University of California, San Diego campus

Arts & Humanities

MFA Theatre and Dance (Design) at University of California, San Diego

University of California, San Diego, United States

Programme overview

The MFA is a professional theatre training programme built on a master-apprentice system, combining studio classes and seminars with production work and a professional residency at the La Jolla Playhouse. Candidates complete at least 90 quarter-units of academic work. Design students concentrate on scenery, costume, lighting or sound, with a double emphasis available.

Department: Theatre and Dance  |  Duration: 3 years (at least 90 quarter-units)  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: La Jolla, CA, United States

What you will study

First-year core studios in scenery, costume, lighting and sound, a design seminar across all three years, then advanced specialised classes with production work.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University admission (graduate level): a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or the equivalent and a minimum B (3.0/4.0) average in upper-division or prior graduate work. Programme page (catalog): Students with a BA (minimum GPA: 3.5), MA, or MFA degrees in theatre, drama, performance studies, dance studies, literature (or another area in the humanities) are eligible.

UC San Diego enrolls for Fall term only.

The graduate application fee is $135.

Apply through the official page: https://connect.grad.ucsd.edu/apply/

Explore more study programmes

View all study programmes →

Ready to start your study abroad journey?

Book a free consultation with our expert counsellors and take the first step towards your dream university.

Book a Consultation

Explore

Help & Support

Get In Touch

Email: [email protected]

Newsletter

Get the latest courses, scholarships and events in your inbox.

Copyrights © 2026 StudyMapped. All rights reserved.

Terms of Service · Privacy Policy · Refund Policy