Colleges which offer undergraduate musical theatre degrees

utepsong · December 18, 2009, 7:51pm

ALABAMA
Birmingham-Southern College (BA)
University of Alabama (BA)
University of South Alabama (BFA)

ALASKA

ARIZONA
Arizona State University (BM)
University of Arizona (BFA)

ARKANSAS

CALIFORNIA
California State University, Fullerton (BFA)
Notre Dame de Namur University (BFA)
+University of California - Los Angeles (BA)
+University of Southern California (Minor in MT, with BFA Acting)

COLORADO
Metropolitan State College of Denver (BFA)
University of Colorado (BFA)
University of Northern Colorado (BA)

CONNECTICUT
+University of Hartford (BFA) (25-30)

DELAWARE

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
American University (BA)
Catholic University (BM)
Howard University (BFA)

FLORIDA
+Florida State University (BFA)
New World School of the Arts (BFA)
University of Central Florida (BFA)
University of Florida (BFA)
+University of Miami (BM & BFA)
University of West Florida (BFA)

GEORGIA
Brenau University (BFA)
Valdosta University (BFA)

HAWAII

IDAHO

ILLINOIS
Columbia College in Chicago
+Illinois Wesleyan University (BFA) (8-12)
+Millikin University (BFA) (24 cut)
North Central College (BA)
+Northwestern University (BA Theater or BM Music, MT certificate)
+Roosevelt University (BFA)
Western Illinois University (BFA)

INDIANA
+Ball State University (BFA)
Vincennes University (AS, 2 year degree)

IOWA
Drake University (BFA)

KANSAS
Wichita State University (BFA)

KENTUCKY
Northern Kentucky University (BFA)

LOUISIANA
Tulane University (BFA)

MAINE

MARYLAND

MASSACHUSETTS
+Boston Conservatory (BFA) (25-30 cut)
+Emerson University (BFA) (24)

MICHIGAN
Central Michigan University (BFA)
Oakland University (BAPA)
+University of Michigan (BFA) (20)
+Western Michigan University (BFA) (cut)

MINNESOTA
University of Minnesota-Duluth (BFA)

MISSISSIPPI
University of Mississippi (BFA)

MISSOURI
Avila University (BFA)
Southwest Missouri State (BFA)
+Webster University (BFA)

MONTANA

NEBRASKA
Nebraska Wesleyan (BA)
University of Nebraska (Minor)
University of Nebraska at Kearney (BFA)

NEVADA

NEW HAMPSHIRE

NEW JERSEY
Montclair State University (BFA)

NEW MEXICO
College of Santa Fe (BFA)

NEW YORK
American Musical and Dramatic Academy (2 year program, may lead to BA or BFA with the New School University)
Circle in the Square Theatre School (2 year program)
+Ithaca College (BFA)
Marymount Manhattan (Minor to accompany degree in Theatre or Dance)
+New York University: Tisch School of the Arts, CAP 21 (BFA) Other studios offer some MT courses
+New York University: Steinhardt School(BM) (20-30)
SUNY, Buffalo (BFA)
SUNY, Cortland (BA, and Minor)
SUNY, Fredonia (BFA)
SUNY, New Paltz (BA)
+Syracuse University (BFA) (25-30)
Wagner College (BA)

NORTH CAROLINA
Catawba College (BFA)
East Carolina University (BFA)
+Elon University (BFA)
Mars Hill College (BFA)
Western Carolina University (BFA in Theatre MT Concentration)

NORTH DAKOTA

OHIO
+Baldwin-Wallace College (BM) (10-12)
Kent State University (BFA)
Marietta College (BFA)
Ohio Northern University (BFA)
+Otterbein College (BFA) (8)
University of Akron (BA)
+University of Cincinnati: College Conservatory of Music (BFA) (22-24)
Youngstown State University (BFA)
Wright State University (BFA)

