Mississippi University for Women is now offering a new low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Education.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges approved the program in June, and the Mississippi Department of Education later approved in July.
“The Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Education is different than other existing programs in that it is a terminal degree. In our research, we have only seen Master of Arts degrees in Theatre Education at other universities, so our program will be unique,” said Lee Crouse, associate professor of theatre and graduate studies director of MFA.
In its inaugural year, the MFA in theatre education program currently has six students provisionally enrolled pending the completion of their applications.
Crouse added, “The program is primarily designed for licensed teachers, though a prospective student is not required to have a teaching license. This program does not lead to licensure, but provides growth for teachers to further their knowledge of theatre, develop more specific course work at their schools via lesson plans built around the national and state theatre arts standards, a status/rating increase with the MDE and a potential increase in eligible compensation.”
The 60-hour terminal-degree will consist of online courses in the fall and spring semester with a two-week summer residency for two years followed by a thesis project.
Specifically designed for theatre educators, thesis projects will focus on K-12 production that candidates are either directing, producing and/or designing. The MFA in theatre education is open to all theatre practitioners, whether professional, academic and/or community theatre.
To apply for the program candidates must submit a letter of intent, three letters of recommendation and official transcript(s). Although not required, a certificate/license to teach at the K-12 level is recommended. A lack of certificate does not automatically disqualify a candidate from being accepted for the program.
The Graduate Record Examination is not required.
For more information about courses or the application process, visit muw.edu/case/theatre/mfa.
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