Educational Theatre

Degrees Granted
Advanced Certificate, MA
Degree Levels
Graduate, Graduate Certificate
Location
Online

Prepare for a rewarding career in theatre arts education by choosing one of these highly-ranked performing arts programs.

Why Choose a Career in Educational Theatre?

A master’s degree in educational theatre will enable you to introduce and enhance the use of theatre in schools, cultural institutions, theatre companies and nonprofit organizations. For master’s in educational theatre students with a background in the performing arts, the world of theatre education will open opportunities to become a teaching artist, theatre educator, artistic director or arts education coordinator.

As part of Adelphi’s Distance Graduate Programs in Education Group, the educational theatre program has partnered with graduate art education, educational technology, English education, and social studies education to provide accessible and meaningful online and blended learning.

Why Earn Your MA in Educational Theatre at Adelphi?

  • Explore your creativity in our lively, meaningful and deeply personal online learning communities, freed from the constraints of traditional settings and supported by a university that has a long history of championing the arts as part of a rich and deeply human education.
  • Benefit from our multi-arts approach that integrates creative writing, storytelling, movement, performance and visual arts and views traditional educational subjects such as literacy, special education, foundations, and psychology through an arts-based lens.
  • Deepen your artistic work in our core course informed by the Michael Chekhov system of mind-body awareness.
  • Join an educational theatre degree program ranked among the Best Colleges in Education by the Colleges of Distinction.
90%* * based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2022
of our master’s graduates say that Adelphi University increased their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of professionals in their field
based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2022

I absolutely loved my time in the Educational Theatre program at Adelphi! There was such a beautiful focus on the importance of arts in schools that empowered me even more as an educator. The professors are incredible and so helpful and supportive. I feel that this program and the professors really set me up for success and I would do it all over again!

Aly Larizza ‘11, MA ‘19 MA in Educational Theatre

Online Educational Theatre Master’s Degree & Certification Options

We offer three MA programs and one advanced certificate program:

This 33-credit program is designed for performers interested in earning theatre teaching certification online. There is also a program option to add English 7-12 or Social Studies 7-12 certification for six additional credits for qualified applicants.

Designed for educators without a theatre major interested in integrating dramatic play into their coursework; online. This 33 credit program offers a rich array of multi-disciplinary courses in arts education, with a focus on creative dramatics and storytelling. The non-certification program is open to all interested graduate candidates, regardless of prior study, and can meet the needs of already-certified English teachers seeking a master’s degree in a related area.

This fully online program is designed for individuals who already have a master’s degree and wish to attain a New York State teaching certification in theatre P-12. The program of study requires 12 credits (four courses). If the applicant has no prior NYS teaching certification, there is an additional 6-credit student teaching course required. All applicants must have the prerequisite 30 credits in theatre (undergraduate and/or graduate) to earn NYS certification in theatre.

Students in the programs leading to certification may need to make up undergraduate deficiencies in the content area of the certificate required for teacher certification in New York state. Additionally, students in programs leading to NYS teacher certification in theatre must take and pass the required New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE), including the Educating All Students (EAS) test and the Content Specialty Test (CST) in Theatre. Students seeking an additional certificate in English, 7-12 or Social Studies 7-12 must also take the CST in that subject area.

Instructors play music and sing to a classroom of young children.

Exceptional Hands-On Learning

At Adelphi, we believe in the power of hands-on experience to prepare graduates for careers in the classroom. The MA in Educational Theatre program culminates with a semester of student-teaching experience. Our students have also gained valuable experience in internships at many schools and organizations, including:

Program Info

Educational Theatre Degree Application Requirements

Applicants for the online programs must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and should submit the following:

  • Graduate application and $60 fee
  • A letter of recommendation
  • Personal essay
  • Official transcripts from all prior institutions and proof of bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution

Priority Deadlines

The following is effective for Spring 2025 applicants:

  • Summer: May 1
  • Fall: August 10
  • Spring: January 10

Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

Additional Requirements for an Online Master’s in Educational Theatre

Applicants for the MA in Educational Theatre, P-12 leading to certification must have an undergraduate degree in theatre or the equivalent 30 credits.

Applicants for the Advanced Certificate in Educational Theatre must already hold a master’s degree (in any subject area as long as they have at least 30 credits in theatre).

*Some deficiencies can be made up concurrently with the graduate program, upon advisement, for the Advanced Certificate in Educational Theatre.

Awards & Recognition

Contact
Phone Number
Location
Alumnae Hall 226
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