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Theatre and Media Arts

Faculty

See a full list of Theatre and Media Arts department graduate faculty

Courses

See all Theatre and Media Arts graduate courses
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Contact

D-581 HFAC
(801) 422-3750
tina_bellon@byu.edu
Department Website

The Media and Performance Studies program is not accepting applications for fall 2022.

Requirements for Degree.

  • Credit hours (32): 14 hours required courses, minimum 12 elective hours, and minimum 6 thesis hours (TMA 699R).
  • Required courses:  TMA 590R, 620, 651, 652, 668R.
  • Elective courses:  12 hours of electives, chosen in consultation with the student's advisor and subject to approval of the department's graduate council.  One or more of these may be additional TMA graduate seminars (TMA 590R).
  • Thesis:  The thesis must make a genuine contribution to body of knowledge and meet highest academic standards.  Three kinds of thesis research will be accepted:  (A) scholarly analysis of media and/or performance studies history, theory, or criticism; (B) research and strong creative achievement in media and/or performance studies; (C) qualitative research including action research.
  • Examinations: (A) comprehensive written examination; (B) comprehensive oral examination; (C) oral defense of thesis.

Media and Performance Studies is a two-year academic program that has a critical studies focus. The coursework consists of a core of theory classes supplemented by electives chosen by the student in conjunction with her/his advisor. The program wraps up with comprehensive exams and the writing of a solid scholarly thesis. Students should be in residence for the duration of the program.

This program is meant to springboard students into either teaching at the community college level or further graduate studies at a PhD level. It includes intensive reading of dramatic and mediated texts, contemporary scholarship, critical study in aesthetic, linguistic, and social theories, writing for presentation and publication, and opportunities for dramaturgy training.

While we encourage our Master's students to support their academic endeavors with practical theatre (or more limited media arts) experience, the program is centered on scholarship, not on production.

Chair:  Megan Sanborn Jones
Graduate Coordinator:  Wade Hollingshaus

Financial Assistance:

The following financial support is available through the Department of Theatre and Media Arts:

Assistantships. Graduate students may work in many areas, including performance, production, research, and teaching. Applicants must have appropriate background and experience to be considered. Assistantships range up to half-time; pay is based on applicant’s experience, year in school, and the type of assistantship.

Supplemental Tuition Awards. Supplemental tuition awards are offered by the department during all semesters and terms. The size of these awards is determined by the applicants’ qualifications and the availability of funds.

Program Outcomes

Critical Analysis
Students will examine how text and performance or media structures construct social realities in different historical moments-including the present.
Research Methodologies
Students will select and implement appropriate research methodologies.
Original Research
Students will produce original research in their respective areas of academic interest.
Professional Development
Students will develop a variety of skills and materials that will prepare them for further graduate studies, teaching opportunities, limited production, and/or other performance-related work.