The Theatre at Binghamton University is a Master program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Binghamton, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 2 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 22, 2027.

About Master of Theatre

The Theatre Department offers a Master of Arts degree program intended to ground the student in advanced fundamentals of theatrical theories and practice while accommodating individual interests and strengths. With a broad curriculum that balances both academic and production experiences, the MA program constitutes a period of study and practice en route to professional work, teaching or further advanced degrees.

At Binghamton, students practice theatre in excellent facilities and receive individual guidance in small classes and through close advising. Qualified M.A. degree candidates may have the opportunity to teach a section of an undergraduate course, undertake assistantships in technical theatre or departmental administration, mount productions in the studio theaters, or act, direct, design or write within the department's theatre and dance season.

Concentrations are not required. However, most students find that a concentration provides coherence to their coursework and aids their timely completion of a master's thesis. We encourage students to indicate a prospective concentration in their application materials by identifying it in their personal statement and supporting materials.

Frequent concentrations in the MA are directing, theory and criticism, acting, and design. Design fields include scenic, lighting, costume, and sound design, and technical direction. In addition, other areas of study can be developed based on student interest and faculty support. In the past, concentrations in dance performance, choreography, playwriting, and stage management have been offered. The Theatre Department is not equipped to support graduate-level concentrations in filmmaking/cinema or musical theatre.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Theatre at Binghamton University

Entry Requirements

Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
- You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
- A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
- A 3.0 GPA during the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Theatre

Successful completion of creative projects for the MA will help to bestow the competence and confidence professional theater companies require. Students planning to pursue further graduate work will gain a strong foundation for PhD programs, and all students will extend their appreciation for the diverse varieties of theatrical entertainment. Binghamton's Career Development Center provides additional resources for our graduates, helping them prepare resumes, and learn techniques for betters interviewing and networking.

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Theatre at Binghamton University

Application Fee 70

How to Apply for Master of Theatre at Binghamton University

Submit the online application and all required application materials.

You will need a valid email address to create an online application.
- For best performance, we recommend using Google Chrome to apply.
Upload all required application materials for your program to the online application.

Scan and upload the files with care, making sure they are clear, legible and complete. The graduate admissions committee will receive the files you scan and upload.
Preferred file format is PDF. Other accepted file formats include .doc, .docx, .rtf, .jpg and .tif.
Do not mail hard (paper) copies of any application materials unless specifically requested by the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Pay the $75 (USD) non-refundable graduate degree program application fee.
- You can use a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit card. Your credit card bill serves as your receipt.
- We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to CSTEP, EOP, HEOP, LSAMP Program, Project 1000, SEEK Program or TRIO Program (McNair Scholars Program, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, etc.) students. Please provide a certified letter from your program official attesting to your participation. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
- We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to GEM Fellowship applicants. Please submit a copy of your GEM interface homepage indicating that your overall application status is complete. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
- United States Armed Forces veterans and active duty service members are also eligible for an application fee waiver. Please submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) or your Status Report Pursuant to Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (as downloaded from https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil). Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing them to [email protected].
- Please note that a request for an application fee waiver may take 2 to 3 business days to process. Please wait for an email stating that your request has been approved before submitting your application. If you have any questions about this process, please contact us at [email protected].
Submit the online application and all required application materials by your program's application deadline.

Review these reminders before you apply:

We recommend you begin the application process at least one month before your program's application deadline.
You may apply to more than one program at a time. If you receive an admission decision for more than one program, you can only confirm your intent to enroll for one program at a time. Any remaining applications will be automatically withdrawn once you have confirmed your intent to enroll by paying your admission deposit. Exceptions will be made for individuals applying to approved dual- and double-degree programs.
Take care when selecting your program. The Office of Graduate Admissions cannot make any changes to your program once we receive and begin review of your application.

If you are a former Binghamton University student (undergraduate, graduate or non-degree/non-matriculated) and have changed your name, file an official name change form with the Office of Financial Aid and Student Records before submitting an application.
If you are an international student, review the additional admission requirements for international students before submitting an application.
If you are interested in transferring graduate credits from another institution to Binghamton University, review the policies regarding the transfer of graduate credits before submitting an application. The application process is the same for students who are planning to transfer graduate credits as it is for those who are not.