OKLAHOMA
+Oklahoma City University (BM)
+University of Oklahoma (BFA) (12)
University of Tulsa (BA)

OREGON
Southern Oregon University (BFA Acting)

PENNSYLVANIA
+Carnegie-Mellon University (BFA) (10)
+Pennsylvania State University (BFA) (15-20)
+Point Park University (BFA)
+University of the Arts (BFA)

RHODE ISLAND

SOUTH CAROLINA

SOUTH DAKOTA

TENNESSEE

TEXAS
Abilene Christian University (BFA)
KD Studio (2 year program)
Sam Houston State University (BFA)
Texas State University-San Marcos (BFA)
University of North Texas (BFA)
University of Texas-Austin (certificate MT Initiative)
University of Texas at El Paso (BFA)

UTAH
Brigham Young University (BFA)

VERMONT
Johnson State College (BA)

VIRGINIA
James Madison University (BA)
+Shenandoah Conservatory (BFA)

WASHINGTON

WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia Wesleyan College (BA)

WISCONSIN
University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point (BFA) (7-8)
Viterbo University (BFA)

WYOMING

soozievt · December 18, 2009, 8:04pm

Thank you for trying to be helpful. Not sure you noticed, but CC has had that list on our forum for a long while…first as a link and more recently as a post that is pinned to the top of the forum threads.

Here it is:

<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/801037-big-list-mt-colleges.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/801037-big-list-mt-colleges.html</a>

utepsong · December 18, 2009, 8:09pm

Yes, but if you look closely it isn’t accurate and leaves off a handful of programs. That is why I thought I would post a more accurate list created at the Musical Theatre Educational Alliances last conference. Of course the list is always growing and changing and this doesnt represent the changes at NYC with CAP 21 but we are still waiting to see how that all falls out.

soozievt · December 18, 2009, 8:12pm

OH, I didn’t notice the changes. Can you highlight or point out what programs you added?

Also, Tisch does have a new MT studio: New Studio On Broadway for MT and Acting. This will be in lieu of new students entering CAP21. So, indeed they do have a MT program, but under a new studio starting with the next incoming class.

How is it that the MT Educational Alliances’ list has the same notations on it that the CC List has? Just wondering how they created a list that looks so much the same in terms of the “+” and certain programs having numbers listed with them. The list on CC was not created by an organization but by CC members.

utepsong · December 18, 2009, 8:24pm

I just changed our list to look like yours right before I posted it so it would read the same way. It didn’t look that way before I edited it to look like your big list. Frankly, yours is easier to read and makes more sense for the purposes of students looking for programs. Ours was alphabetical, not by state and without the + notation you give to selective schools.
Yeah, we are meeting in NYC in January and we havent met since NYC made its announcement and I didnt want to put it up wrong. But what you said in your last post is the info I have as well.

soozievt · December 18, 2009, 8:33pm

I’m a little befuddled. You say you posted a new list as you added schools since CC is missing a “handful of programs”.

I looked it over and I only see one school added (correct me if I am mistaken) and that is University of North Texas and that is a new program and CC’s list has not been updated since that program got established.

However, I see many schools that were on CC’s list that your list has taken off and I am not sure why.

Some that I notice (but not all) that are not on your list but are on CC’s Big List:

Texas Christian University
Ouachita Baptist
UC-Irvine
Cal State-Chico
Palm Beach Atlantic
Shorter College
Indiana University
University of Central Oklahoma
Western Kentucky
University of Southern Maine
Plymouth State
University of New Hampshire
Westminster Choir College
Nazareth College
Rhode Island College
DeSales University
Wilkes University
West Chester University

Further, I noticed that the “+” symbol was added to Illinois Wesleyan and Millikin. I can’t ask you about the add to IWU of course :). But I don’t think Millikin, while selective, is as selective as most of the schools that have a “+” notation. Just my opinion.

