Department of Theatre and Media Arts

This program is a scholarly two-year degree, and students should be in residence for the duration of the program.  The coursework consists of a core of history/theory classes supplemented by electives chosen by the student in conjunction with her/his advisor.  The program wraps up with comprehensive exams and the writing of a solid scholarly thesis.  There are two possible emphases:  Theatre History and Critical Studies, or Media Arts Education.

The Theatre History and Critical Studies emphasis is meant to springboard students into either teaching at the community college level or further graduate studies at a PhD level.  It includes intensive reading of dramatic literature and contemporary scholarship, critical study of both linguistic and social theories, writing for presentation and publication, and opportunities for dramaturgy training.  The best application writing samples are papers dealing with critical analysis of theatre.  They could be advanced undergraduate papers or published articles.

The Media Arts Education emphasis is primarily designed for students who are already full time secondary education teachers; however, students who are interested in educational outreach after completion of a master’s degree may also apply.  Classes are offered in the evening and during the spring and summer.  Writing samples for the application should be advanced undergraduate research or analytical essays.

While we encourage our Master’s students to support their academic endeavors with practical theatre (or more limited media arts) experience, the program is centered on scholarship, not on production.

Theatre and Media Arts Graduate Handbook 2011-2012

Semesters of entry and application deadlines: Fall - April 1 (U.S. and international) odd-numbered years.

Application requirements: entrance examination is GRE general test (scores subject to review); two critical analysis writing samples demonstrating capacity to function at acceptable graduate student entry level; letter of intent; three letters of recommendation.

Prerequisite: for theatre history, theory criticism: acceptable undergraduate background in theatre arts; for media education: teacher certification or experience teaching in a public, private or non-profit secondary setting.

Credit hours (32): minimum 26 course work hours plus 6 thesis hours (TMA 699R) (minimum 20 hours must be in theatre/media arts or theatre/media arts–related courses).

Required courses: all MA students will complete TMA 690; students in theatre arts history, theory, or criticism will also complete TMA 600, 601, 602, 696R and 3 hours of media arts history, theory, or criticism; students in media education will also complete TMA 668, 680,687, 689, 691, 700; all MA students will complete their coursework with electives, selected in consultation with the advisory committee.

Minor (optional): any approved minor.

Thesis: thesis must make a genuine contribution to body of knowledge and meet highest academic standards. Three kinds of thesis research will be accepted: (A) scholarly analysis of theatre or media education history, theory, or criticism; (B) research and strong creative achievement in theatre arts or media education; (C) measurement studies or action research.

Examinations: (A) comprehensive written examination; (B) comprehensive oral examination; (C) oral defense of thesis.

1. Acceptable undergraduate background in theatre arts or media arts

2. Two samples of scholarly writing for both Theatre and Media Education applicants. 

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