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    Northwestern University

    Master of Fine Arts in Directing

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Evanston, USMFAIn-person27 months
    3
    Cohort
    students
    27
    Credits

    Master of Fine Arts in Directing at Northwestern University is a 27-credit, 27-month, in-person MFA program based in Evanston, US.

    About the program

    The program trains stage directors in artistic collaboration, theatrical storytelling, and theater history and context through coursework, seminars, and three annual directing projects culminating in a written thesis and oral defense. It emphasizes developing personal artistic vision, leadership, collaboration with designers and actors, and practical production experience.

    Focus: both

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

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    Exact application deadlines for each term (Fall, Spring, Summer, Rolling), with priority and final dates where the program distinguishes them.

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    Standardized tests

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    Which tests are required, optional, or waived (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo), minimum scores including separate verbal / quant sections, and program codes for score reporting.

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    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US)

    $29,412.00
    Annual living cost

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    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

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    Frequently asked questions

    Is Master of Fine Arts in Directing at Northwestern University online or in-person?
    Master of Fine Arts in Directing at Northwestern University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Fine Arts in Directing at Northwestern University take to complete?
    Master of Fine Arts in Directing at Northwestern University is structured around 27 months and 27 credits.
    How large is the Master of Fine Arts in Directing at Northwestern University cohort?
    Master of Fine Arts in Directing at Northwestern University typically enrolls around 3 students per cohort.
    What work-permit options follow Master of Fine Arts in Directing at Northwestern University?
    Post-completion work rights for Master of Fine Arts in Directing at Northwestern University: 12 months OPT (US)