Any light you can shed on this is appreciated. I don’t want the members to be confused as the list CC posts is pretty comprehensive and your list cuts off many programs and just adds one brand new program, from what I have been able to discern. Thanks.

PS…the information about Tisch is correct. I have seen written materials they put out and I have a child of my own that just graduated that school for MT in fact.

soozievt · December 18, 2009, 8:39pm

I just want to clarify that the list is not “mine” and I did not create it. Just want to make that clear. It was created by a couple of CC members, a student, a parent, and a college department head, and other members have added to it and updated it from time to time.

utepsong · December 18, 2009, 9:08pm

Soozievt, I am not sure why you seem to want to pick a fight with people on CC? I am not questioning the information CC provides. The point of a forum is for people to add their information and let the chips fall as they may. I will take the programs that you listed and research them and if they meet muster with mtEA will add them to our list. I havent taken the time to set this list side by side since I retyped it today, but I know that you all are missing University of Texas at El Paso and Johnson State College in VT. IWU sees anywhere between 250 to 300 candidates and accepts 12 to 15 and I know that Milliken probably sees more even though they accept more like 24 to 30. I think that meets my definition of selective.

soozievt · December 18, 2009, 9:29pm

My intentions are in no way at all to “pick a fight”!!

I’m trying to understand the reason a new list went up as I wasn’t sure you knew we already have a list of MT colleges on CC that has been compiled. I didn’t want readers to be confused.

You went on to explain that you just added some programs that the CC list was missing and I was trying to find what was new besides North Texas State which is a new program that I am aware of that hasn’t been updated on CC’s list. Johnson State College is already on CC’s list. I am familiar with it as I live in the same region in fact. University of Texas at El Paso was also already on CC’s list. The only NEW college I see on the NEW list posted here is University of North Texas.

When I went to see what programs were added, I noticed programs were missing. I think I was just trying to understand and also clarify for readers as they may take the list you posted as a List of ALL COLLEGES that offer UG degrees in MT. That would be a shame because, for example, we even have members here who attend Indiana for MT or Westminster or Ouachita and some who have applied to West Chester, UC-Irvine, and UNH for example. I think I asked valid questions and clarification because a list that says it is “colleges which offer undergraduate MT degrees” that is missing degree programs already listed on this site and many even discussed here and a few that even have their own sub forums, might confuse members. I don’t see that as a fight but more an attempt to understand how this list differs from CC’s list and the need for a new list to be posted and I was trying to avoid confusion for newbies looking into MT colleges. Thanks.

It is indeed an open forum and I’m very happy you are posting here and trying to help students and parents. As part of an open forum, I am also asking and discussing posts that are put up. A forum is a discussion. An open one.

I also don’t care if you add the programs I mentioned to your organization’s list. When your list was posted, none of us knew what your list represented. It did not say it was a list from an organization or alliance. That was why it was not understood as CC has a list of MT Colleges that exist. I only listed the programs not on your list that members here have gathered for CC’s Big List and wondered why a list of MT colleges omitted these. Your organization is free to omit any colleges of course! I am just asking on behalf of CCers so that they can understand that we now have two lists and how they differ.

utepsong · December 18, 2009, 9:30pm

Does University of Wyoming have a MT program? I thought they just had some MT classes and a dance minor. Is this new?

utepsong · December 18, 2009, 9:39pm

I think it is just your writing style…anyway…As I said, I just noticed that there were program missing from the CC list just as you did on the mtEA list I posted. I will add yours to my list and I suspect you will add mine. We all really want a solid number of programs that offer a BFA, BM, BA or BS in Musical Theatre and it is very hard because they crop up and fall apart so rapidly. In September 2009 at the mtEA European conference the number stood at around 100 in the USA, but it looks more like 110 to me.

soozievt · December 18, 2009, 9:45pm

It is just important that when you post a list, to explain what it represents. On another thread, you posted a list and that thread was about rankings and so people did not understand what your list represented. Now, you have started a new thread with a list of colleges that offer MT programs and it was unclear how or why this differs from the list of colleges that offer MT Programs that exists here on this forum. Perhaps if you had said your list represents a list compiled by an organization, then that might explain it.

