Master of Arts in Theatre Arts
Graduate Program Coordinator: Drs. Vicki Hoskins & Kurt Daw
Admission
Applications for classified status in the M.A. program are accepted beginning October 1 of the preceding year, for admission the following fall.
Contact the School office and the SF State Division of Graduate Studies for specific application deadlines in March for fall and October for spring.
Applicants are required to file the CSU Graduate Admission Application with the SF State Division of Graduate Studies and submit requested materials to the School of Theatre and Dance. Admission to classified status requires acceptance by both the University and the School of Theatre and Dance.
Students must meet University and School requirements and must normally have completed an undergraduate major in theatre arts. Consideration is given to students with a strong undergraduate minor or other relevant work. Admission to the program is based on an evaluation of a student's previous work and supporting materials.
Written English Proficiency Requirement
The University has a requirement for written English proficiency that is to be assessed at two different levels.
Level One
Evaluation of the applicant’s statement of purpose, which is a written requirement for admission to classified status in the theatre arts program. On the basis of this material, the M.A. graduate coordinator may properly advise a student of the need to obtain additional skills in writing. If remedial work is required, it is so indicated as a condition to classified status.
Level Two
Evaluation of the student’s written work while enrolled in TH A 700, TH A 701, or TH A 705.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Theatre Arts the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of Theatrical History.
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of Theatrical Literature.
- Demonstrate facility with current practice of Literary Criticism in the theatrical context.
- Demonstrate deep knowledge of the confluence of theory and practice in the theatrical art.
- Demonstrate ability to propose and defend interpretations and commentaries with superior writing skills.
- Demonstrate ability to focus skills and competencies in a specialized area of interest and study.
Advancement to Candidacy
Besides meeting all general requirements, a diagnostic examination on the entire field of theatre may be given at the time of registration to assist the M.A. advisor in developing each student's program. Weaknesses in any area may necessitate enrollment in specified courses selected to build strength in the area. Such courses are usually taken in addition to the minimum number of units required for completion of the graduate major.
Completion of the Degree
To complete the M.A., students must satisfy all University and program requirements. University requirements are described in the front of the Graduate Education section of this Bulletin. School requirements are provided in detail by the M.A. graduate coordinators and M.A. advisors. In addition to satisfactory completion of the course requirements, the school requires satisfactory performance on yearly school reviews, participation in the school’s production program, and the successful completion of a final creative project or thesis. The school accepts a limited number of transfer units on a course-by-course basis.
Admission to the Program
Applicants must submit the following directly to the graduate coordinator:
- Statement of purpose (include proposed area and/or areas of emphasis).
- Copy of transcript.
- Three letters of reference from people who know the applicant’s theatre work.
- Information considered important but which does not appear on the transcript.
Theatre Arts (M.A.) — Minimum 30 units
Core Requirements (15 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| TH A 700 | Theatre Research and Writing Practicum (Taken in the first year) | 3 |
| Select an additional 12 units from THA 701-799 (on advisement) | 12 | |
Supporting Upper-Division/Graduate Courses (9-12 units)
- Courses should be in related subjects approved by the graduate major advisor.
- Students may choose their supporting courses from other departments to engage in more interdisciplinary approaches if it serves their research objectives.
- No more than 6 units of upper-division undergraduate courses can be used as electives.
- Students will take 9-12 units depending upon which culminating experience they choose.
- Students must achieve a minimum of 30 units for the degree.
Culminating Experience (3-6 units)
Select one of the following options:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | 6 | |
| Research for Thesis and Creative Work Projects in Drama and Creative Work Project | ||
| Option 2 | 3 | |
| Directed Readings for M.A. Drama Comprehensive Examination and Culminating Experience Examination | ||
| Option 3 | 6 | |
| Research for Thesis and Creative Work Projects in Drama and Master's Thesis | ||