University of California, Los Angeles campus

Arts & Humanities

MFA Theater at University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, Los Angeles, United States

Programme overview

MFA Theater is a master's programme in Theater, School of Theater, Film, and Television at UCLA. Areas of study: Acting; Design for Theater and Entertainment (Costume, Lighting, Scenic); Directing; Playwriting.

Faculty: School of Theater, Film, and Television  |  Department: Theater  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: Fall  |  Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Areas of study: Acting; Design for Theater and Entertainment (Costume, Lighting, Scenic); Directing; Playwriting. Acting. 30 courses (94 units) are required for the degree; of these, 82 units must be graduate-level (200- and 400-series) courses. A maximum of 12 units of 596 courses may be applied toward the total number of units for the degree. Design for Theater and Entertainment. For students in Costume Design, 26 courses (104 units) are required for the degree; for students in Lighting Design, 25 courses (104 units) are required for the degree; and for students in Scenic Design, 24 courses (104 units) are required for the degree.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Application deadline: M.F.A.: Design, Directing and Playwriting specializations: December 1, 2026 M.F.A.: Acting specialization is not accepting applications for 2025-2026 Late applications may be considered for the.... GRE: Optional. Letters of recommendation: Two Letters of Recommendation Required; Third Letter Optional Consult department for additional information. In addition to the University's minimum requirements and those listed above, all applicants are expected to submit a statement of purpose, departmental application, and materials as indicated below: M.F.A.: Interviews and auditions for the M.F.A. program are conducted at various locations around the country in January and February. Details are available on the departmental website. Design for Theater and Entertainment (scenic and production design, costume design, and lighting design).

Most graduate departments and schools have deadlines in November and early December for the following fall term.

Graduate application fee: $135 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, $155 for all other applicants, $200 for the Global Executive MBA for Asia Pacific, Master of Financial Engineering and MS in Business Analytics; nonrefundable, paid by card with the online Application for Graduate Admission.

Executive MBA: rolling admission for fall entry; Round 1 December 1, 2026, Round 2 February 1, 2027, Round 3 May 1, 2027; application fee $200.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/steps-to-apply/

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