The field of costume studies is one of the most exciting areas of current visual arts research. Since 1979, our MA in Costume Studies has focused on the history of dress and textiles in its broadest aesthetic and cultural context. It was the first curriculum in the United States to educate specialists in this field. our MA in Costume Studies has focused on the history of dress and textiles in its broadest aesthetic and cultural context. It was the first curriculum in the United States to educate specialists in this field.Our master's degree focuses on fashion as a significant and vital cultural product. With a core of courses on the history of fashion and textiles, the curriculum emphasizes research and analysis of the fascinating phenomenon of dress. Not limited to the study of garments, Costume Studies extends the term fashion to all aspects of appearance as students are encouraged to consider recent developments in the light of what they learn about the past.Your experience and individual research will be enhanced by access to NYU's specialist faculty, world-class research facilities and the rich offerings of New York's museums, galleries, auction houses, and other institutions.The degree offers courses that emphasize the relation of costume studies to material culture and the fine and decorative arts. The 36-point curriculum includes core courses in the history of dress and textiles, as well as electives in exhibition and museum topics, art theory and criticism, and the decorative arts.