THEATRE

Master of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts

General Information
The purpose of an MA program varies depending on the person enrolled. Our core courses provide surveys of theatre history, theatre theory, and dramatic literature. In addition, a wide range of elective opportunities are available in subjects including theatre for youth, creative drama, and interdisciplinary work in film and media studies; there are also some opportunities to take practice-based classes, such as writing, directing, and acting. In general, our MA program provides: skills and concepts for teaching artists, professional development for San Diego-area teachers, personal enrichment for members of the community, and preparation for further graduate study for students interested in continuing on to an MFA or a PhD program.

There are no emphases in the MA Program. Students take a range of courses, primarily academic. These academic courses broaden students' appreciation for and understanding of a range of ideas about theatre from around the world, past and present. However, students are free to take other courses offered in the School of Theatre, Television, and Film and in other departments on campus. Students in the MA regularly work as dramaturgs on select department productions; training in the art and practice of dramaturgy is provided in an MA seminar. Although some of our MA students think of themselves as writers, directors, actors, or dramaturgs, there is no graduate level training for any of these areas except dramaturgy. Additionally, there are some teaching opportunities, usually available in the second year.

Feel free to contact the Director of the MA Program with questions:

D.J. Hopkins
dhopkins@mail.sdsu.edu

Admission to Graduate Study
General requirements for admission to the University with classified graduate standing are described in Part Two of this bulletin. In addition, the student's area adviser will judge the applicant capable of graduate work in theatre arts. The judgment will be based on (1) the applicant's transcripts of prior academic work; (2) three current and relevant letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic ability; (3) the applicant's scores on the GRE General Test; (4) the applicant's scores on the GRE Writing Assessment Test; and (5) an interview, when appropriate, revealing the applicant's ability to succeed in the chosen area. NOTE: M.A. applications are accepted for fall admission only. Application deadline is April 15 for the following fall semester.
The MA Program Admissions Committee understands that some students have not been working in theatre for their whole lives. We further understand that some students have undergraduate transcripts that do not reflect their current maturity, ability, and professional experience. A primary concern for graduate admissions is writing ability.

Completion of the degree depends EITHER on completing a written thesis (a substantial research and writing project) OR on passing a comprehensive exam administered by the MA area faculty. Regardless of what you study while here, or how you choose to complete your degree, students comfortable with writing will have the most productive experience in the program.

Advancement to Candidacy
All students in the Master of Arts program must meet the general requirements for advancement to candidacy, as described in Part Two of this bulletin. In addition, students seeking the Master of Arts degree in Theatre Arts (regardless of area of specialization) are required to have completed Theatre 600A, and to have removed any deficiencies assigned. It is recommended that all graduate students take Theatre 600A during their first semester.

Specific Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree (Major Code: 10071)

In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing and the basic requirements for the master's degree as described in Part Two of this bulletin, the student must complete a graduate program of 30 units to include Theatre 600A, 600B, 610, 621, 647A or 647B or 649, and 799A. Eighteen of the 30 units must be in 600- and 700-numbered theatre courses and the remaining 12 units may be selected from 500-, 600-, or 700-numbered courses. A maximum of 9 units may be elected outside the Theatre Department. PLEASE NOTE: Theatre 600A, 600B, 610, 621, 647A or 647B or 649, and 799A are required courses for all Master of Arts candidates.