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  • The three most common graduate degrees offered for theatre are the Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.), the Master of Arts (M.A.), and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). For more information about graduate school, pick up a copy of "Applying to Graduate School" in Fine Arts Career Services.

    Master of Arts (M.A.): This is often referred to as a research degree and provides students with a strong background in theatre history, dramatic literature, and theory and criticism. Students also explore creative areas of special interest including dramaturgy, playwriting, design, and directing. Completion of the M.A. degree typically requires a thesis. The Master of Arts in Theatre is intended as advanced education for students with substantial background in theatre who wish to expand their knowledge and skills in theatre and drama for the purposes of preparation for doctoral studies, preparation for MFA training, enhancement of secondary school teaching skills and credentials, or enrichment for other personal goals. A master's degree usually takes 2-3 years to complete.

    Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.): The M.F.A. is the terminal degree in many areas of theatre. The most common areas of study are: acting, directing, drama and theatre for youth, playwriting, theatre technology, theatrical design, and theatre management. Completion of the M.F.A. degree typically requires a thesis. In the case of acting-directing and design candidates, the thesis is usually based on a performance or production project accomplished during their program. In the case of playwriting candidates, the thesis is based on a script which is produced during their program. A M.F.A usually takes 2 to 3 years to complete.

    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): The primary credential for college level teaching is The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), although one can teach with a master's degree in some areas of theatre. The Ph.D. typically involves both course work and a major research project. It usually takes four to six years of fulltime study. The traditional career for recipients of the doctorate degree is college teaching and research. The Ph.D., however, can lead to a wide variety of career options such as working as a consultant for an arts agency or for a non-profit organization, or working as an official in a national or state arts policy organization (e.g., National Endowment of the Arts, state arts councils.)

    FACS Resources for Theatre Majors

    100 Careers in Film and Television ArtSEARCH Current Jobs in Performing Arts National Directory of Arts Internships Audition Book: Winning Strategies for Breaking into Theater, Film, and Television Back Stage Handbook for Performing Artists Biz Directory Biz Interviews Breaking into Commercials Breaking into the Business in LA Business of Theatrical Design Career Clippings: Theatre and Dance Career Opportunities in the Film Industry Careers for the Stagestruck and Other Dramatic Types Dramatist’s Source Book 2001-2002 Entertainment Source Book 2003 Film Casting and Production Directory Getting Started in Film: The Official AFI Guide Great Jobs for Theatre Majors How to Audition for TV, Movies, Commercials, Plays and Musicals How to be a Working Actor How to Get Into the Entertainment Business How to Get the Part…Without Falling Apart!! Opportunities in Acting Careers Opportunities in Entertainment Careers Opportunities in Performing Arts Careers Petersen’s Breaking Into Film Petersen’s Breaking Into Television Real People Working in Entertainment Summer Theatre Directory 2003 There’s Money Where Your Mouth Is: An Insider’s Guide to a Career in Voice-Overs Your Film Acting Career: How to Break Into the Movies and TV and Survive in Hollywood Wow! Resumes: Creative Careers Resumes for Performing Arts Careers

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