Overview

The Theatre programme at the University of South Carolina offers a dedicated pathway for artists to become certified educators in public school settings. This Master of Arts in Teaching focuses on developing both creative excellence and professional instructional techniques for diverse classroom environments. Students benefit from a collaborative curriculum that bridges the gap between theatrical performance and educational leadership.

This degree is specifically structured to meet the high demand for qualified drama specialists in the education sector. By combining rigorous academic study with practical application, the curriculum ensures that graduates are prepared to inspire the next generation of performers.

Why Theatre at the University of South Carolina?

The university provides an award-winning environment where students receive professional instruction from expert faculty members. A significant strength of the programme is its exceptional employability rate, with nearly all graduates securing positions within the profession shortly after completion. Small class sizes foster a personalised learning atmosphere, allowing for deep engagement with contemporary theatre-making and modern teaching methodologies.

Students also benefit from strong institutional connections that extend beyond the local region. These industry links provide unique opportunities for international work and professional networking. The partnership between the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education ensures a robust interdisciplinary approach to teacher training and artistic development.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14880 per semester
National fee: USD 14880 per semester
Local fee: USD 6867 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the dual roles of the artist and the educator, covering technical design and instructional theory. Modules may include:

Teaching Acting
Directing
Set Design
Costume Design
Lighting Design
Applied Theatre
Methods in Teaching Theatre
Research

Careers with Theatre

Graduates are highly sought after for roles within public and private education systems, as well as the broader arts industry. The programme prepares individuals for diverse professional paths, focusing on leadership and instructional excellence. Common career destinations for alumni include:

Public School Drama Teacher
Teaching Artist
Education Director
College Professor

Employment settings typically include primary and secondary school districts, arts organisations, and entertainment companies. The comprehensive training in multicultural awareness and critical thinking also allows graduates to excel in various community-based arts initiatives and educational consultancy roles.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theatre History
Play Direction
Stage Management
Theatre Production Experiences
Movement for the Actor
Theatre Sound Design
Teaching Reading and Writing in the Content Areas

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-18 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

45 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Columbia, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing Teaching Drama View 1413 other Masters in Teaching in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Graduate Record Exam, Miller Analogies Test, or Praxis II Content Exam Score
Theater (Test Code: 5641)
Official Transcripts
Personal Statement
Resume
2 Letters of Recommendation
Writing Sample

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29760 USD / year

≈ 29760 USD / year
Out-of-State

29760 USD / year

≈ 29760 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13734 USD / year

≈ 13734 USD / year

Living costs

Columbia

United States

999 - 1508 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Theatre.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Columbia

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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