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Masters

Theatre Studies

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Overview

The M.A. / M.S. degree program is designed for two populations of students:

  • Students who intend to pursue a Ph.D. in Theatre and need a rigorous master's degree program to prepare them for further graduate study.
  • Students who know they want to work professionally in theatre but are not yet certain which aspect of theatre best fits their interests.

A flexible program allows you to customize your course of study and build a solid foundation for further M.F.A. or Ph.D. studies, for teaching at the community college level, or for other professional careers in theatre, such as dramaturgy or literary management.

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Point of Pride

Our Illinois Shakespeare Festival is a nationally acclaimed Equity summer theatre operated by the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film, with opportunities for students to work with professionals.

Graduate Advisor

Dr. Derek Munson
(309) 438-8783
Centennial East - CE 213

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How to Apply

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must:

  • Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so by the time of program matriculation.
  • Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term.
  • If admitted, official domestic transcripts can be emailed from the university to  GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu  or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University,  Graduate School, 208 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.
  • If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution to  InternationalAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu  or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University,  International Admissions, Campus Box 6180, Normal, IL 61790-6180.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the  Graduate School Admission Requirements.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

GPA

You must have a minimum 2.8 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

The Grade Point Average (GPA) of all undergraduate credentials earned in the United States that are used for graduate degree admission evaluation is calculated by the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. International credentials are evaluated by using cumulative GPA (CGPA) in lieu of the GPA from the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

Application Materials

To be considered for this program, you must submit the following materials:

  • statement of purpose
  • resume or c.v.
  • one example of scholarly writing
  • names and email addresses of three references for letters of recommendation within the online application

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Term — February 1

Apply Now

Graduate Assistantships

The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,

  • be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program
  • be in good-standing
  • be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).

Benefits

Graduate assistants receive

  • monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
  • a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
  • a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

Costs & Funding

See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.

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Contact Information

  • School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
  • (309) 438-8783
  • Center for Visual Arts 116
  • Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts

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