Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts
On stage or behind the scenes, prepare to thrive in the vibrant world of theater.
Our M.F.A. program will develop and broaden your artistic and practical theatrical skills. You'll learn from internationally recognized faculty with extensive professional experience in acting, voice, movement and design. Your classroom and other scholarly experiences will include opportunities for internships, major artistic projects and participation in NIU productions.
You can choose a specialization in acting or design and technology, which includes areas of study in costume design, lighting design, scene design and technical direction.
At a Glance
69 credit hours
In person
Full-time
Start in the fall or spring
Career Outlook for Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts
Average mid-career salary for alumni:
Top job titles for alumni:
Top employers for alumni:
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How to Apply
To apply, you must have basic knowledge and skills in both the performance and production aspects of theater, as well as one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree with a major in theater
- Bachelor’s degree in a field other than theater if you can demonstrate your ability to proceed at an advanced level
- Master's degree in theater arts with adequate experience in the specialization you wish to pursue as an M.F.A. candidate
In addition to applying to NIU, admission to the School of Theatre and Dance may involve attending an interview or audition, depending on your intended program.
Application deadlines:
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: December 1
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students.
Curriculum and Requirements
All students in the program share a common core of courses. Every semester, you’ll participate in a production and receive credit through the performance and production course, which you may enroll in six times. The literature of theater is also emphasized. Script Laboratory, THEA 576, explores scripts across genres, using various methods to analyze them from a production viewpoint.
You must also participate in theater study and work outside the school and your designated area. Internships are an ideal way to meet some of these requirements. We can help you find an internship through our many regional, national and international connections. You may receive course credit for an internship.
Faculty
You’ll work closely with our world-renowned faculty of practicing artists and scholars. They know what it takes to succeed in the real world and are committed to facilitating engaging learning experiences in and outside the classroom.