Educational Theatre
Prepare for a rewarding career in theatre arts education by choosing one of these highly ranked performing arts programs online.
Why Choose a Career in Educational Theatre?
A master’s degree in educational theatre will enable you to introduce and enhance the use of theatre in schools, cultural institutions, theatre companies and nonprofit organizations. For master’s degree in educational theatre students with a background in the performing arts, the world of theatre education will open opportunities to become a teaching artist, theatre educator, artistic director or arts education coordinator.
As part of Adelphi’s Distance Graduate Programs in Education Group, the educational theatre program has partnered with graduate art education, educational technology, English education and social studies education to provide accessible and meaningful online classes and blended learning.
Why Earn Your MA in Educational Theatre at Adelphi University Online?
- Explore your creativity in our lively, meaningful and deeply personal online learning communities, freed from the constraints of traditional settings and supported by a university that has a long history of championing the arts as part of a rich and deeply human education.
- Benefit from our multi-arts approach that integrates creative writing, storytelling, movement, performance and visual arts and views traditional educational subjects such as literacy, special education, foundations and psychology through an arts-based lens.
- Deepen your artistic work in our core course informed by the Michael Chekhov system of mind-body awareness.
- Join an educational theatre degree program online ranked among the Best Colleges in Education by Colleges of Distinction.
I absolutely loved my time in the Educational Theatre program at Adelphi! There was such a beautiful focus on the importance of arts in schools that empowered me even more as an educator. The professors are incredible and so helpful and supportive. I feel that this program and the professors really set me up for success and I would do it all over again!
This 33-credit program is designed for performers interested in earning theatre teaching certification online. There is also a program option to add English 7-12 or Social Studies 7-12 certification for six additional credits for qualified applicants.
Designed for educators without a theatre major interested in integrating dramatic play into their coursework, online, this 33-credit program offers a rich array of multidisciplinary courses in arts education, with a focus on creative dramatics and storytelling. The noncertification program is open to all interested graduate candidates, regardless of prior study, and can meet the needs of already certified English teachers seeking a master’s degree in a related area.
This fully online advanced Certificate in Educational Theatre program is designed for individuals who already have a master’s degree and wish to attain a New York state teaching certification in theatre P-12. The program of study requires 12 credits (four courses). If the applicant has no prior New York state teaching certification, there is an additional 6-credit student teaching course required. All applicants must have the prerequisite 30 credits in theatre (undergraduate and/or graduate) to earn New York state certification in theatre.
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
At Adelphi, we believe in the power of hands-on experience to prepare graduates for careers in the classroom. The online MA in Educational Theatre program culminates with a semester of student teaching experience. Our students have also gained valuable experience in internships at many schools and organizations, including:
Program Info
Educational Theatre Degree Application Requirements
Applicants for the online educational theatre programs must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and should submit the following:
- Graduate application and $60 fee
- A letter of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Official transcripts from all prior institutions and proof of bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
- Course-by-course evaluation: All graduate applicants with undergraduate-level work completed outside of the United States will be required to send a course-by-course evaluation of their academic work prepared by a NACES member organization. Adelphi recommends you use The Evaluation Company (TEC) or IEE (discount provided for Adelphi applicants), ECE, or WES, but any NACES member evaluation would be acceptable.
Priority Deadlines
The following is effective for Spring applicants:
- Summer: May 1
- Fall: August 10
- Spring: January 10
Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Additional Requirements for an Online Master’s in Educational Theatre
Applicants for the online master’s degree in Educational Theatre P-12 leading to certification must have an undergraduate degree in theatre or the equivalent of 30 credits.
Applicants for the Advanced Certificate in Educational Theatre must already hold a master’s degree (in any subject area as long as they have at least 30 credits in theatre).
About Our Alumni
Our alumni from the Educational Theatre program are professionals throughout the world who are educators, artists and administrators who have had their work highlighted on Broadwayworld.com, EDTA, AATE, Prime Video and on Broadway.
Frequently Asked Questions About Educational Theatre Degrees
Through storytelling, music and performance, educational theatre breaks down complicated or difficult topics to make lessons easier to absorb. Immersive and interactive experiences engage students, creating memorable experiences. Educational theatre can be used to introduce academic ideas in history, science and literature; to assist in developing communication and emotional skills; and to develop creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.
A master’s degree or advanced certificate in theatre education can lead to jobs in school, professional theatre companies and nonprofit organizations. It can also lead to a career as an arts administrator, director of education or drama therapist.
A theatre education master’s degree or advanced certificate gives you a competitive edge in pursuing a career teaching theatre and at some levels is required in addition to a bachelor’s degree. You will also need a state teaching license or certificate for most jobs teaching theatre in schools.
Awards & Recognition
