MFA Theatre (Directing) at Arizona State University

Programme overview

The Master of Fine Arts program in theatre with a concentration in directing develops you as a director of live performance and helps you grow your artistry through deep study, experimentation and practical work. A high-engagement, mentor-student approach is emphasized with the intent of developing the skill, artistry and communication skills required to be an excellent professional director. You make bold new work in collaboration with playwrights as well as through ensemble-based devising.

Faculty: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts | Department: School of Music, Dance and Theatre | Duration: 60 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Tempe, AZ, United States

What you will study

60 credit hours including the required applied project course (THP 693) Required Core (6 credit hours) THE 504 Studies in Dramatic Theory and Criticism (3) THE 520 Theatre History and Literature (3) Concentration (21 credit hours) THP 505 Graduate Colloquium (6) THP 518 Advanced Directing Lab (3) THP 519 Directing: Works in Progress (3) THP 580 Practicum (3) THP 684 Internship (6) Other Requirements (12 credit hours) THE 500 Research Methods (3) THP 598 Special Topics (9) Electives (15 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) THP 693 Applied Project (6) Additional Curriculum Information Students should see their program advisor for a complete list of approved topics for THP 598.

Career pathways

Professionals with an MFA degree in directing have obtained a variety of creative roles within the arts, including directing professionally, working within established theatres and arts organizations, and building entrepreneurial ventures that bridge the arts with other sectors. Career examples: creating and producing original devised work for festivals or communities, founding new theatre companies with like-minded collaborators, joining the artistic staff of an established theatre company, working as a freelance director.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts School of Music, Dance and Theatre Application , including statement of purpose, current resume and a written directorial approach to a play selected by the reviewing committee three letters of reference from professionals familiar with the student's work proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search; the application opens almost a year before the start term. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S. Apply with ASU's graduate application (Law applicants use the law college's site); GRE/GMAT requirements vary by programme.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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