The Department of Theatre Arts offers graduate work leading to either a master's or master's of fine arts degree. Students entering the master’s degree program should have an undergraduate major in theater arts or the equivalent.
To learn more about the requirements for earning a master's or master's of fine arts degree, please consult our Graduate Student Handbook.
Master of Arts
The theatre arts master's is a two-year program of coursework in theatre studies, requiring demonstration of research competence (basic translation/comprehension reading skills) in a foreign language and completion of a master’s thesis. A master’s degree emphasizes academic study and research, often leading to further study towards a doctorate.
Master's Basic Timeline
- First year: Advisory examination and plan to complete a total of at least nine courses in the first year, including at least two theatre arts graduate seminars (600-level).
- End of first year: Letter of evaluation, preliminary ideas for the thesis, and thesis advisor assigned. By end of summer, completion of language proficiency.
- Second year: Complete prospectus and commence foundational research; complete at least nine courses to fulfill a program approved by the advisor, including at least two theatre arts graduate seminars (600 level) credits in Research and Thesis towards expected fulfillment of all degree requirements by June typically are taken in winter and/or spring terms of the second year.
Master's Degree Requirements
- At least 44 graduate credits in graded theatre arts coursework
- 12 credits of TA 503: Thesis
- At least 16 credits of graded coursework, including 4 of the 6 TA 607 graduate seminars offered during their two years
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0
- Language proficiency (coursework or exam)
- Completion of approved thesis
- Faculty-guided artistic production in design, acting, directing, technical production, dramaturgy, and playwriting
Master of Fine Arts
The master of fine arts is the terminal degree for those planning to work or teach in theatrical production. We offer three-year programs of study in scenic design, costume design, and lighting design, or a pairing of two of these areas. Some students also work on technical direction. Completion involves a creative project with an accompanying written report.
We do not offer the master of fine arts degree in acting, directing, or playwriting.
The master of fine arts in theatre arts at the University of Oregon includes both academic and production components. In comparison to the master's degree, it requires additional credit hours in design and technology, and the satisfactory completion of a design project with a written component. Students are approved to begin work on a final project after a satisfactory qualifying presentation given to the full faculty.
The qualifying presentation is usually scheduled during the winter term of the second year. All master of fine arts final projects are juried by the full faculty and must demonstrate high artistic ability. The degree requires a minimum of 88 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. The minimum requirement for financial aid and a graduate employee appointment is nine credits. Students most commonly enroll for 12 credits per term, including practicum credits, except for the term in which the final project is being executed when the minimum of 9 credits is recommended.
Master of Fine Arts Minimum Course Requirements
- Four credits in acting, directing, stage management, or dramaturgy
- Eight credits of theory, history, or literature at 500/600 level
- Eight credits of theatre arts 600-level graded course work
- Eight credits in a related field, for example, textiles, art history, history of interiors, computer graphics (allow undergraduate courses at 300 level or above)
- 24 credits of design/technology classes including at least one class in each of lighting, scenery, and costumes
- 16 credits of TA 609 practicum in design and technology (including 3-4 for the final master of fine arts project)
- Four credits of 601 Research (final project)
General Requirements
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completion of approved final project
- Completion and approval of written document of final project
- All required credits in courses must be graded, with the exception of production credits
During the application process potential students will submit a portfolio. Upon acceptance, the student will be given recommendations for preparation for the assessment exam. Upon arrival the student will take an assessment exam for the purpose of advising and setting a schedule of coursework for the first year. Advice may include a review of theatre history or other foundation courses. A letter recording the recommendations of the faculty assessment committee will be sent to the student and placed in their file to provide guidance for the first year of courses and production work. In subsequent years, students will meet with their advisors prior to registration for each term.
Based on the results of the diagnostic exam, a student may be given an additional reading list and register for a one-credit reading course during winter term to cover subjects from the diagnostic evaluation.
Apply to Our Graduate Program
Ready to apply? Start your application on Slate, the centralized application portal for graduate admissions to UO.