by our College Data Analytics TeamTheatre and Dance was the 984th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 94 degrees in this year alone. This is a difference of 61 over the prior year, a growth of 64.9%.
Our 2023 Best Theatre and Dance Schools ranking analyzes 4 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for theatre and dance students. Explore this or one of our many other custom theatre and dance rankings further below.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Specific theatre and dance careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are many different theatre and dance degree levels. You can get anything from a in theatre and dance to the highest theatre and dance degree, a . The time it takes to complete a theatre and dance degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
As you might expect, salaries for theatre and dance graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Theatre and Dance is one of 9 different types of Drama & Theater Arts programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Theater Arts | 11,385 |
| Acting | 1,793 |
| Theater Design & Technology | 1,164 |
| Musical Theater | 995 |
| Other Dramatic/Theatre Arts & Stagecraft | 862 |
