Degree Programs

B.A. / B.S. in Theatre

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Theatre a broad, generalist theatre education that includes possibilities for elective courses outside of theatre. B.A./B.S. Theatre majors have the option to take additional theatre courses for their electives, but this degree is ideally designed for students seeking a double major or minor.

B.A. students take four semesters of foreign language study to complete the standard university general education requirements, while B.S. students take an additional 7-8 hours of mathematics and/or science.

B.A. / B.S. in Theatre
B.F.A. in Theatre

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Theatre is a pre-professional degree with concentrations in Musical Theatre, Acting, and Design/Technology. The B.F.A degree requires additional credit hours towards graduation beyond the standard 120 hours university requirement.  So, while it is possible for a BFA theatre major to add a double major or minor, it will typically involve spending additional time at UM to finish the additional hours.

NOTE: all of our degrees are designed to be completed in 4 years and prepare students to pursue careers in the Theatre and entertainment industry, as well as a variety of other career options requiring the critical thinking, communication, technology,  team building and problem solving theatre skills that are developed and honed throughout the theatre curriculum and production experiences.

B.F.A. Concentrations

Minor in Theatre

The minor in Theatre requires 21 credit hours including: THEA 213 – Acting I, THEA 250 – Stagecraft I, THEA 270 – Directing I, THEA 423 – Theatre History I, THEA 424 – Theatre History II, and electives approved by a Theatre advisor.

Minor in Arts Administration

The Arts Administration minor requires 21 hours and balances classroom instruction with hands-on work on department productions and activities. Experiential learning with arts organizations in nearby Birmingham is also encouraged. Course requirements encourage students to explore the relationship between arts and culture, communication, business, public relations and finance, as well as the needs and challenges facing the contemporary entertainment industry.

Students will be prepared to work in a variety of arts and theatre settings in various administrative capacities. The minor can be combined with a performance emphasis degree to expose a theatre student to a wider variety of career options and provide a versatile range of skill sets to enter the profession.