Overview

The Theater Arts - Drama at University of California, Santa Cruz offers an intensive undergraduate experience that merges practical performance with critical academic study. This programme is designed to provide students with a unified foundation in drama, dance, and theatrical technology. By balancing creative studio work with historical analysis, the curriculum prepares versatile artists for the modern industry.

Why Theater Arts - Drama at University of California, Santa Cruz?

Students benefit from a curriculum that spans from ancient drama to contemporary performance techniques. The University of California, Santa Cruz provides a unique environment where lower-division students gain broad exposure to various sub-disciplines before specialising. Upper-division students enjoy direct interaction with expert faculty through limited-enrollment studio classes, ensuring personalised mentorship and professional development.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum balances technical skills with historical context. Modules may include:

Drama
Dance
Theater Design
Theater Technology
History of Theater
Modern Drama
Critical Studies
Performance, Play & Design

Careers with Theater Arts - Drama

Graduates from this programme are equipped for diverse roles within the global entertainment and arts sectors. Many alumni pursue successful careers in acting, directing, and playwriting for both stage and screen. The technical training provided also opens pathways into professional stage management, costume design, and set design.

Beyond traditional performance, the degree supports careers in choreography, dramaturgy, and television production. Graduates also find opportunities in teaching and arts administration, applying their creative and collaborative skills to various educational and organisational settings.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Issues and methods in analyzing historical and contemporary performance practices

History of theater and performance

Reading

Acting

Directing

Playwriting

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Drama Fine Arts View 1325 other Bachelors in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

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 Theater Arts - Drama.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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