Master of Arts

Of the 30 semester hours required for the degree, no more than nine hours may be in upper-division courses. At least 15 hours must be in the major; at least six must be outside the major. A written thesis is required, for which the student earns six hours of credit in Theatre and Dance 698. Other coursework is determined following an evaluation of the student’s background and preparation.

Master of Fine Arts

The master of Fine Arts degree is offered with a major in theatre and a major in dance. The MFA in Dance requires 60 semester hours. The MFA in Theatre includes multiple areas of specialization. The specializations in drama and theatre for youth and communities; live design and production; and performance as a public practice require 60 semester hours; the specialization in directing or playwriting require 54 semester hours. For all MFA degree options, no more than nine semester hours may be upper-division courses. A minor of at least six hours in a supporting subject or subjects outside the major field is required. A thesis is required, for which the student earns six hours of credit in Theatre and Dance 698. Other coursework is determined following an evaluation of the student’s background and preparation.

Master of Fine Arts degree requirements assume that the entering student has a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre or dance, or a degree in a related field. Students with degrees in other disciplines may not have the necessary training or proficiency for some areas of the Master of Fine Arts program and may be required to take additional upper-division coursework in theatre and/or dance.

Students with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree may have training and proficiency beyond those of Bachelor of Arts graduates. These students may be granted waivers of some credit hours. Waivers are awarded only after careful evaluation by the faculty of the student’s previous training and experience. No more than 20 semester hours of credit may be waived.

Doctor of Philosophy

The student’s program of study, including coursework and other requirements to be met, must be approved by a committee appointed by the chair of the Graduate Studies Committee. Each student must demonstrate reading competence in two foreign languages, or in-depth knowledge of one foreign language. The student must pass qualifying examinations, write an acceptable dissertation, and pass an oral examination related to the dissertation. Detailed information about the requirements is available from the graduate advisor.