Overview

The Theatre Studies programme at Northern Illinois University provides a versatile foundation for students aiming to master the multifaceted world of performing arts. This degree focuses on cultivating artist-scholars who are equipped with the creative, collaborative, and critical thinking skills necessary for the modern industry.

Students are encouraged to explore a wide variety of theatrical experiences to discover their specific passions and talents. The curriculum is designed to anticipate new and interdisciplinary technologies while addressing essential social justice issues to ensure equitable representation within the arts.

By integrating practical training with academic rigour, the course prepares future leaders for a radically changing entertainment landscape.

Why Theatre Studies at Northern Illinois University?

The School of Theatre and Dance provides an environment where students can train in all aspects of the craft, including dramaturgy, criticism, and theatre management. The institution focuses on developing well-rounded practitioners who can adapt to various roles within the professional entertainment sector.

Facilities and resources at the university support a broad-based curriculum that encourages students to engage with contemporary industry challenges. The programme is particularly noted for its open admission policy, making high-quality theatrical education accessible to a diverse range of aspiring artists.

The university fosters a community of artist-scholars, providing the tools needed for advanced academic study or immediate entry into the workforce. This distinctive teaching approach ensures that graduates are not only skilled performers or technicians but also thoughtful contributors to the cultural landscape.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 10742 per semester
National fee: USD 5371 per semester
Local fee: USD 5371 per semester

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Directing
Playwriting
Design and Technology
Theatre Management
Dramaturgy
Criticism

Careers with Theatre Studies

Graduates are prepared for a wide array of professional paths within the theatre and entertainment industries. The comprehensive nature of the training allows students to pursue roles in production, management, and creative leadership across various platforms and organisations.

Potential career destinations include professional theatre companies, media production houses, and arts administration bodies. Many students also choose to progress to advanced academic theatre study, building upon the research and critical skills developed during their undergraduate degree.

The programme's emphasis on interdisciplinary technologies and social justice prepares graduates for emerging roles in the evolving digital and cultural sectors. This ensures that alumni remain competitive and relevant in a global industry that increasingly values versatile and socially conscious professionals.

Programme Structure

Courses

Social Justice Issues

Creativity

Collaboration

Directing

Playwriting

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-08-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Music Drama View 1325 other Bachelors in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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

High school diploma: You must have graduated by the time you start at NIU in order to be admitted
Grades: You must have passing grades equivalent to a U.S. C+ average on all transcripts and/or exam scores

A completed NIU application
Official transcripts from all high schools attended
ACT/SAT score

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

21484 USD / year

≈ 21484 USD / year
Out-of-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year

Additional Details

Local: $5,115.34 per semester National and International: $10,230.68 per semester

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 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 Theatre Studies.

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

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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