Theatre Education M.A.
UNC’s innovative Master of Arts in Theatre Education provides working teachers with a practical pathway to a graduate degree and career advancement. Designed for experienced drama instructors with at least two years’ experience, our theatre education master's degree enables you to get exceptional professional development from one of the nation’s best theatre schools.
The program uses a hybrid model that combines online courses and in-person, hands-on summer workshops. The online courses give you the flexibility to get coursework done while you’re working full time. The three-week summer workshops provide you with intensive, face-to-face experiences that strengthen your skills as a teacher, coach, communicator and producer of student shows. You’ll graduate with the credentials and skills to take on new challenges, earn promotions, and take your career to the next level.
Degree Details
Credits Required:
36
Location/Delivery:
Online + Greeley Summer Workshops
Time to Completion:
2 Years
Degree Options
M.A. in Theatre Education
Students in this part-time master’s program are advised (but not required) to hold a current teaching license. The online-course component requires a commitment of about 12 to 20 hours per week during the regular school year. In addition, you’ll attend two three-week-long summer institutes on UNC’s campus, attending evening performances throughout the region—including the Little Theatre of the Rockies, UNC’s nationally renowned summer stock company. You’ll complete the degree in five semesters (two-and-a-half years), culminating in an original thesis or action research project that incorporates principles you’ve learned in the program into your own teaching practice.
Take the next step! Explore courses, contact information and admission requirements.
Your Future in Theatre Education
With a master’s in theatre education from UNC, you can truly distinguish yourself professionally. We are the only Colorado university to offer a graduate degree specifically focused on drama instruction. You’ll work with nationally prominent faculty, gaining exceptional professional development and advanced skills. The online master’s in theatre education prepares you for new career challenges, while improving your students’ work in the classroom and on stage.
Consider UNC’s M.A. in Theatre Education if you want to:
- Improve your teaching technique
- Take on more challenging student productions
- Earn a promotion or compete for new jobs
- Increase your earning potential
You’ll learn:
- Advanced teaching techniques
- Planning and curriculum development
- Techniques for directing, acting and production
Sample courses:
- Dramaturgy
- Innovative Strategies in Drama Education
- Theatre Education Curriculum Development
- Research Methodology
alumna SPOTLIGHT
Christy O'Connell-Black, M.A.
Theatre Education
Christy O’Connell-Black’s experience at UNC allowed her to connect theory with practical experience while she pursued her master’s at UNC and continued working at Greeley Central High School. “Working and taking classes was challenging,” she says, “but because the classes during the school year were offered online, I was able to do the work as needed while maintaining my day job teaching. The classes were very much an extension of what I was already doing and hoping to improve upon.” Her ability to do online coursework when it fit her schedule played a major part in her decision to apply to the program, and her advisor, Mary Schuttler, and her fellow students, played a big part in her UNC experience. “The cohort I was a part of was really incredible. They pushed me and supported me, and we’re all still very close friends.”
Beyond the Classroom
The Theatre Education master’s program includes two summer institutes that offer many opportunities for creative, hands-on experience. These in-residence workshops feature strong camaraderie among students and faculty, with chances to compare professional notes and indulge a shared passion for theatre.
Where can your degree take you?
- Advanced secondary teaching positions
- Education Director at professional theatres
- Private acting coach
- Arts advocate
- Instructional Curriculum Specialist
Ready for what's next? Here's what you need to know.
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Still not completely sold? We understand. Here's more information on costs and funding and how to apply.
