Degree requirements

Required Core (30 credit hours)

Research (12 credit hours)
THE 792 Research (12)

Research Methodology (6 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
THE 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information
When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree.

In meeting these requirements, students, with the advice of the supervisory committee, may select theatre courses in areas such as community-based theatre, theatre education, theatre for social change, theatre history, theatre theory and criticism, and tutorial courses.

Students also may take courses outside the School of Music, Dance and Theatre in areas such as aesthetic theory, area studies, children's literature, critical and cultural studies, educational theory and methodology, languages and literatures, arts education, policy research and democracy studies.

Research methodology coursework is chosen in consultation with the supervisory committee. Where appropriate, the supervisory committee may approve certification of literacy in a foreign language as meeting the research methodology requirement. This approval is granted only in those circumstances wherein fluency in that language is necessary for the dissertation research.

Additional Curricular Requirements:

• ongoing reviews of a student's performance in courses and development of research skills, artistic skills and teaching competencies conducted by the supervisory committee at the end of each semester
• comprehensive examinations composed of written and oral components centering on theatre history, literature and criticism, theatre for youth and theatre education and the research area
• dissertation developed from an approved prospectus, based on original research work of high quality, demonstrating proficiency in the student's special field and adding new knowledge

All activities are selected to help students meet the goals of the program and develop the capability of becoming leaders in the field.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in theatre or education from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

1. graduate admission application and application fee
2. official transcripts
3. curriculum vitae
4. sample of scholarly writing
5. statement of purpose
6. three letters of recommendation
7. proof of English proficiency

An interview is optional.

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.

For the statement of purpose, applicants should cogently explain their research, educational philosophies and future career goals. After reading these statements, the PhD faculty should understand not only their current passions, but also why the theatre for youth and community program at ASU would be an appropriate fit to meet their educational, philosophical and scholarly goals.

Three letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with the applicant's work should address, specifically, the applicant's potential for success in a doctoral program.

Applicants should thoroughly review application deadlines and requirements on the school's website: https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/theatre/graduate-steps-to-apply.