The M.F.A. degree prepares students for professional entry in acting, production, or teaching. Placement in the M.F.A. program is determined by audition/portfolio review, academic credentials, and personal interview. Candidates for admission should have adequate training in theatre. Deficiencies may be corrected before beginning graduate study.

The program emphasizes the study and practice of theatre as an art and discipline. Students of acting and design study concepts of theatre together while working in their areas of specialization. Focus is on the collaboration and synthesis of theatre artistry. Each incoming class is composed of approximately 12 to 18 students in acting and all design areas.