Overview

The Theater Arts programme at Portland State University provides students with a versatile foundation in the performing arts through a blend of academic study and practical application. This undergraduate degree is designed for individuals eager to join a collaborative community of artists while developing the technical and creative skills necessary for the modern industry.

Why Theater Arts at Portland State University?

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances classroom theory with studio and laboratory practice. The university produces three major stage productions annually, offering significant opportunities for real-world experience. Portland State University is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theater (NAST), ensuring high educational standards.

The faculty consists of working professionals who provide one-on-one mentorship across various disciplines. Located in a vibrant urban centre, the university allows students to pursue internships with professional downtown theaters. This connection to the local arts scene helps students tailor their degree to specific career goals and interests.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34599 per year
National fee: USD 34599 per year
Local fee: USD 12999 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum covers a wide range of theatrical disciplines, from performance to technical production. Modules may include:

Acting
Playwriting
Costume Design
Directing
Scholarship
Technical Production

Careers with Theater Arts

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles within the creative industries and beyond. Many alumni pursue careers as actors, technical directors, stage managers, writers, or directors. The programme also equips students with transferable skills suitable for roles in arts administration, teaching, and facilitation.

Alumni from Portland State University have successfully gained admission to prestigious international training programmes, including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and the National Theatre Institute. Others have secured positions with theater companies globally or showcased work at renowned events like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Stagecraft

Technical Theater Production

Design for Theater

Script Analysis

Acting: Process

Development of Dramatic Art

Directing

Acting: Scene Study

Multicultural Theater

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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

Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

General Studies Liberal Arts Drama View 1417 other Bachelors in Liberal Arts in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

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

You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You may be admitted to Portland State University and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway if you do not meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement. Learn more about PSU’s English language programs.

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

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Living costs

Portland

United States

1271 - 2262 USD / month

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

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Theater 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

Portland

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners