Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Costume Design and Technology

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

This certificate is designed to prepare students for entry level costume careers within the entertainment industry, such as television, film, theme parks, theaters, and varied performance venues. Emphasis is placed on developing fundamental costume design skill sets and the processes and procedures utilized in the entertainment industry for costuming performers. 

Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between costumes, the script, and the actor.

Apply costume design principles to characterizations for a specific script.

Develop the fundamental skills to visualize, pattern, construct, and fit performers with custom and prefabricated costumes for live and recorded productions.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

8-9 units
THEA 137
Costume Design and Construction
Explores the many aspects of costume design, including the breakdown of a script, artistic rendering of the literature, development of themes and design concepts, research sources, examination of the social and economic mores that govern dress, and the history of dress. Students will analyze, research, and design two plays to present to the class. The course will include film and theatre industry standards in the area of costume design.
*Fall Course Only
    THEA 136
    Introduction to Stage Costume
    Students will study costume history, design, and basic construction techniques as an introduction to basic theatrical costuming. Fabrics and their various uses will be investigated. (Same as FDM 136).
    *Fall Course Only
      CHOICE: Costume Design and Technology Elective

      Second Semester

      6 units
      THEA 138
      Costume Periods and Styles
      A study of the changes in dress from ancient times to the present. Social and political influences, as well as the historical accuracy of period dress, are considered relative to the practical needs of costuming for stage, film, and television.
      *Spring Course Only
        CHOICE: Costume Design and Technology Elective