A masked performer reaches out from the top of a stone landing
Niki Tulk, PhD student, enacts a scene from Medea at the Sunrise Amphitheatre on Flagstaff Mountain during the Global Ancient and Classical Seminar
A group of CU Boulder graduates
CU Graduates Student Reunion 2019

The Theatre & Performance Studies (TAPS) Master of Arts program is a 30 credit hour degree that is completed in four semesters (excluding summers). ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ are encouraged to participate in theatre and dance projects both within the department and in the community and may receive elective credit for acting, directing, dramaturgy and design.

Coursework

  • 17 credit hours of required coursework:Ìýincludes theatre and performance studies history and theory
  • 9-10 credit hours of elective coursework:Ìýallows students to pursue their interests or develop a specialization
  • 3-4 credit hours for thesis or final project

Tracks

The MA degree has two tracks, the thesis and the non-thesis track.

Thesis Track

This track prepares students to pursue a PhD degree at CU or elsewhere. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ must write a 25-55 page thesis, a substantial research document demonstrating mature critical thought based on independent study and investigation. Thesis track students take a comprehensive exam in their final semester comprised of two 1 hour oral examinations back-to-back on the same day. The first hour covers coursework and the second hour is a discussion of the thesis.

Non-Thesis Track

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ who do not plan to pursue a PhD can elect the non-thesis trackÌýwhichÌýprovides for a wider expanse of career preparation. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ in this track will complete a final project that will serve as a unifying goal for their MA experience. This project might be a creative project, a research study, a management project, an engaged performance experience, or beyond.ÌýNon-thesis track students take a two-part comprehensive exam in their final semester comprised ofÌýa take home written exam and aÌý1.5 hour oral exam. The written exam coversÌýcoursework and the oral exam is a discussion ofÌýthe written exam and final project.

For More Information

  • Ask a question related to academics: contactÌýDirectorÌýof Graduate Studies,ÌýBeth Osnes.
  • For assistance with enrollment, scheduling, and employment/financial assistance:ÌýcontactÌýtheÌýGraduate Program Assistant

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