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The UC Irvine Department of Drama and UCSD's Department of Theatre and Dance collaborate on an exclusive Joint Doctoral Program in Drama and Theatre, a unique offering within both the University of California system and across the United States.
This Joint Program boasts the most extensive specialized doctoral faculty among Drama programs nationwide, coupled with exceptionally favorable faculty-to-student ratios. Designed to foster individualized scholarship, the program enables carefully chosen students to develop distinctive research projects through close mentorship from faculty at both institutions. This tailored approach empowers each candidate to pursue specialized research pathways that enhance prospects for academic placement at prestigious institutions.
The curriculum prepares graduates for distinguished careers in research universities or leading liberal arts colleges across diverse fields including Drama, Theatre, English, Performance Studies, and Cultural, Gender, and Ethnic Studies. The UCI Drama Department emphasizes collaborative professionalism, cultivating these attributes through seminar participation, independent research, organized activities, teaching experiences, and career development initiatives. The recently introduced Dramaturgy concentration provides UCI Drama Ph.D. candidates with distinct advantages in the contemporary academic job market.
Students with a B.A. (minimum GPA of 3.5), M.A., or M.F.A. degree in Drama and Theatre are eligible for admission to the doctoral program. Students with training in literature (or another area in the humanities) will also be considered, provided they can demonstrate a background in drama or theatre. Experience in one of the creative activities of theatre (acting, directing, playwriting, design, dramaturgy) enhances a student’s chances of admission.
TOEFL Score Requirements for Admission Consideration:
IELTS Score Requirements for Admission Consideration: