Costume Studies

The Costume Studies program at New York University offers an immersive and comprehensive exploration of the history, theory, design, and cultural significance of costume across various periods and societies. Designed for students passionate about fashion, history, performance, and visual culture, this program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical experience to prepare graduates for careers in costume design, wardrobe supervision, museum curation, archival work, and related fields. Students will engage in detailed analyses of costume in theater, film, television, and performance art, while also gaining hands-on skills in costume construction, textile studies, and materials analysis. The curriculum covers topics such as historical dress, contemporary fashion trends, cultural symbolism, and the ethical considerations surrounding costume production. Through lectures, seminars, research projects, and collaborations with industry professionals, students develop a deep understanding of how costumes shape identity, narrative, and cultural heritage. The program also emphasizes critical thinking and scholarly research, encouraging students to explore the cultural and social contexts of costumes within a global perspective. Facilities include access to costume collections, textile laboratories, and digital resources to support innovative research and design. Graduates of the Costume Studies program are well-equipped to contribute creatively and critically to the fields of fashion, theatre, film, and museum curation, making meaningful contributions to the preservation and innovation of costume practices worldwide.

First Year

Fall - 12 points

• ARCS-GE 2012 Literature & Methodology of Costume Studies (3 points) 
• ARCS-GE 2061 History of Costume I: Prehistory to 1800 (3 points) 
• ARCS-GE 2077 History of Textiles I: The Material of Fashion (3 points) 
• ARCS-GE 2911 History of Fashion Photography (3 points) 

Spring – 12 points 

• ARCS-GE 2062 History of Costume II: The 19th Century (3 points) 
• 3 electives chosen from among: 
• ARCS-GE 2078 History of Textiles II: The Modern Era (3 points) 
• ARCS-GE 2913 Dress in World Cultures (3 points) 
• ARCS-GE 2069 Costume Conservation and Display (3 points) 
• ARCS-GE 2064 History of Costume IV: Contemporary Dress (3 points) 
• ARCS-GE 2912 Contemporary Design Culture (3 points) 
• ARCS-GE 2302 Internship 
• Or other electives from across NYU

Second Year

• Fall – 11 points 
• ARCS-GE 2063 History of Costume III: The 20th Century (3 points) 
• ARCS-GE 2022 Research in Costume Studies (Thesis part 1) (2 points) 
• 2 electives chosen from among: 
• ARCS-GE 2910 Graduate Projects: Exhibition Praxis (3 points) 
• ARCS-GE 2102 Design and Culture: The 20th Century 
• ARCS-GE 2302 Internship 
• Or other electives from across NYU 

Spring – 7 points 

• ARCS-GE 2301 Final Project (Thesis part 2) (1 point) 
• 2 electives chosen from among: 
• ARCS-GE 2078 History of Textiles II: The Modern Era (3 points) 
• ARCS-GE 2913 Dress in World Cultures (3 points) 
• ARCS-GE 2069 Costume Conservation and Display (3 points) 
• ARCS-GE 2064 History of Costume IV: Contemporary Dress (3 points) 
• ARCS-GE 2912 Contemporary Design Culture (3 points) 
• ARCS-GE 2302 Internship 
• Or other electives from across NYU 

Requirements

• Test of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TOEFL), scores are valid for two years from the date taken. Successful candidates typically score a 100 on the Internet based exam or 600 on the paper based exam. Send official scores from ETS to NYU Steinhardt using institution code 2556. A department code is not required. Please ensure 2556 is listed as your "Designated Score Recipient" 
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Official scores are valid for twoyears from the date taken. Successful candidates typically achieve a band score of 7. Send official scores from IELTS to NYU Steinhardt by selecting New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development as a score recipient. 
• Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic). Official scores are valid for two years from the date taken. Successful candidates typically score a 68 to 70. Send official scores from PTE Academic to NYU Steinhardt by selecting New York University, NYU Steinhardt-Graduate Admissions as a score recipient.
• Résumé
• Statement of Purpose
• Submit three letters of recommendation
• Transcripts
• GRE
• Interview

Scholarships

• 21st Century Scholarships
• Steinhardt Graduate Scholarships
• Graduate Global Study Scholarship
• The Next Step Scholarship
• Teach for America Alumni Scholarship 
• America Reads and Counts at NYU 
• Resident Assistantships (RAs)

The Costume Studies program at New York University offers a comprehensive exploration of the history, design, and cultural significance of clothing and costumes across various periods and societies. As part of NYU's Steinhardt School, the program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skills, preparing students for careers in costume design, wardrobe supervision, fashion history, and related fields. Students gain hands-on experience through coursework in costume construction, textiles, illustration, and digital design, complemented by opportunities for internships and collaborations with theater, film, and fashion industries. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, including historical costume analysis, costume design for performance, and contemporary fashion trends, fostering a multidisciplinary perspective. Faculty members are experts in costume history, design, and material culture, guiding students through research methods and creative processes. The program encourages critical inquiry into the social, political, and cultural context of dress, fostering an understanding of how costumes reflect identity, power, and societal change. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a rich library collection, students develop technical skills alongside their scholarly knowledge. Graduates of the Costume Studies program often pursue careers in costume design, costume research, archival work, or continue advanced studies in related disciplines. Throughout the program, there is a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical considerations in costume production, aligning with current industry practices. Collaborative projects with university theater productions, film projects, and other arts initiatives facilitate real-world experience. The program aims to produce well-rounded professionals capable of contributing creatively and critically to the fields of costume design and history, making use of NYU's extensive network within the arts and entertainment industries.