How to Apply
Graduate
The deadline for applying to MA, MA/PhD, and PhD programs in theatre arts is January 15. MFA applications are due December 1, every two years. We are currently accepting applications for all programs, excepting the MFA, for the fall 2013 semester. Please note that some financial aid requires that applications be received before January 5, so review the Note on Financial Aid to determine whether you should apply earlier. We recommend that you explore the Graduate section of our site and read the online Graduate Handbook (PDF) before applying.
The University of Pittsburgh requires online applications for graduate programs. Before applying, please review the following list of required materials, as well as the following paragraphs describing admissions procedures for each of our graduate programs. Note that most of these materials must be delivered via the online application site. Any materials not attached via the online application site must be sent directly to the following address:
University of Pittsburgh Theatre Arts Department
1617 Cathedral of Learning
4200 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
ATTN: Graduate Secretary
Required Materials for Admission
- A personal statement indicating your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh and your academic and professional goals
- Three academic writing samples (not required for the MFA, but strongly recommended)
- Curriculum vitae (not required for the MFA)
- Two copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended. These should be mailed directly to:
Connie Markiw
Graduate Admissions/Department Secretary
Department of Theatre Arts
1617 Cathedral of Learning
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260 - Current GRE Scores (not required for the MFA, but strongly recommended)
- Three letters of recommendations
- Headshots and Resume (MFA applicants only)
- Non-US citizens: TOEFL or IELTS scores
- Non-US citizens: International Graduate Student Supplemental Forms Academic Year 2011-2012. (PDF)
Financial Aid
We have a number of assistantships and fellowships available involving teaching, technical work, assistance to senior members of faculty, and combined duties. Most students receiving aid are granted partial assistantships to free up their time and to support as many students as possible. Assistants and fellows receive scholarships covering all or some tuition and University fees, in addition to their stipends. Note that the University assistantships and fellowships normally provide support for the eight months of the academic year only. Though the department can offer support in the summer, there is no assurance of this.
Consideration for financial aid requires that all application materials be completed and received before January 15. The department does not admit students to begin study in the spring semester.
Doctoral candidates in theatre arts are eligible for a significant number of fellowships, such as the Provost's Humanities Fellowship and the Mellon pre-doctoral fellowship. Qualifications for these fellowships include outstanding undergraduate record and potential for doctoral study, life achievement, and membership in a minority group under-represented in advanced graduate study. Time is of the essence in applying for these fellowships. Information can be found at the Arts & Sciences Graduate Studies website.
For application information specific to programs, please visit the MA, MFA, MA/PhD, or PhD pages.
