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Arts & Humanities

MFA Theatre at University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina, United States

Programme overview

A programme designed mainly for students entering the theatre profession, with concentrations in acting, directing, costume design and technology, lighting design and scenic design.

Faculty: McCausland College of Arts and Sciences  |  Department: Department of Theatre and Dance  |  Duration: At least 63 hours of graduate credit (three years)  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Studio practice and analysis of dramatic form; actors document and perform artistic choices and designers exhibit productions with documentation. Students complete a professional internship, comprehensive examination and a thesis project.

Career pathways

Actor, designer, theatre technician, educator.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Application requirements: CV/resume, official transcripts, personal statement and three letters of recommendation, plus concentration-specific materials (audition or design portfolio; applicants contact the head of the concentration). Early applications are preferred for assistantships. International applicants have additional requirements.

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.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific. The Moore School of Business, the Arnold School of Public Health and the College of Nursing use their own applications; the Moore School charges an additional $50 application fee for graduate programmes.

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