Master of Arts in Theatre Studies
Admission
| Residency | Language
| Requirements | Application
Process
The Master of Arts program provides training in theatre studies. Beyond the required course in research methods, students may elect a wide range of courses in theatre history, criticism, theory, and dramatic literature. There are also opportunities to take courses in acting, directing, and design and to participate in theatre production. The M.A. degree, culminating in a M.A. written thesis offers a generalist foundation in theatre studies appropriate for (1) teaching in secondary schools and some colleges, (2) entering into a doctoral degree program, and (3) beginning a possible professional career in theatre companies, the entertainment media, government arts programs, or private arts institutions. Students are expected to develop analytical skills in historical research, critical writing, dramatic interpretation, and the nature of theatrical practice.
Admission
The M.A. applicant must meet the requirements for admission to the Graduate School of The Ohio State University, have substantial undergraduate work in theatre arts or related fields (preferably an undergraduate degree in theatre and/or drama), show interest and achievement in theatre production, and present evidence of scholarly promise (e.g., sample essays that reflect a high level of competence in research, analysis, and expository writing). Also the applicant must present satisfactory Graduate Record Examination scores (and TOEFL scores for foreign students), have three letters of recommendation sent directly to the department, and provide college transcripts and a statement of purpose.
Deadlines for Admission and Financial Aid
The department normally considers all applications during winter quarter (January through March). The deadline for fellowship applicants is 15 January. The deadline for other financial aid, including graduate associateships, is 15 April. The Graduate School deadline for applications is 15 August. We recommend, however, that completed files should reach us by mid-February. Decisions are made in March and April. Students are admitted for the following academic year, beginning in September.
Residence
OSU operates on the quarter system. A minimum residency of three-quarters (summer excluded) is required, with at least 10 graduate credit hours each quarter.
Foreign Language
Basic knowledge of one foreign language is required. For example, M.A. candidates may take 571 BASIC GERMAN, FRENCH, LATIN, RUSSIAN, OR SPANISH, ETC. FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS or an equivalent. Credit does not count toward the minimum hours required for the Master's degree.
General Program Requirements
Enrollment: The course offerings and procedures for course registration are spelled out in the OSU Course Bulletin and Master Schedule. The Department of Theatre also provides a list each quarter of courses being offered. Students holding 50% or greater graduate associateships are required by the Graduate School to register for a minimum of 9 graduate credit hours per quarter. Students holding graduate fellowships are required by the Graduate School to register for a minimum of 15 graduate credit hours per quarter (including the summer usually). Most classes carry five credits.
Degree Credit Hours and Requirements: The M.A. degree requires 45 credit hours (including six credit hours for the thesis), a foreign language proficiency, and a written thesis. Only one course is required (Theatre 801: Research Methods); otherwise, each student, in consultation with his or her advisor, works out an elective plan of courses in theatrical history, dramatic literature, and critical theory. A minimum of one or two courses should be taken in these three basic areas of study. In addition, depending upon their interests and skills, students have opportunities to take production courses (e.g., in acting, design, directing, and video) and to participate in departmental productions. The entire requirement for the M.A. degree may be completed within three or four quarters, though the norm is five or six quarters.
Adviser: Each M.A. candidate will be assigned an interim academic adviser at the beginning of the first quarter of residence. The candidate is responsible for choosing a permanent adviser by Spring quarter during the first year; this adviser will serve as the thesis director.
Prospectus and Thesis: The M.A. candidate must complete a satisfactory research thesis in theatre studies. After a faculty member has agreed to serve as the candidate's thesis director and adviser, the candidate prepares a prospectus (5- 10 pages normally). This prospectus must be approved by the thesis committee before the sixth week of Spring Quarter. The final draft of the M.A. thesis must be delivered to the committee at least twenty days prior to the date of the oral defense (which must occur before the Graduate School deadline for graduation). The thesis may be completed during any quarter of the second year of study, but no later than Spring Quarter.
Thesis Defense: An oral examination (defense) will be conducted by the thesis committee of the candidate. During the examination the candidate must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subject matter of his or her thesis and defend the thesis successfully.
Deadlines, Application and Admission Process
Deadlines, Application and Admission Process details for the Graduate program may be found by following this link.
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