The Master of Arts in Drama provides training for students wishing to expand their knowledge and increase their competence in the fields of history and literature of the theatre, acting, directing, theatre design, and production; seeking teaching credentials where the Master’s Degree is required; and preparing for further graduate work elsewhere.
Note: Application process closed for Spring 2010
Admission to Graduate Program
Students must meet University departmental requirements, and must normally have completed an undergraduate major in Theatre Arts. Consideration is given to students with a strong undergraduate minor or other relevant work. Admission to the program is based on the Theatre Arts Graduate Committee’s evaluation of a student’s previous work and supporting materials.
Application Procedure
Students in the MA program must apply directly to the Division of Graduate Studies in order to be accepted into the Drama program. In addition, students must send three letters of recommendation to the Graduate Coordinator (in the Theatre Arts Department), supplemented by a copy of the statement of purpose originally submitted to the Division of Graduate Studies.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester: May 1st
- Spring Semester: Oct 15th
Theatre Arts Application Packet
Contents of Application Packet:
- Statement of Purpose (include proposed area[s] of emphasis). Indicate semester applicant wishes to enter the program.
- Copies of transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation from people who know the applicant’s theatre work.
Also, please include other information considered appropriate, but which does not appear on transcripts.
Submit materials directly to:
Joel Schechter, Graduate Coordinator
Department of Theatre Arts (CA 103)
c/o San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Ave
San Francisco, CA 94132
Financial Aid
At present, there are not graduate assistantships in the MA program. Other forms of financial aid are handled through the University’s Office of Financial Aid.
Required Core Courses
Please visit the SF State Bulletin (Catalog) for a list of required courses.
Written English Proficiency Requirements
Level One: Evaluation of graduate student’s statement of purpose, which is a written requirement for admission to classified standing in the Department of Theatre Arts. On the basis of this material the Graduate Coordinator may properly advise a student on the need to obtain additional skills in writing. If remedial work is required it is so indicated as a condition to classification.
Level Two: Judged by a graduate student’s written work while enrolled in THA 707. If papers written for this course do not earn a superior grade, students must secure the Graduate Coordinator’s permission before enrolling in other 700 level courses.
Advancement to Candidacy
Besides meeting all general requirements, a diagnostic examination on the entire field of drama may be given at the time of registration to aid the graduate advisor in developing each student’s program. Weaknesses in any area may necessitate enrollment in specified courses selected in order to build strength in the area. Such courses are unusually taken in addition to the minimum number of units required for completion of the graduate major.
Master’s Comprehensive Written Examination
If failed, may be repeated once only and must be repeated within a year of the failure.
Master’s Thesis or Creative Work
Depending upon the educational and professional aims of the student, the Department of Theatre Arts Graduate Committee recommends whether a Master’s Thesis or Creative Work Project is to be undertaken by the individual student.