Your list only added ONE program not on CC’s Big List. Unfortunately, it is missing many programs…some not well known, some pretty well known.

One MT program director who posts on this forum in fact, has a relative who teaches, I believe, in the program at Plymouth State. We also have members attending the programs eliminated on that list. We have members applying to programs eliminated on that list.

Having been on this forum for 7 1/2 years, I know that newbies visit and so I am trying to make sure such a list is clarified as to what it represents, given that CC has pinned a list of MT colleges that exist at the beginning of the list of threads on the MT Forum. That is all.

University of Wyoming has had a rep come onto this forum in the past few days and explained the formation of their new MT program.

utepsong · December 18, 2009, 10:02pm

Look, I think you think that the people on CC or thicker than they are. They can figure it out and if not, they will ask. I didnt say definitive list. I didnt say anything other than here is a list of MT programs. I posted the list and by doing so have received information on 18/19 programs that I hadnt included. That was the point of the post, to get information. Everything doesnt need to be explained or clarified as you have stated and again your tone is argumentative. I dont care if you have been doing this for 7 years. I have been in the business for over 25, who cares? I want to give and get information. It is about sharing, right? The post on the ranking page was just to stimulate the conversation again about ranking and how asinine the idea that you can compare programs (apples and oranges) is. It worked, people started talking againwhy is there a problem?

soozievt · December 18, 2009, 10:12pm

I do not think newbies to the MT college selection and admissions process are “thick” at all. However, those brand new to this, come here to glean information. Their guidance counselors are often not in the know. Their friends at school are not going for this field, and so on. There is a LOT to find out. In fact, my own career is as a college counselor. I can tell you that when new families come to me, some have already explored a bunch but many know VERY little and also are confused and need assistance negotiating this quagmire.

The reason I asked about the list, as I wrote was that the title of “colleges which offer MT degrees” was even confusing for ME and I know a LOT about this topic as this is what I do for my job. I wasn’t sure if this was meant to be a comprehensive list and why we needed a different comprehensive list when CC members already compiled a list of “colleges that offer MT” and pinned it to the top of this forum. So, if I read this NEW list, I would wonder what is different about this than the list CC has that is meant to be a list of colleges that offer MT. I might even miss out on some great programs like Indiana University or miss out on BA degrees in MT (which people on CC ask about ALL the time as there are not many) such as DeSales, UNH, Plymouth State and so on. So, the more we understand, the better.

When I mentioned how many years I had been on CC, it was meant to explain that I knew about the forum and how the “Big List” was compiled and MANY regulars here direct newbies to that link / sticky post when they ask which colleges offer MT. I was trying to understand this “new list” so that I can help anyone who asks this in the future on this forum as now we have “two lists” of “colleges that offer MT”. Having been here a long while, I see what newbies ask all the time.

I know you are trying to share information and the more the better! Being new to the forum (certainly not new to the field!!), I didn’t know if you were aware that a list of colleges that offer MT was already compiled for those who are starting out their college search.

utepsong · December 18, 2009, 10:22pm

I was aware but the list is locked so people cant have a vigorous conversation like we are having this evening. I posted a new list to elicit exactly what has happened and I would like for even more people to get in on it. Keep the thread open so that people can say what about my school or this program or that. I think that there is a danger in closing things so people cant comment or acting like anything is definitive. I wasnt aware of the big list when mtEA met in September. I missed it on CC initially but once I realized it was there noticed some difference. 1, 3, 5 schools, it doesnt really matter how many are different it is different. By posting this list I started the conversation again.

soozievt · December 18, 2009, 10:31pm

I believe the reason the thread is locked is because it is not meant for discussion about programs, simply a resource. There are umpteen threads on the forum to discuss programs. Many programs even have their own sub forum. The list is meant to be a COMPREHENSIVE list of ALL MT programs and when someone knows of a new one, it is added. There is not much to discuss as the list is pretty comprehensive. It has ALL the schools you listed but ONE. CC’s list is not meant to be a selective list of colleges but rather meant to be a resource of all MT colleges that the collective membership has found over the years.

