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Low Residency MFA
in Theatre Education

This is a three-year, 60 hour terminal-degree MFA, consisting of online courses in the Fall and Spring semesters and a two-week summer Residency for two years, followed by a thesis project. Since this program is geared towards Theatre Educators, the basis of the thesis project will generally be a K-12 school production that the MFA candidate is either directing, producing and/or designing. However, even though it is designed for Theatre Educators, it is open to all Theatre Practitioners, whether in Professional, Academic and/or Community Theatre. All courses will consist of instruction in the theoretical, critical and practical aspects of all facets of Theatre, as well as a pedagogical unit focused on developing lesson plans, modules and teaching strategies for each area of study.

A man sitting in a theatre auditorium listens during a class

Our MFA Program Course Descriptions Apply to The W

No GRE

The MFA in Theatre Education program does not require the GRE.

What our graduates say about us

Thank you to the incredible faculty at Mississippi University for Women for teaching, guiding, supporting, and challenging me these three years. I am a better educator and artist because of each of you. You have opened my eyes and my future.

Jennifer Spiegelman MFA '23

I’m so grateful for these people. They have taught me so much about teaching and being a theatre artist. One of the greatest blessings of my life has been being able to shape the space with them!

Branson Cobb MFA '23

Thank you for a wonderful MFA education! This program means the world to me. It has made a huge impact on my life and career.

Michelle Wismer MFA '23

I have loved every minute of this program so much. It definitely helped me more than you know…to have a cohort of amazing and brilliant theatre people to connect with every day. This program provided me with such helpful insight and inspiration that I began to view myself not just as a teacher, or a teaching-artist, but as a real educator.

Kelsey Wilk Palmer MFA '23

I’m so thankful for my time at MUW…it was really one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I use the degree and what I learned every day at my current job. I can’t express my thanks enough.

Kelly Marie Pate MFA '22

Just wanted you to know that my students took away three superior medals in tech (costume design, set design, and stage management) at junior Thescon! I give all the credit to you for teaching me how to teach this to kids! Thank you so much! The MFA program was the best decision I've made in years!

Sarah Staggers MFA '22

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Admission Requirements

  • Please include a 1-2 page Letter of Intent, describing why you are interested in this program, your background as an artist and/or educator and your goals for the future.
  • Three letters of recommendation: one letter of recommendation should come from a colleague or mentor who has some experience in theatre or a related field. This can be at the professional, college, K-12 or community level.
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work from each institution attended, including any transcripts from MUW (whether or not a degree was granted)
    • Electronic Transcripts should be sent to Office of Graduate Studies
    • Hard copies transcripts should be mailed to Office of Graduate Studies, 1100 College Street W-1603, Columbus, MS 39701
  • Although not required, a certificate/license to teach at the K-12 level is recommended. However, lack of a certificate does not automatically disqualify a candidate from being chosen for the program.
  • The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is NOT required for admission into this program.
  • Applicants are required to show evidence of 2 doses of MMR (mumps, measles, and rubella) vaccination or a titer blood test showing immunity. Submit all immunization records to the Campus Health Center.

Admission Deadlines

Fall 2026

Final Deadline: June 30, 2026

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