Master of Arts in Theater Instruction

Learn to incorporate elements of drama and theater into kindergarten through grade 12 classrooms with the Master of Arts in Theater Instruction in the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts at Temple University. Designed for professional educators with certification in any subject and drama teachers, this graduate degree program provides students with the expertise necessary to increase engagement in the classroom through the performance arts.

The Theater Instruction MA is ideal for

Through the curriculum, you’ll form a deep understanding of the theater production process and pedagogical methods for teaching drama to kindergarten through grade 12 students, including instructional strategies and student-centered practices. You’ll also focus on all facets of drama and theater, such as  

  • acting,
  • design and technology,
  • directing,
  • history,
  • musical theater, and
  • production and management.

The curriculum is offered in a hybrid format to accommodate students’ professional schedules. Some in-person meetings are held on Temple’s Main Campus, while most courses are held online. Intensive, on-campus semesters are also offered across two summer sessions.

The Theater Instruction MA program is part of a nationally accredited theater department. It is led by distinguished faculty members, many of whom have decades of professional experience in all areas of theater, including acting, direction and production design, in cities such as Chicago, New York City and Philadelphia. Faculty members also have experience teaching drama and theater techniques to students of all ages and experience levels.

An actress holding a script is reciting lines in front of an audience.

Classes & Curriculum

The 30-credit Theater instruction MA comprises 10 classes. Students have the option of taking specific courses that count toward re-certification. The curriculum is tailored so that students understand all areas of theater performance and can effectively integrate theater components in the classroom. Learn more about the Theater Instruction MA curriculum. Learn more about the Theater Instruction MA curriculum.

Related Graduate Degrees

*College of Education and Human Development

Pursue a State Theater Endorsement

A theater endorsement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education demonstrates a teacher’s knowledge of new and emerging areas—particularly areas for which formal certification does not currently exist. It is geared toward educators who provide instruction in creative dramatics, drama and theater, or in guided drama experiences. The endorsement is also designed to enhance a teacher’s ability to manage the challenges of complex classroom environments. Learn more about the state theater endorsement.

Theater Instruction MA vs. Theater Education +1 Program

Undergraduate students can choose to pursue the Theater Education +1 program. This hybrid degree program provides the opportunity for students to earn a bachelor of arts in theater, a master’s of education and certification to teach in secondary schools in Pennsylvania—in just five years. The +1 program, which integrates graduate-level material into undergraduate semesters, balances theater courses, English courses and education courses. Unlike the Theater Instruction MA, which is designed for teachers already working in their field, the Theater Education +1 program is intended to launch students into new careers in high school-level teaching or theater outreach.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,169.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,565.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

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Additional Program Information