Searching for schools that have in-depth programming in costume design but allow a double major. Specifically, the desire is to study and have plenty of hands-on experience in costume design and production, and also double major in an applied math such as geometry. The BA tech theater route appears (generally) to have too much non-costume, non-tech coursework (i.e., required courses in acting, dancing, etc). Not strictly ruling out BA or insistent on BFA, just would prefer the focus, experience and intensity of a BFA-type program but also the ability to double major. Please share specific suggestions for schools to research. Thank you!!
(If it helps allay concerns about work load, the student will enter college, in 2017, with (potentially) a year’s worth of general ed credits from high school AP/DE coursework.)
Try look at Marymount Manhattan’s BA Theatre Arts Design and Technical Production Concentration. They give room to create a BFA like experience. There is also ability to double major and many internship opportunities.
Check out Rutgers (New Brunswick) Mason Gross School of Performing Arts.
I’m shooting for costume design so I may be some help! (I’m a senior in HS now. I applied to six schools- have already been accepted to two academically).
Just letting you know, it will be very hard to find an excellent in-depth costuming program that allows for a double major. Generally, with the exception of NYU Tisch, BFA programs will not allow you to. It’s not a matter of the school not allowing you to, but your own schedule not allowing it. There are too many overlaps. I know for a fact that it’s impossible to do at Rutgers (I just attended an info session there a couple months ago and this is what I was told). That said, Rutgers has one of the best programs out there so I wouldn’t cross it off your list.
On the subject of NYU Tisch which I mentioned, you would be a Theatre Major and not technically a Design major BUT you would be working in the design/production studio so it’s nearly the same thing. Since you’d be looking to double major anyway, the fact that there is more focus on academics (it’s more 50/50 academics:training compared to a school like CMU or Rutgers which would be more like 80/20) than other BFA schools probably won’t concern you. That said, NYU Tisch is one of THE most expensive programs and has a terrible terrible reputation for financial aid. Not to sound like I’m knocking the school, (it’s actually my first choice- I applied EDII) just something to consider.
I second the above poster’s recommendation to look at MMC! I applied there (got accepted) and if I choose to go there, I would most likely pick up a minor.
Basically, my advice is if you are set on double majoring, look at programs where the BFA program is more like a BA program (as far as academics:training) and at BA programs. Actually, straight up emailing the schools you’re looking at and asking will make things a lot easier. But also consider sacrificing the double major idea in favor of the best training and opportunities. Oh, and go to as many theatre related info sessions as possible. People recommended programs to me that seemed excellent on their website and based on reputation, but I visited and was not only not impressed but extremely turned off for various reasons.
Best of luck! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. 
The tricky part of double majoring at NYU is the 3/2 studio split- meaning you can really only take classes that meet on days studio doesn’t. I know there are kids who get it done (often utilizing J term and/or summer school) but I don’t think it is “easy”. I would also characterize training vs academics at NYU as more 75/25. My D generally takes 2 outside classes a semester. If I am remembering correctly from CMU - you took 1 outside class a semester. So you are taking “double” the academic classes that you might find at a more conservatory based program, but I would not qualify it as “half” of my kid’s education. The 50/50 was more the audition/academics split in the admissions process
Hi, @mfarrellsavage. My daughter is a senior going in for costume design as well and Rutgers is her first choice! She is still waiting on them—had a portfolio review two weeks ago, and we have visited there twice. She has been accepted into the BFA program at Montclair State, which is at the moment her second choice. Waiting on Depaul & SUNY Purchase and still trying to get materials uploaded at VCU (ugh, technical glitch). Based on what we’ve learned, I agree with all you’ve said above about the double majoring.
My daughter is currently a BFA costume design major at DePaul. She LOVES it. However the major is VERY time consuming in and of itself. It is very difficult double majoring, however there are kids who do it! Because of the conservatory experience the students are given a lot of in depth study. You will get experience in makeup, costume technology, in depth production classes. Later on in your program you have the opportunity to take classes in lighting and scenic design as well. EVERY quarter you will be given a crew assignment on a play as well, which will give you some great experience. However, crew is also time consuming. My daughter will have 12-14 hour days when she crews (in addition to classes). Contact them! If you have any questions about their program I can ask her specifics as well. She has been incredibly happy and is loving her classes and experiences as a whole. http://theatre.depaul.edu/conservatory/undergraduate/costume-design/Pages/curriculum.aspx