The Costume Design program includes study in costume design, drawing and rendering, technical applications such as pattern drafting and draping, costume crafts, costume and theatre history, literature, and criticism to provide a strong foundation for effective communication and teamwork. Every effort is made to provide the student with a minimum of one design opportunity per academic year.

First Year
The first year of course work provides basic skills in design and a foundation in the technical aspects of costume creation. Assistantship hours will be fulfilled working in the costume shop under the supervision of the costume shop manager and foreman, training to use specific equipment, and developing production-oriented skills. During this time the student receives a better understanding of the production process. Beginning with the second semester, students may be assigned to design their first show.
Students may elect to fulfill the summer credits (Repertory or Internship) following the first year of training or the second year.

Second Year
The second year of course work provides advanced training. Emphasis is placed upon a higher level of quality in their ability to communicate and work as part of a collaborative team. Specific skills such as rendering, construction, and costume crafts are developed to a professional level during this period. Knowledge of the history of costume and its development is attained. Designing the costumes for a departmental production is required. Students serving as graduate assistants are assigned supervisory positions or teaching positions and must coordinate undergraduate assistants. Organization, budgeting and planning are also stressed during the second year of training.

Third Year
The Project-in-Lieu-of-Thesis requires the student to fulfill a major production responsibility and compile a written document that chronicles this process with supporting documentation. The project will be in the student's primary area of focus. A defense of the project and document follows. The student will also satisfactorily complete a written comprehensive examination demonstrating cumulative knowledge and understanding of theatre history, literature, and criticism as well as fundamentals of design and specifics about their area of interest. Answers to the examination are defended in an oral defense. During this third year the student’s work is required to be at a professional level.

A portfolio review/interview  evaluating the student's development is conducted at the conclusion of each and every semester.