Theatre M.A.

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, applicants must submit the following to the Department of Theatre:

1. An official transcript 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. Two letters of recommendation sent by former instructors, employers, or other professionals who can evaluate the applicant’s potential to complete graduate study. These materials may be sent to the following address:

Department of Theatre
Attn: Graduate Coordinator
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Box 455036
Las Vegas, NV 89154-5036

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

Required reading for M.A. candidates

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.

Thesis

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.

Examinations

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.