129 Performing Arts MA Degree Programs in USA

As one of the largest graduate programs of its kind in the country, Emerson College’s on-campus Theatre Education & Applied Theatre MA and MFA programs prepare you to use theatre to create learning experiences that transform lives and communities. Housed in the Department of Performing Arts in the School of the Arts, the programs allow you to grow and refine your craft as an artist and an educator. Coursework focuses on principles like social justice, anti-racism, and youth-led activism. We offer three graduate programs, an MA in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre, an MA in Theatre Education: Licensure, and an MFA in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre.

The AU University School of Communication MA in Film and Media Production will give you a professional skill set in the film, video, and digital media for a successful career in the media industry. During your first year, you will receive a formal overview of media production so that you can focus your second year on refining your skill base.

In SCI-Arc’s Master of Science in Fiction and Entertainment one-year program, students work with world-renowned professionals in the worlds of film, fiction, animation, marketing, games, and documentary making to build new forms of architectural practice.

The MA in Sound Design provides students with focused studio training in sound design, digital audio workstations, and industry standard practices in creating sonic worlds for visual media. Emphasis is placed on creative sound design techniques, and editorial practices in layering sounds in synchronization with visual media.

The MA program in Writing & Directing for Film is a streamlined training in the development and direction of an original short film or extended scene. Students go through the development process and are mentored through preproduction, production, and postproduction on their thesis project/scene. Students also learn to brand themselves and their work in preparation for the marketplace.

The MA in Music Scoring & Composition provides students with focused training in music composition and production workflows, digital audio workstations, virtual instruments, and industry standard practices in music scoring for visual media. Building on a foundation of musicianship, students will learn contemporary scoring techniques which provide the necessary skills for success in changing music industry. Emphasis is placed on creating emotion through music, MIDI orchestration, and synchronization with visual media.

The MA in Costume Design prepares students to join the next generation of artisans and designers with key technical skills and opportunities to practice their craft in active production environments. By combining a rigorous sewing program with industry-specific design courses, the students will be prepared to work in any number of positions in either theatre or film. Students will have opportunities to design theatrical productions, collaborating with the director, fellow designers, and the actors to create costumes that support the needs of the production. Finally, each student will graduate with a portfolio that showcases the range of their talents in the design and construction of garments and specialty items like jewelry and millinery work.

The MA provides a specialized focus in acting for the camera. Students will develop a specific set of professional skills in voice, speech, movement, and audition techniques. Students will graduate from the program equipped with an industry-ready demo reel showcasing the actor’s ability to work in front of a camera with a professional crew on a sound stage.

Hone your filmmaking talents and forge career connections with the MA in Film and Media program at Johns Hopkins University. The program includes 11 courses that you can complete in 16 to 24 months. You'll engage in a highly collaborative experience led by award-winning writers, producers, sound professionals, and creators. Plus, select the concentration that matches your passion: Immersive Storytelling and Emerging Technologies, Sound Design, The Business of Film, or Writing. Learn more today.

Emerson College’s online MA in Business of Creative Enterprises is tailored for artists eager to navigate the business side of their creative fields. Whether you’re a musician, designer, actor, or writer, you'll acquire essential business skills to transition your artistic expertise into a successful career. Housed in the School of Communication, the program features cross-departmental faculty who teach leadership strategies and foster a positive work culture based on empathy and equity. Whether you're looking to launch your own venture or advance in your current role, you'll gain valuable experience in strategic planning, finance, marketing, and more.

Gain real-world experience, explore emerging technologies, learn business and creative practices, and make industry connections that will put you on a path to telling stories that matter.

Bring your stories to life as you explore the depths of the film industry.

SCAD, the first university to offer an M.F.A. in themed entertainment design, prepares students to create world-class attractions. Through a curriculum blending architecture, film, theater, and AR/VR, plus industry trips and SCADpro collaborations, students gain hands-on experience to lead in this global field.

SCAD film and television students master storytelling, production, and performance with resources rivaling top studios. Guided by award-winning professors and industry professionals, they gain hands-on experience on real sets, honing artistic and technical skills while showcasing their talent at prestigious festivals.

Study near Los Angeles, one of the music capitals of the world, home to iconic music venues, renowned ensembles, plus famous film and recording studios. Graduates have gone on to prestigious doctoral programs, become assistant and cover conductors of major orchestras, and are often hired to lead school ensembles.

Awaken the music inside everyone. Your knowledge, experience, and passion can inspire the next generation of artists and performers.