MA in Costume Studies in New York United States | New York University

Costume studies represents one of the most dynamic frontiers in contemporary visual arts scholarship. Since 1979, our MA program in Costume Studies has pioneered the examination of clothing and textile history within its widest artistic and societal framework. This groundbreaking program was the nation's first to train experts in this discipline. Our master's program approaches fashion as a meaningful cultural artifact. Through foundational courses in fashion and textile history, the curriculum prioritizes investigating and interpreting the compelling world of dress. Moving beyond garment analysis, Costume Studies broadens the concept of fashion to encompass all elements of personal presentation, urging students to connect modern trends with historical patterns. Students benefit from NYU's expert faculty, exceptional research resources, and New York City's unparalleled museum collections, galleries, auction houses, and cultural organizations. The 36-credit program features coursework exploring costume studies' connections to material culture and various art forms, including required dress history classes alongside electives in museum studies, art theory, and decorative arts.