Theatre, PhD

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The doctoral program in Theatre at Bowling Green State University emphasizes the connection of theatre and performance studies scholarship to artistry, and their application in pedagogical and other professional contexts. Students are engaged in a course of study grounded in a thorough understanding of Theatre Performance History, Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Theories, and Research Methods. Practically, the course of study aims to prepare graduates to conduct original research, to teach, to consider the application of advanced theatre studies skills in contexts beyond the academy, and to participate in theatre production in a range of capacities. While the mission of the department is to prepare theatre studies graduates who approach the theory and practice of theatre and performance in an integrated manner, it should be understood that the primary emphasis of any doctoral program in the arts focuses on historical, theoretical, and pedagogical approaches to the subject matter rather than solely or even predominantly on artistic practice.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Ph.D degree, students in the Theatre program are expected to be able to:

Analyze diverse performance texts from various historical periods and cultural backgrounds.
Demonstrate fluency in the theories, criticisms, and research methodologies in the interdisciplinary fields of theatre and performance.
Use performance as the site and process for critical, cultural, and historical understandings.
Develop the ability to collaborate in theatre production as a dramaturg, actor, director, designer and/or technician.
Communicate and present knowledge as a scholar-artist-citizen in professional formats.
Develop teaching skills suitable for university-level or equivalent contexts.
Develop and carry out a publishable research project.

Admission Requirements

Documents required:

Submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Exam
Three Letters of Recommendation
Professional Resume
Statement of Purpose
Writing Sample

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Requirements

Required Courses (12 credits)

Electives (30 credits)

Other Requirements

Independent Study courses (THFM 7840 and THFM 7860 ) may potentially be taken to fulfill any of the course requirements subject to approval by the graduate coordinator. Approval must be secured in advance of registering for the course. More than two registration (6 hours) of directed reading and independent study courses will require special justification.

Culminating Experience (18-30 credits)

THFM 7990 - Dissertation Research

Minimum Total Credits (60 credits)

Additional Requirements

Minimum 3.0 graduate cumulative grade point average
Maximum of 10 credits of 5000-level coursework may be counted toward degree requirements
Preliminary Examination or Project
Minimum of 16 credits of dissertation research (maximum of 30 credits of dissertation research are applicable to degree requirements)
Dissertation Defense and Publication of Manuscript on OhioLINK
All requirements must be completed within eight years from the end of the earliest course used to fulfill degree requirements.