Overview

The Theatre Arts programme at Northern Illinois University provides an intensive professional environment for artists to refine their craft. This Master of Fine Arts degree is designed to prepare students for high-level careers in the global performing arts industry through rigorous practical and scholarly training.

Each student follows a curriculum that balances creative execution with academic depth. The programme requires 69 credit hours of study, ensuring that graduates possess a sophisticated understanding of both the stage and the technical requirements of modern production. You will engage in a collaborative atmosphere that mirrors professional theatre standards.

Why Theatre Arts at Northern Illinois University?

Students at this institution learn from internationally recognised faculty members who bring vast professional experience in voice, movement, and design. The School of Theatre and Dance offers exceptional facilities where students can lead major artistic projects and participate in diverse university productions. Distinctive teaching features include a focus on script analysis from a production viewpoint and opportunities for global engagement.

The university maintains strong regional and international connections that facilitate high-impact internships. These professional placements allow students to gain work experience outside the school environment while earning course credit. This practical approach ensures that graduates are well-connected and ready to enter the professional workforce upon completion of their studies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 775 per credit
National fee: USD 388 per credit
Local fee: USD 388 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is built around a common core that emphasises both performance and the literature of the theatre. Students are required to participate in productions every semester to build a robust portfolio of work. Modules may include:

Performance and Production
Script Laboratory
Acting
Design and Technology
Costume Design
Lighting Design
Scene Design
Technical Direction

Careers with Theatre Arts

Graduates from this programme are equipped for diverse leadership roles within the arts and entertainment sectors. Alumni have successfully secured positions at prestigious organisations, including the Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and American Players Theatre. Some have also found success with major media entities such as NBC Universal and ABC Studios.

Common career paths for graduates include roles as professional actors, artistic directors, and technical directors. Many alumni also pursue careers as specialist designers or join the faculty of higher education institutions. The programme’s strong industry links and focus on practical skills contribute to a high mid-career salary potential for its graduates.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Acting Studio: On-Camera
The Business of Theatre
Research Techniques in Theatre Arts
Period Style for Actors: Text Analysis

Acting Techniques

Pattern Development
Dyeing and Fabric Modification for the Theatre
Drawing for the Theatre

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

72 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

International Business Drama View 200 other Masters in International Business in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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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

Completed a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or one with equivalent recognition.

Achieved a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent.

If you received a three-year degree awarded through the Bologna process in Europe or a three-year Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Administration awarded in India, you are eligible to apply (provided you are seeking admission to the MBA or OMIS program).

Transcripts

Letters of recommendation.

Statement of purpose.

Test scores (if required).

Resume or curriculum vitae (optional)

Additional materials required by your program.

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

57240 USD / year

≈ 57240 USD / year
Out-of-State

28584 USD / year

≈ 28584 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

28584 USD / year

≈ 28584 USD / year

Additional Details

National and International: 878.99 per credit Local: 509.75 per credit

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 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 Arts.

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

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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