Program Overview

Introduction to the MFA in Costume Design Program

The MFA in Costume Design program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a challenging yet rewarding program intended to prepare successful candidates for a career in the professional world of theatrical design. The program focuses on dramaturgical research and conceptual investigation, with the goal of developing intellectual and emotional connections to source material and artistic self-expression.

Program Overview

• The program recruits students for enrollment in the Fall of even-numbered years, with the next recruitment cycle scheduled for the Fall of 2026.
• Online application is encouraged after receiving an informal offer from the program.
• The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in costume design, including coursework, practical experience, and research opportunities.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the MFA in Costume Design program includes a range of courses, such as:

• Theatre 501: Introduction to Graduate Studies
• Theatre 503: Elements of Design for the Theatre
• Theatre 540: Graduate Studies in Costume Design
• Theatre 580: Design Seminar
• Theatre 599: Project in Lieu of Thesis

Sample Curriculum

The following is a typical 3-year study program:

• Semester 1:
  • Theatre 501: Introduction to Graduate Studies
  • Theatre 503: Elements of Design for the Theatre
  • Theatre 540: Graduate Studies in Costume Design
  • Theatre 580: Design Seminar
• Semester 2:
  • Theatre 446: Costume Patterning
  • Theatre 540: Graduate Studies in Costume Design
  • Theatre 580: Design Seminar
  • Theatre 492: Off-Campus Study
• Semester 3:
  • Theatre 540: Graduate Studies in Costume Design
  • Theatre 547: Painting and Dyeing
  • Theatre 580: Design Seminar
  • Theatre 584: Photography for the Theatre
  • Theatre 587: Computer Aided Rendering for the Theatre
• Semester 4:
  • Theatre 510: Theatre History
  • Theatre 540: Graduate Studies in Costume Design
  • Theatre 545: Millinery for the Stage
  • Theatre 549: Special Projects in Costume Technology
  • Theatre 588: Digital Portfolio
  • Theatre 491: Foreign Study
• Semester 5:
  • Theatre 540: Graduate Studies in Costume Design
  • Theatre 549: Special Projects in Costume Technology
  • Theatre 599: Project in Lieu of Thesis
  • Elective
• Semester 6:
  • Theatre 540: Graduate Studies in Costume Design
  • Theatre 542/557: Period Styles
  • Theatre 549: Special Projects in Costume Technology
  • Theatre 599: Project in Lieu of Thesis
  • Elective

Funding

All MFA in Theatre candidates at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, receive exceptional financial support, including:

• Full tuition waivers
• Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) stipends throughout their training
• Student travel funding
• Health insurance
• Average additional scholarships

The total funding per year is approximately $51,000, with a total of $153,000 over three years.

Resources

Important MFA links and forms, including:

• Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Gina Di Salvo
• University of Tennessee Graduate School
• Accessibility
• Professional Organizations
• External Project Authorization Form
• MFA Design Reading List

Equipment Requirements

All Graduate Students in the MFA Theatre Design Program are required to have a computer, software, and other equipment, prior to their use in programmatic classes, including:

• Laptop (Windows or Apple)
• Digital camera
• iPad and Apple Pencil
• Art supplies (for Costume students)

FAQs

• How many shows will I design? Most MFA Costume Design students will design 3-5 realized productions during their time at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
• How many total design students are in the program? There are a maximum of 16 students: 4 in Costume Design, 4 in Lighting Design, 4 in Scenic Design, and 4 in Sound and Digital Media.
• How many design students are on assistantship? All design students are on assistantships.
• What does the assistantship cover? It covers full remission of tuition, an annual stipend of about $26,000, and up to $1,500 annual travel funding as approved by the faculty.
• What kind of expenses will I incur in this program? Books, passport, computer supplies, and any travel costs that exceed $1,500 per year.
• Does the university provide health insurance? Yes.
• How many theatres does the university have? Three: The Clarence Brown Theatre, The Jenny Boyd Theatre, and The Lab Theatre.
• Do the design professors work professionally? Yes, our faculty designers are nationally and internationally recognized for their work at various theatres.
• What other graduate degree programs are offered? We offer an MFA in Theatre, with concentrations in Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Costume Design, Sound and Media Design, and Acting.
• Will I need to get a passport? Definitely.