The design of a successful theatrical costume involves an insight into the dramatic character's development, and ability to blend with the visual style of the scenic design, a recognition of the director's vision of the staging, and a special individual flair or style that is the costume designer's alone. The costume designer enhances the actor's physical and expressive ability through the cut, draping, choice of fabric, and ornamentation, creating an appropriate effect with silhouette, line and color. The artistic skills of sketching and color rendering, a strong sense of historical period and style, a comprehensive knowledge of the practices and techniques of costume technology, and good communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential to augment the designer's natural talent.

Costume technology involves the realization of the costume designer's sketches, samples, notes, research and fabric swatches into practical, effective, and affordable costumes for a theatrical production on stage, television or film. Knowledge of the design process, historical periods, and styles, and familiarity with the dramatic or lyric work are also required. Pattern drafting, cutting, draping, stitching, and dyeing form the core of the craft, with additional craft work in fabric painting, millinery, weaving, leather, and mask work. Knowledge of fabric characteristics from traditional cottons, silks, and wools, to contemporary synthetics, plastics, and even metals is essential. Responsibilities for the costume management of productions range from the costing, construction, and fitting phases, to material, equipment, and costume inventory control, to fast changes backstage and wardrobe maintenance during the run.

This program emphasizes the dual importance of design and technology no matter which area one's strength may lie in, as knowledge and communication skills in both are critical in this collaborative art, and especially valuable for professional entry level positions.