Published:
The Adelphi University Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences Online Master’s in Education Programs have landed on the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs for 2025.
Educational Theatre
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!
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.
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.
Admissions
Awards & Recognition
Colleges of Distinction: Education
Adelphi has been recognized among the Best Colleges in Education for 2024–2025 by the Colleges of Distinction organization for our excellence in teaching.
Top Ranked in Education
NC-SARA Approved
Adelphi University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Approved Distance Education
Abound
Adelphi has been recognized among the nation’s top professional graduate degree programs by Abound: Grad School for providing affordable and flexible options, accessibility to professors and campus support services, opportunities to accelerate graduation, and prep for sustained career growth.
A Top Grad School
Abound
Adelphi is recognized among Abound’s 2024 Best Online Colleges North for our high-quality faculty and our supportive student experience, including providing the guidance, resources and services that our online students need to succeed both academically and professionally.
Top Ranked for Online Study
U.S. News & World Report: Social Mobility
We are a Best College for Social Mobility because we transform lives—at every income level.
Awards & Rankings
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse
Adelphi is the highest-ranked university on Long Island in the 2025 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse Best Colleges. It also ranks #7 in New York, with outstanding scores for student outcomes including graduation rate and salary impact.
Ranked one of the best
U.S. News & World Report
Adelphi University has been named a Best College among National Universities for seven consecutive years. Adelphi remains the top-ranked private university on Long Island.
A Best College
Diane Caracciolo
(She/Her)
Location
Alumnae Hall 226