MFA Theater Arts at University of Oregon

Programme overview

The MFA in Theater Arts is the terminal degree for those planning to work or teach in theatrical production, with three-year programs in scenic design, costume design and lighting design or a pairing of two, and technical direction or costume technology as areas of focus. It is not offered in acting, directing or playwriting.

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Theater Arts | Duration: 88 credits; three-year program | Intake: Fall; priority deadline January 15, 2027, final March 1, 2027 (may not have openings each year) | Location: Eugene, OR, United States

What you will study

The 88 credits include research and seminars, a 16-credit terminal project, 24 credits of design and technology (at least one each in lighting, scenery and costumes), theater history and theory, related courses outside the department and graded theater arts electives. A qualifying presentation to the faculty usually occurs in winter of year two, and the final design project is juried.

Career pathways

Work or teaching in theatrical production.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Department of Theater Arts (MFA): CV, letters of recommendation, personal statement, transcripts, writing sample and portfolio. Priority deadline January 15, 2027, final deadline March 1, 2027; the program may not have openings each year. International applicants whose first language is not English: TOEFL iBT 88, IELTS 7.0 overall or Duolingo English Test 120 (University of Oregon graduate minimum), or a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an institution in Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom. Application fee: $70 domestic, $90 international.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Each graduate programme sets its own application deadlines and required materials.

Graduate application fee: $70 for domestic applicants and $90 for international applicants for degree-seeking programmes (doctoral, master's, graduate certificate); paid online by Visa, Mastercard or Discover when applying. Graduate Microcredential application fee is $35. Applications are submitted through the graduate application portal.

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