Balm in Gilead (2019). Photo: Jim Carmody.
Graduate Studies
M.F.A. and Ph.D. Programs
Consistently ranked among the top graduate Theatre training programs in the country, UC San Diego's Department of Theatre & Dance offers Master of Fine Arts degrees in Acting, Dance, Directing, Design (Costume, Lighting, Scenic, Sound), Stage Management, and Playwriting, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Theatre and Drama offered in conjunction with UC Irvine. The Theatre & Dance department also shares a close relationship with the Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse, in residence on the UC San Diego campus, where M.F.A. candidates are provided professional residencies.

MFA in Dance
Nurturing the unique vision of the next generation of dance theatre artists.

MFA in Design
Training Costume, Lighting, Scenic, and Sound Designers in the best practices of professional theatre.

MFA in Directing
Developing directors who are creative, impactful leaders of highly collaborative theatrical processes.

MFA in Playwriting
Nurturing bold, committed, and compassionate playwrights who are connected to the world they live in.

MFA in Stage Management
Approaching production with a collaborative sensibility and a strong knowledge of all production areas.

PhD in Theatre and Drama
A groundbreaking PhD program in conjunction with the Department of Drama at UC Irvine.
