Overview

Both acting and music theater students take the same extensive core curriculum classes of acting, voice and speech, and movement. Additionally, students elect to take a number of cross-option classes within the School of Drama and periodic electives within the university.

Classes are small and an emphasis is placed on highly individualized, personal attention, as well as developing a sense of collaboration and working in an ensemble. The faculty consists of working theater professionals committed to teaching and instilling the highest standards of discipline, quality and professional ethics.

Key Facts

Additionally, Acting and Music Theater students from Carnegie Mellon University have the opportunity to study abroad at an international conservatory program in the first semester of their senior year. School of Drama students have studied in programs such as NIDA in Sydney, the Moscow Art Theatre, London’s Drama Centre and other approved schools in France, South Africa, China and South Korea.

Another special experience is a unique partnership of the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), the national American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP), and Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (CLO). Through this partnership, students work with professional musical theater leaders to create and present a new musical work. School of Drama alumnus, Stephen Schwartz, (of “Wicked,” “Godspell” and “Pippin” among other works) often returns to the School of Drama during this time to lead workshops and support this collaboration.

Finally, through the WQED Television project, students create and produce original television programs in partnership with visiting artists, alumni and professionals at Pittsburgh’s local television station.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Warmup

Acting

Speech

Voice/Alexander

Movement

Text for Actors

Production Practicum

Conservatory Hour

Foundations of Drama

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

102

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Music Drama View 2669 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

102

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

Other requirements

General requirements

Common Application
$75 application fee*
Official high school transcript (please review our Academic Requirements)**
All required standardized testing official score reports, which includes the TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your native language
Secondary School Counselor Evaluation
Teacher Recommendation
Common Application essay
Carnegie Mellon Common Application Writing Supplement, which includes three short answer questions
All fine arts applicants to the Schools of Drama and Music are required to arrange required pre-screen, audition or portfolio review.
All fine art applications to the Schools of Architecture, Art, Design are required to submit required portfolio and creative materials.
Home schooled applicants should submit an academic portfolio/transcript consistent with their state guidelines and a list of all textbooks used.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Carnegie Mellon University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

67020 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 67020 USD per year during 48 months.
National

67020 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 67020 USD per year during 48 months.
In-State

67020 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 67020 USD per year during 48 months.

Living costs for Pittsburgh

1148 - 1944 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Acting and Music Theater.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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