Overview

The Scenic Design programme at Carnegie Mellon University provides a rigorous professional training ground for students aiming to excel in the global entertainment industry. This degree focuses on developing individual artistic voices through a blend of traditional techniques and modern technological advancements in performance design.

Students are encouraged to explore their creativity across various mediums, including opera, dance, and emerging digital performance forms. The curriculum is designed to be forward-looking, ensuring that graduates are well-versed in the most current industry practices. By working closely with a dedicated team of professional faculty, learners gain unique insights into the realities of a career in the arts.

Why Scenic Design at Carnegie Mellon University?

The School of Drama is renowned for its ambitious, student-driven production seasons that allow designers to see their visions realised on stage. Facilities such as the Purnell Center for the Arts provide a professional environment where students can refine their technical skills in drafting, painting, and model making. The institution fosters a culture of "dreaming big," supported by small class sizes and direct mentorship from active industry professionals.

Collaboration is at the heart of the experience, with frequent opportunities to work alongside the School of Music and other creative departments. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students understand the intersection of different storytelling elements. The programme also emphasises iterative design processes, pushing students to constantly refine their work based on expert feedback and practical experimentation.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 67020 per year
National fee: USD 67020 per year
Local fee: USD 67020 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Scenic Design
StudioCraft
Scenic Painting
Drawing
Vectorworks
Design for Screens
Design

Careers with Scenic Design

Graduates from this programme are prepared for diverse roles within the creative industries, often finding success in theatre, television, and film production. The training provided enables alumni to work as scenic designers, art directors, and production designers for a variety of international organisations. Many former students have gone on to work in high-profile sectors such as opera, spectacle theatre, and puppet design.

The professional network established during the course often leads to employment with major production houses and design studios. By focusing on both manual craftsmanship and digital design tools, graduates possess a versatile skill set that is highly valued in the modern job market. The programme's strong reputation ensures that its alumni are well-positioned for competitive roles in the global arts landscape.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Conceptual Sound Design

Composition for Theatrical Sound Design

Ear Training

Theatrical Sound System Design

Sound Forum

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-05-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

102

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Carnegie Mellon courses are measured in units rather than credits or credit hours

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Pittsburgh, United States

Disciplines

Design Film Studies Drama View 1338 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

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

102

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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

Common Application

$75 application fee*

Official high school transcript (please review our Academic Requirements)**

All required standardized testing official score reports, which includes the TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your native language

Secondary School Counselor Evaluation

Teacher Recommendation

Common Application essay

Carnegie Mellon Common Application Writing Supplement, which includes three short answer questions

All fine arts applicants to the Schools of Drama and Music are required to arrange required pre-screen, audition or portfolio review.

All fine art applications to the Schools of Architecture, Art, Design are required to submit required portfolio and creative materials.

Home schooled applicants should submit an academic portfolio/transcript consistent with their state guidelines and a list of all textbooks used.

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

67020 USD / year

≈ 67020 USD / year
Out-of-State

67020 USD / year

≈ 67020 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

67020 USD / year

≈ 67020 USD / year

Living costs

Pittsburgh

United States

1148 - 1944 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 Scenic Design.

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

Pittsburgh

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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