Graduate Degrees in Theatre & Dance

Theatre & Dance

The Department of Theatre and Dance is a community of students, scholars, artists and artisans who regard the collaborative and creative process as the core of education. We engage with that process at all levels of our work as we pursue excellence and understanding.

At the graduate level, we offer a Master of Fine Arts in dance and a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in theatre and performance studies. In conjunction with the Leeds School of Business, we also offer students an MA/MBA through a dual degree program. Each faculty member in the department has professional experience in the performing arts and is committed to guiding students in the creation, performance and analysis of theatre arts.

Degree Types

MFA ᐧ MA ᐧ PhD

Collaborate with peers in your field as well as across disciplines through department productions.

Participate in social justice work and community engagement through projects, internships, student organizations and more.

Develop skills and acquire tools essential for a rewarding career through inclusive pedagogy, physical practice and professional orientation.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Theatre and Performance Studies Dance
Theatre and Performance Studies

Theatre and Performance Studies

Master of Arts

  • 30 credit hours
  • The MA program has two tracks: a thesis option and a nonthesis option. Students must declare either track by the start of their third semester. 
  • Students may earn this degree as part of the Bachelor's–Accelerated Master's (BAM) degree program, which allows currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in a shorter period of time. See the Bachelor's–Accelerated Master's tab for more information. 
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MA in theatre and performance studies.

Dual Degree Program: MBA and MA in Theatre and Performance Studies

In conjunction with the Leeds School of Business, the Department of Theatre and Dance offers students an MBA and an MA in theatre and performance studies through a three-year dual degree program. The dual MA/MBA offers students the opportunity to earn both degrees together in less time than if the degrees were earned sequentially. An MBA in combination with the MA will provide students with a set of business tools to complement their artistic talents and expand their career options.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MA/MBA dual degree program.

Doctor of Philosophy

  • The PhD in theatre and performance studies is primarily designed for those who intend to be scholars working in an academic environment.
  • Doctoral students in theatre complete 30 credit hours of coursework beyond the master's degree at the 5000 level or above.
  • The PhD program culminates in the dissertation, a research document that makes a significant and original contribution to the field of theatre studies. The dissertation will be defended before a committee of five members (30 dissertation hours).
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in theatre and performance studies.

Dance

Master of Fine Arts

  • The three-year program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours, at least 50 of which must be completed on campus at CU Boulder.
  • At this time there is no low-residency option for the MFA program.
  • The curriculum focuses on performance, choreography, scholarship, pedagogy and a secondary area of specialization.
  • Grades lower than a B- cannot be applied toward graduation. A 3.0 GPA is needed to graduate.
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

  For program details, review the course catalog for the MFA in dance.

Research Areas

  • Choreography
  • Cinema/Video
  • Creative Writing
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Fashion/Textiles Design
  • Lighting Systems/Design
  • Music Composition
  • Opera/Musical Theatre
  • Performing Arts
  • Playwriting/Screenwriting
  • Theatre, Mime

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding   Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.  

Graduate Student Organizations

Explore ways to connect with other graduate students on campus, online and off campus, locally and internationally.

Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion

Learn about our commitment to ensuring our graduate education is accessible and welcoming for all students.

Health & Wellness

Find resources with contact and location information for a broad range of services.

Leadership Development

Attend regular, graduate-specific workshops and seminars to hone practical and professional skills before entering the job market.

Peer Mentoring Program

Connect with an established graduate peer mentor who serves as your guide through the graduate student experience.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

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