the United States.