Choose an Emphasis
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Acting
This three-year conservatory program provides comprehensive physical, vocal, and imaginative preparation for the professional actor working in theater or film.
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Scenic Design
Learn the art of scenography, which balances high quality production work with rigorous studio and academic study.
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Costume Design and Technology
An intensive three-year program of study, the program is designed to provide professional-grade training in costume, hair and make-up design, supported by comprehensive technology coursework.
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Lighting Design
Learn through professional-grade training in the art of stage lighting in this intensive three-year program of study.
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Directing
Develop your voice and vision as a theatre director with advanced study and hands-on experience utilizing our varied theatre spaces.
Degree Requirements
At least 63 hours of graduate credit and residency at the University of South Carolina are required. The MFA degree may be taken with an emphasis in acting, directing, costume design, scene design or lighting design.
Each student’s program of courses will be determined by departmental guidelines with
the agreement of the major advisor and will be formulated using three criteria: professional
goals, past education and experience, and appropriate preparation for a thesis project
and written comprehensive examination. All students in the program will complete a
professional internship.
Other Requirements
- A thesis must be accepted by the MFA Advisory Committee and by the Graduate School.
- A comprehensive examination must be passed.
- All course work must be at the 500 level or above, and one-half of the course work (exclusive of thesis preparation) must be at the 700 level or above.
- A professional internship must be successfully completed.
Graduate Bulletin
For detailed program information including curriculum and requirements, please view
the academic bulletin, the university's official document of record concerning graduate-level
academic programs and regulations.