Program Overview
The Theatre at Illinois State University is a MA programme in Arts & Design over 36 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of arts & design. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Theatre programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United States and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 36 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Tuition: USD 808 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 389 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
- Location: Normal, United States, United States
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Theatre programme are prepared for diverse careers in arts & design:
- Creative Director
- Graphic / UX Designer
- Art Director
- Curator
- Visual Artist
- Media Producer
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Topics In The Literature Of The Theatre
- Directed Projects
- Acting II
- Acting Style: Discovery And Performance
- Realism
- Shakespeare
- Acting On Camera
- Musical Theatre
- Viewpoints And Composition
- Auditioning
- Theatrical Costume Design
- History And Styles Of Stage Costuming I
- Costume Construction
- Costume Crafts
- History And Styles Of Stage Costuming II
- Advanced Costume Design
- Directing Workshop
- Oral Interpretation Of Literature I
- Introduction To Stage Management
- Principles Of Theatre Management
- Advanced Theatre Management
- Playwriting
- Advanced Stage Management
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
You need the following GPA score:
Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to 2.8 on a US 4.0 grading scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on a 4.0 scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).
A student applying to a master\'s program must:
- have earned a four-year bachelor\'s degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
- have a minimum 2.8 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work
- present official transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned.
A student applying to this program must:
- submit a current resume
- submit a statement of purpose
- provide three professional or academic letters of recommendation to the Theatre Program
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 808 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 389 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 808 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 389 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
IELTS requirement: 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Illinois State University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Illinois State University
Illinois State University
Normal, United States
Illinois State University(ISU) is apublicresearch universityinNormal, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1857 asIllinois State Normal Universityand is the oldest public university in...
University Profile- Application Deadline Feb, 2027
- Start Date Aug, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 36 months
