Theater Arts (PhD)

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Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate mastery of subject content knowledge though course work.
  • Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrate acquisition of Secondary Expertise consistent with guidelines stated in the Graduate Handbook.
  • Demonstrate skills necessary to participate in at least one University Theatre production through faculty-guided artistic contributions, including (but not limited to): directing, assistant directing, acting, dramaturgy, or playwriting.
  • Develop research skills necessary to carry out a significant independent research project (i.e. the Ph.D. Dissertation).
  • Demonstrate pedagogic ability in teaching undergraduates.
  • Complete requirements for foreign language proficiency (equivalent to completion of two years of college-level foreign language study in one foreign language).

The PhD in theater arts requires nine courses in the first year and seven courses in the second year, which may include as much as 6 credits of independent reading toward the qualifying examinations in winter or spring terms of the second year. Students seeking the PhD must have demonstrated proficiency in a foreign language, either from two years of successful college course work or by passing a basic translation-comprehension exam, such as the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) test. 

Following completion of course work, students wishing to pass to doctoral candidacy must pass qualifying examinations. Within one month after advancement to doctoral candidacy, students must deliver a dissertation prospectus for committee approval. Candidacy may be granted only after an approved dissertation prospectus. The degree is granted only with successful completion and full approval of a dissertation under Division of Graduate Studies rules and deadlines.

Requirements Summary

  • A minimum of 20 graded credits in 600-level graduate seminars
  • At least 12 graded credits (or three 500- to 600-level courses) in a related field outside of theater arts
  • Proof of reading comprehension in a foreign language (transcript credits or examination)
  • Involvement in a faculty-guided artistic production in design, acting, directing, technical production, dramaturgy, and playwriting
  • Qualifying examinations, oral defense, and approved prospectus
  • At least 18 credits of Dissertation (TA 603)
  • Completion of dissertation and approval of oral defense