Overview

The Drama and Theatre Arts programme at Columbia University provides a distinctive environment where scholarly inquiry meets professional artistic practice. Students engage with the disciplines of drama, theatre, and performance studies as a primary mode of intellectual exploration. This degree ensures that graduates are well-versed in both the literary traditions and the embodied practices of global performance.

Housed within the Barnard College Department of Theatre, the major is open to all undergraduates at the university. The curriculum balances foundational coursework in Western and non-Western traditions with intensive studio training. Students develop their skills in a collaborative setting that mirrors the professional theatrical world, preparing them for diverse creative and academic paths.

Why Drama and Theatre Arts at Columbia University?

The programme benefits from its location in New York City, the global capital of theatrical innovation. Students have access to the Minor Latham Playhouse and the Glicker-Milstein Theatre, which serve as crucibles for artistic investigation. These facilities host a full season of productions where students collaborate directly with professional theatre artists.

The department emphasises an ethical and imaginative engagement with the past and present to fashion new structures of knowledge. By participating in credit-bearing productions, students transform theoretical concepts into public encounters. This unique partnership between the colleges ensures a vibrant, diverse academic community that bridges the arts, humanities, and sciences.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires a minimum of 44 credits, including foundational lectures, studio praxis, and a mandatory senior capstone project. Students must complete specific production crew assignments to gain backstage and pre-production experience.

Modules may include:

Critical Histories of Drama, Theatre, and Performance
Acting
Directing
Playwriting
Sound Design
Technical Production
Stage Management
Costume Design
Dramaturgy

Careers with Drama and Theatre Arts

Graduates are equipped with advanced writing, performance, and collaborative skills essential for various professional settings. Many alumni pursue further study in prestigious MFA and PhD programmes, leading to successful careers in professional theatre and academia. The programme's focus on critical invention and ethical intervention prepares students for roles in the creative industries and the broader humanities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theatre Workshop

Technical Production

Stage Management

Performing Greek Tragedy on the Modern Stage

Performing Women

Bertolt Brecht: The Making of Theatre

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

124 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

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

105

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

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

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

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 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 Drama and Theatre 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

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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