MU’s MA in Theatre and Performance Studies is a 30-credit hour program typically completed in-residence. Our MA programs train artist-scholars—individuals grounded in performance practice and rigorous engagement in scholarship. Graduates of our Masters program frequently continue to complete PhD or MFA degrees in Theatre and Performance Studies, work for professional theatre companies, and cultural organizations.

Applicants interested in the MA in Theatre and Performance Studies have two options.

• Applicants with a completed BA degree apply for a four-semester MA program
• MU undergraduates may apply to a one-year, 4+1 Masters program.    

MA Program of Study

MA students take four semesters of coursework within the Department of Theatre, which culminates in the completion of a creative or scholarly thesis project. In their final semester, Masters students take comprehensive exams.

4+1 MA Program of Study

MU Students who complete the 4+1 Graduate Degree Program will earn a MA in Theatre with only one additional year of classes in their undergraduate degree. The Accelerated Master of Arts program requires 108 undergraduate credits and 30 graduate credits, for a total of 138 credits (12 credit hours are shared undergraduate and graduate credits in 7000-level courses.)

In the first year of the accelerated program, students take 18 hours (12 of which are at the graduate level). In the second year they take an additional 18 graduate credit hours, at least 15 of which will be at the 8000-level, plus three hours will be the MA thesis hours.

Students must apply and be admitted to an accelerated program before reaching 90 undergraduate credit hours. Students will apply for the accelerated program in the spring of their junior year and, if accepted, will being the fall of their senior year.