Overview

The Musical Theatre programme at San Diego State University offers an intensive environment where students master the professional world of performance alongside academic scholarship. Established in 1982, this was the first M.F.A. of its kind, focusing on the integration of practical stage skills and theoretical study. The curriculum is designed to be completed over four consecutive 15-week semesters, providing a fast-paced route to professional mastery.

Why Musical Theatre at San Diego State University?

San Diego State University provides a unique environment where professional faculty work closely with students to develop the specific skills needed for success in the modern theatre landscape. The institution is home to the Musical Theatre Archive and the New Musical Initiative, offering students access to exceptional research resources and contemporary creative projects. The school’s facilities and its long-standing reputation as a pioneer in graduate musical theatre education ensure that students are part of a legacy of excellence. By nurturing lifelong artists, the university aims to preserve the traditions of the art form while advancing it through new practice and education.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 8548 per year
National fee: USD 8548 per year
Local fee: USD 8548 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of a 60-unit structure focused on performance, history, and direction. Modules may include:

Musical Theatre Movement/Dance
Writing for the Theatre
History of Musical Theatre
History of Musical Theatre Lab
Musical Theatre Script and Score Analysis
Musical Theatre Studio
Musical Theatre Stage Direction
Private Voice Instruction
Rehearsal Methods for the Musical Theatre Director

Careers with Musical Theatre

Graduates of the programme have established successful, lifelong careers as leaders in the international theatre community. Many alumni transition into academic roles, teaching in musical theatre programmes at schools and universities worldwide. Others find professional success in various creative and administrative capacities, including:

Professional Performers
Directors and Choreographers
Music Directors
Producers
Casting Agents
Writers

The programme focuses on developing the versatility required to excel as both a practitioner and an educator, ensuring graduates can contribute to the industry in multiple professional roles.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Musical Theatre Script and Score Analysis
Musical Theatre Studio
Musical Theatre Stage Direction
Private Voice Instruction
Rehearsal Methods for the Musical Theatre Director
Theatre Internship

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Music Drama View 1020 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

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

You can apply to SDSU as a graduate student if you:

have earned an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or one approved by a Ministry of Education or
will have earned an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or one approved by a Ministry of Education by the term immediately prior to enrollment.
have a minimum U.S. equivalent GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 (B grade or about 80%) or higher is required to be considered for admission.

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

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Out-of-State

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8548 USD / year

≈ 8548 USD / year

Additional Details

Non-resident tuition: Add $444 per unit to the basic tuition and fees listed above.

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 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 Musical Theatre.

Available Scholarships

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

Musical Theatre

About

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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

Additional Details

Living costs

San Diego

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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