Overview

On the undergraduate level, the Department offers a B.A. in Theater. Students pursue a multi-faceted course of study divided into

Dramaturgy

Performance (acting and directing), and

Design and Production.

Students of the Theater program of the University of Massachusetts Amherst take courses in all these areas within a flexible program that allows them to take additional classes in areas of individual interest. Currently, the Department counts about 150 majors. No audition is required for the major.

Students in the program gain expertise in all the fundamental areas of theatrical art in graduated sequences of study designed to bring into focus rigorous critical thinking, precise methods of research, and imaginative expression.

Although theater majors often focus in on a specific area of the field, such as performance, design and production, directing, or dramaturgy, the major is designed to give students experience in all areas of theater. Students leave the department superbly trained, with a well-rounded base of knowledge that makes them competitive candidates for employment as well as graduate study. In addition to coursework, students participate in productions, serving as actors, designers, stage managers, directors and dramaturgs, both in our season and in independent undergraduate productions and informal events. Undergraduate theater majors also participate in many special events designed to supplement the curriculum, ranging from hands-on master classes with guest professionals to career-development workshops.

A student who completes the BA in Theater at UMass will be able to:

Engage in rigorous critical thinking.

Execute precise methods of research.

Be able to read, understand, analyze, and interpret a wide variety of texts for theater.

Have a basic understanding of all of the professional fields of theater making, as well as an understanding of how to continue developing your specific skills.

Engage effectively in teamwork and collaboration, hallmarks of the theatrical process.

Communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms, as well as develop an appreciation for visual and aural forms of communications.

Express yourself creatively.

Have a thorough understanding of the production process.

Present yourself professionally in attitude, approach, and dedication.

Show respectfulness and open-mindedness in working with your fellow theater makers.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Drama and the Media

Performance Management

Play Analysis for Theatrical Production

Contemporary Playwrights of Color

Beginning Techniques in Performance

Beginning Techniques for Design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-29 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Amherst Center, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies Drama View 1333 other Bachelors in Drama 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

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

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

A complete Common Application (including the UMass questions)

Official high school transcript (grades 9 -11) or Secondary School Exams

Official transcripts for all completed college coursework

Letter of recommendation

Application fee of $85 (unable to waive)

English Language Proficiency Requirements

(Optional) SAT and/or ACT scores

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

42269 USD / year

≈ 42269 USD / year
Out-of-State

42269 USD / year

≈ 42269 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18487 USD / year

≈ 18487 USD / year

Additional Details

Regional: $34,822

Living costs

Amherst Center

United States

1228 - 2543 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.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

A student who completes the BA in Theater at UMass will be able to:

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Amherst Center

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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