Master of Arts - Theatre

Plan Description

The theatre department’s Master of Arts program is designed to deepen the student’s knowledge and understanding of the theatre. Focus is on developing strong research skills culminating in completion of a thesis and reading list. A minimum of 31 semester hours of credit (12 are electives) approved by student’s advisor and student’s committee are required.

For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Directory.

Plan Admission Requirements

Application deadlines

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.

All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements. 

Students seeking an M.A. degree are admitted for matriculation in the fall or spring semester of the academic year. In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate College, the following department application materials must be uploaded into the online application:

1. Transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended, showing an undergraduate degree in theatre and the date awarded. (An acceptable alternative undergraduate major coupled with satisfactory practical experience in theatre may be deemed equivalent to an undergraduate major in theatre.)
2. A written statement (500 words or less) of the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate study.
3. A sample research paper or research statement to demonstrate research and writing ability.
4. Two letters of recommendation sent by former instructors, employers, or other professionals who can evaluate the applicant’s potential to complete graduate study.

Note: A writing sample and/or a personal interview may also be requested by the department’s Graduate Coordinator.

Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

Plan Requirements

Total Credits Required: 31

Course Requirements 

Required Courses – Credits: 9

THTR 681 - Theatre History I 

THTR 682 - Theatre History II 

THTR 701 - Research in Theatre and Drama 

Seminar Course – Credits: 4

THTR 702 - Graduate Seminar 

Elective Courses – Credits: 12

Complete 12 credits of advisor-approved graduate-level elective courses.

Thesis – Credits: 6

THTR 798 - Thesis 

Degree Requirements 

1. Completion of a minimum of 31 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
2. A reading list will be given to each student upon entering the program. It contains major works in theatre history, performance theory, and dramatic criticism and play texts. It is expected that M.A. students will have read everything on the list and be prepared to answer questions of comprehension as part of their final examination.
3. In consultation with his/her advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.
4. A thesis topic is proposed by the student and approved by the examination committee. The M.A. thesis should be an original contribution of knowledge about a suitable dramatic or theatrical subject, no less than fifty pages in length. In matters of form and style, the student should follow the procedures set forth by the Graduate College in this catalog and in its Thesis and Dissertation Manual. A minimum of six thesis credits is required in the degree program.
5. Thesis credits should be taken over the course of at least two semesters with a minimum of two credit hours in the student’s final semester of study.
6. Students enrolled in the M.A. program will take a written diagnostic examination at the beginning of their first semester. Additionally, M.A. candidates will take a written comprehensive examination one week prior to their oral examination. The first half of the oral examination will be focused on defense of thesis; the second half will be based upon the Graduate Reading List, the curricular content represented in the student’s individual course of study, and the results of their comprehensive examination.

Plan Graduation Requirements

1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation from both degrees up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements.
2. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. The student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted hard-copy thesis to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.