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    University of California-San Diego

    Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    La Jolla, USMFAIn-person3 years
    $90,597.00
    Tuition
    over 36mo
    5%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    20
    Cohort
    students
    90
    Credits
    $155.00
    App fee

    Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance at University of California-San Diego is a 90-credit, 3-year, in-person MFA program based in La Jolla, US. Tuition is $90,597.

    About the program

    Professional training program combining studio classes, seminars, production work, and professional residency at La Jolla Playhouse. Focuses on acting, dance theatre, design, directing, playwriting, and stage management using a master-apprentice model.

    Focus: coursework
    3rd (U.S. News & World Report 1997)

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    Admissions

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Jan 7, 2027

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is now optional for all of Theatre's graduate programs.
    TOEFL
    required
    Min The university-wide minimum TOEFL score required for consideration for graduate admission is 85 for the internet based test (iBT). TOEFL iBT minimum speaking score: 26
    IELTS
    required
    Min The university-wide minimum IELTS Academic Training exam score required for consideration for graduate admission is Band Score 7. IELTS minimum speaking score: 8

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US)

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    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

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance at University of California-San Diego cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance at University of California-San Diego is $90,597 across 90 required credits.
    Is Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance at University of California-San Diego online or in-person?
    Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance at University of California-San Diego is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance at University of California-San Diego take to complete?
    Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance at University of California-San Diego is structured around 3 years and 90 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance at University of California-San Diego?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0 or better grade point average in the last two years of undergraduate or post-baccalaureate work
    How competitive is Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance at University of California-San Diego?
    Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance at University of California-San Diego reports an acceptance rate of approximately 5%.