Graduate Programs

The Department of Performing Arts offers the Masters in Arts degree with a primary focus in Theatre Education. It is designed for students who pursue careers and opportunities with lie at the intersection of the fields of theatre and education. As such, this program provides both preparation in theatre as well as professional training in education and in the uses of theatre and drama as education. The program also serves as preparation for doctoral work in theatre, education, or related fields.

Many graduates are teachers and drama specialists who work with children, adolescents, and adult learners. Others have gone on to become directors and playwrights for young audiences, education directors for professional theatres, community theatre producers and directors, college professors, and recreation directors. Massachusetts teaching certification in Communication and Performing Arts (pre-K to grade 12) can also be earned.

The graduate program is designed to support a broad range of individual career goals. Working with their graduate program director of faculty advisor, students design individual plans of study to meet degree requirements. Late afternoon coursework and intensive summer institutes make it possible for students and practicing teachers to pursue this program either part-time, or to concentrate their study within a 12 to 14 month period.