B.F.A. in Costume Design

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.

DePaul University is dedicated to supporting the academic aspirations of international students. The university offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help make education more accessible. 

International Student Scholarships: DePaul University provides merit-based scholarships to international undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships consider academic achievements, test scores, and other criteria.

Global Gateway Scholarships: These scholarships are designed for undergraduate international students who transfer from specific partner institutions to DePaul. They help facilitate a smooth transition.

Dean's Merit-Based Scholarships: DePaul's colleges and schools offer dean's merit-based scholarships to international students within their respective programs. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements and contributions.

International Experience Scholarship: This scholarship is for undergraduate students planning to participate in study abroad programs. It provides financial support to students seeking to gain global perspectives.

Vincent G. Rinn Family Endowed Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students with financial need. It helps cover tuition costs and promote diversity within the DePaul community.

Donor-Funded Scholarships: DePaul University administers a range of donor-funded scholarships, some of which are available to international students. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and application requirements.

Athletic Scholarships: DePaul offers athletic scholarships for international student-athletes who excel in various sports. These scholarships may cover tuition and related expenses.

External Scholarships: DePaul encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, both in their home countries and in the United States.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines can vary among programs and departments at DePaul University.

Graduates of the B.F.A. in Costume Design program at DePaul University have a variety of career paths available to them in the dynamic fields of theater, film, and television. Their training equips them with the necessary skills to excel in various roles within the costume and fashion industries. 

Costume Designer: Many graduates pursue careers as costume designers, working on theatrical productions, films, and television shows. They create visually compelling costumes that reflect characters’ personalities and storylines.

Wardrobe Supervisor: Alumni may become wardrobe supervisors, responsible for managing costume departments during productions. They oversee the fitting, maintenance, and organization of costumes, ensuring everything runs smoothly on set or stage.

Costume Coordinator: Some graduates take on roles as costume coordinators, helping to organize costume fittings, logistics, and inventory management for productions. They ensure that all costume needs are met efficiently.

Fashion Designer: Graduates can transition into the fashion industry, applying their design skills to create clothing lines or collaborate with brands. Their understanding of fabric, color, and design principles translates well into fashion design.

Tailor or Seamstress: Many alumni work as skilled tailors or seamstresses, specializing in costume creation and alteration. They craft custom garments for various performance needs, including theater and film.

Historical Costumer: Some graduates specialize in historical costume design, working in museums, historical reenactments, or period films. They use their research skills to create authentic costumes that reflect specific time periods.

Costume Stylist: Graduates may work as costume stylists for photo shoots, fashion shows, or media events, selecting and coordinating outfits to create cohesive looks that convey a particular theme or vision.

Theatrical Make-up Artist: Combining skills in costume design with make-up artistry, some alumni focus on theatrical make-up, enhancing character appearances to complement their costumes.

Set Designer: With their understanding of visual storytelling, some graduates move into set design, working to create the overall aesthetic of theatrical or film productions.

Costume Buyer: Graduates can work as costume buyers, sourcing and purchasing costumes and accessories for productions. They must stay within budgets while ensuring quality and creativity.

Educational Roles: Some alumni pursue careers in education, teaching costume design and related subjects at schools, colleges, or community workshops, sharing their knowledge and passion with the next generation.

Freelance Designer: Many graduates choose to work as freelance costume designers, collaborating with various productions on a project-by-project basis. This allows for flexibility and diverse experiences across the industry.

Consultant: Experienced graduates may work as consultants for productions, providing expertise in costume design, historical accuracy, or specific cultural elements.

Event Coordinator for Theatrical Productions: Some graduates leverage their organizational skills to coordinate theatrical events or festivals, ensuring all costume-related elements are executed seamlessly.

Entrepreneur: With a strong foundation in design, some alumni start their own costume design businesses, creating bespoke costumes for individual clients, theatrical productions, or themed events.