Graduate Admissions Guidelines

There is no set number of graduate applicants accepted by the Department of Theater and Dance each year.

The application deadline for the Ph.D., M.A./Ph.D., and M.A. programs is December 15th. Fellowships are awarded by the end of February. Applicants who have been awarded fellowships must decide whether or not to accept by April 15. Applicants to the M.A./Ph.D. track who are not admitted into that program are automatically considered as applicants to the M.A. program. Admission decisions to the M.A. program are made on a rolling basis beginning in March. All admission decisions will be made by April 15.

APPLY HERE

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum Undergraduate G.P.A.  of 3.0.
• Doctoral applicants must hold an M.A. in drama or an M.F.A. in theatre.
• Other M.A. degrees, such as in English literature, might be considered in cases where the applicant has given special attention to an area of theatre studies, but the statement of purpose should make a clear case for the applicability of the degree.
• M.A. or M.A./Ph.D. applicants need not have a B.A. or B.F.A. in theatre, but evidence of a significant background in theatre studies should be provided.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
See the UCSB Graduate Division’s “HOW TO APPLY”  page for detailed information on the graduate application process.

• Deadline: December 15
• UCSB Graduate Application
• The TOEFL Exam is required for students whose first language is not English. Minimum TOEFL scores are 80 Internet-Based Test (IBT), IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Overall Band Score of 7 or higher, or the Duolingo English test with a minimum score of 120 or higher (request that University of California, Santa Barbara - Graduate Admissions receive your scores). 
• Statement of Purpose that gives clear indications of the applicant’s interests and abilities in the area of theatre scholarship
• Personal History Statement that describes any aspects of your personal background, accomplishments, or achievements that you feel are important in evaluating your application for graduate study 
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Three Letters of Recommendation that, when possible, address scholarly potential.
• Writing Sample. A polished essay, indicating critical acumen, historical research, or other indicators of scholarly potential
• Financial Information
• Application Fee (click here to view current fees for domestic/international applicants)
• Supplemental Materials: Acting resumes, design portfolios, original plays, and so on will be considered as part of the general profile but cannot replace the writing sample.
• Transcripts & Exam Scores: Transcripts are required from institutions at which you have completed at least one full term of coursework (12+ units/credits). Uploading your transcript(s) is required in eApp in the Education History section. Unofficial transcripts are accepted for review, but official transcripts are required by UCSB Graduate Division upon admission.

Graduate Admissions Calendar

The following calendar is a general outline of the process of Applying to the University and the Department. Please confirm all dates with the GRADUATE PROGRAM ASSISTANT