Overview

The Performing Arts programme at Iowa State University provides students with a dynamic environment to develop professional skills in performance, design, and creative direction. This undergraduate degree is designed to foster collaboration and leadership through hands-on training and mentorship from expert faculty and visiting artists. Students are encouraged to explore their creative potential while preparing for diverse roles within the global arts industry.

Why Performing Arts at Iowa State University?

The department is uniquely dedicated to undergraduate success, ensuring that students do not compete with graduate learners for leading roles or technical positions. Facilities include the state-of-the-art Fisher Theater, equipped with modern video, lighting, and sound technology, and a specialised Puppet Laboratory for innovative storytelling. Students also benefit from the presence of nationally recognised guest artists, including Broadway coaches and award-winning playwrights, who provide professional insights and networking opportunities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15293 per semester
National fee: USD 14289 per semester
Local fee: USD 4765 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum allows students to specialise in areas such as Acting and Directing, Musical Theatre, Theatrical Design and Technology, or Dance. Modules may include:

Acting and Directing
Musical Theatre
Theatrical Design and Technology
Dance
Stage Management
Lighting Design
Sound Design
Costume Design
Digital Storytelling

Careers with Performing Arts

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional paths in the creative arts and beyond. Alumni have successfully secured roles as television actors, scenic designers, and professional playwrights. The programme also equips students for administrative and educational leadership positions, such as youth theatre education directors, project managers in arts production, and nonprofit theatre educators. Additionally, the transferable skills gained in communication and collaboration allow graduates to excel in corporate sectors, including donor relations and sales coordination.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Acting

Ballroom Dance

Modern Dance

History and Philosophy of Dance

Theatre Internship

Theatrical Production

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Iowa State operates on rolling admission. We strongly recommend that you apply at least six to eight weeks in advance.

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ames, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies Drama View 756 other Bachelors in Film Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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Learn your IELTS Score

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

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

ACT composite (or converted SAT) score x 3+

Cumulative GPA x 30

Number of years of high school core courses x 5

In addition to the high school course requirements listed above, students applying for admission to the College of Engineering must complete two years of a single foreign language. Students applying for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences must complete a third year of social studies and two years of a single foreign language.
General Equivalency Diploma (GED) applicants are welcome to enroll at Iowa State University. The specific GED score requirements for admission depend upon when the GED test was taken.

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

30586 USD / year

≈ 30586 USD / year
Out-of-State

28578 USD / year

≈ 28578 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9530 USD / year

≈ 9530 USD / year

Living costs

Ames

United States

1158 - 1797 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 Performing Arts.

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

Ames

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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