BA in Theatre in New York United States | Columbia University

Located at the crossroads of arts and humanities in a global theater hub, Barnard and Columbia's undergraduate theater program explores drama, theater, and performance studies as unique forms of intellectual and creative exploration. Students begin with core courses covering literary, cultural, and physical traditions of both Western and non-Western performance, alongside practical training in acting, directing, design, and playwriting. After building this foundation, majors focus on a chosen specialization and complete advanced thesis work—either producing an original research paper or an artistic project (in areas like acting, design, directing, dramaturgy, playwriting, or solo performance) that blends scholarly research with creative practice. While Barnard and Columbia students meet their individual college graduation requirements, the theater major requirements are identical between institutions, with most courses offered through Barnard's Theater Department. Both Barnard and Columbia students earn their degrees from their respective colleges within Columbia University.