<p>There are many schools which offer an MFA in Costume Design –</p>
<p>I would suggest [University/Resident</a> Theatre Association - Home](<a href=“http://urta.com/index.php]University/Resident”>http://urta.com/index.php) as a place to start looking for MFA programs. Also [Theatre</a> Directories - Summer Theatres - Regional Theatres - Theatre Training Programs](<a href=“http://theatredirectories.com/training.html]Theatre”>http://theatredirectories.com/training.html) </p>
<p>As far as your other questions – some will apply right out of undergraduate school, others will work for a few years in the field first. Working for a few years can open up more opportunities for assistantships.</p>
<p>I know some people who went on to pursue MFAs in costume design with undergraduate degrees in fashion design (with experience working in theatre costume design and/ or construction), or who had undergraduate degrees in other areas (with experience working in theatre costume design and/ or construction).</p>