I don’t personally see the value in having TWO LISTS or having a list that omits some programs since we already have a list that includes all that CC is aware of. I think it can confuse members, for instance, to see a new list and they will either miss out on some great programs or wonder why they were omitted (if they already know about MT programs a bunch).

In any case, you are free to post any lists you or anyone wishes to post. It may elicit questions as to what this list is about since there is already a list that old timers here direct newbies to who are looking for a comprehensive list of MT colleges. A list of “colleges which offer UG MT degrees” that omits some doesn’t seem as useful to me, unless this list is clarified to represent a selected list or some such. That was why I was asking about it. Thank you.

utepsong · December 18, 2009, 10:40pm

Things are changing all the time and I disagree with you that they will be confused. What is to be confused about. Your list is two years old mine is three months old and neither are accurate. I am in the process of checking the schools you mentioned and have every intention of updating once I have checked that all have an MT degree. I can’t add University of Wyoming because it still doesn’t appear on the website. With endowments taking the hit they did, you never know if program plans will come to fruition, so until I see it in black and white on an official school page, I cant add it to this list.

soozievt · December 18, 2009, 11:14pm

Please understand that the list on CC is NOT my list. I did not compile it. Other members contributed to it. They are credited at the start of the list. It began way before two years ago in fact. It has been updated many times. When someone knows of any new programs, they bring it up and they have been added. If you or anyone knows of new programs, please inform CC’s moderators and they can add to the list. The thread was not meant to be a discussion thread. It had originally been a LINK to a Geocities site. That site is no longer and so CC copied the list from the link that CC had been using and created a “sticky” thread at the top of the forum, whereas before there was a sticky thread with the LINK. Just like the link to the BIG LIST involved no discussion, neither does the new sticky thread. It is a resource. Anyone can suggest schools to be added. What CC is not likely to do is to pin YOUR List which OMITS programs already on CC’s list. A few programs you omitted even have SUBFORUMS on CC such as Indiana University and Westminster. I don’t think CC is going to dedicate a forum for a program and then not have it on the Big List of ALL MT colleges.

soozievt · December 18, 2009, 11:30pm

In an effort to help you avoid reinventing the wheel so to speak, you said you are going to look into the colleges I listed that you omitted on your list that are on CC’s BIG LIST…these schools ALL have majors/concentrations in MT, some BA, some BM, some BFA. I know this to be true. That’s why they were on the list. I looked them all up myself just now (not sure why). They DO offer MT programs.

Also, I did NOT list in my post ALL the programs your list is missing that are on CC’s Big List. Those were some examples. There are others. (see the Big List of MT colleges that I linked to earlier).

Not sure the need to reinvent this list. That was my entire point in responding to this new thread. A comprehensive list of MT colleges is already on CC. If you know ADDITIONAL SCHOOLS to add, please make it known. No need to start a new list really that omits colleges for MT that CCers already have gathered up, in my view. You can if you wish, but I was trying to avoid extra work on your end as these have been researched, and further, helping newbies to the MT world of colleges from being confused. I deal with college selection, particularly for MT applicants, in my work and so a comprehensive list is useful to have. CC’s Big List has been a great resource for many here over the years and I appreciate those who compiled it. If you have new schools to ADD, let CC know!

utepsong · December 18, 2009, 11:38pm

COLLEGES WHICH OFFER UNDERGRADUATE MUSICAL THEATRE DEGREES

Schools which take only a handful of applicants from a large pool are identified (+ indicates a school which accepts a relatively small percentage of their applicants).

ALABAMA
Birmingham-Southern College (BA)
University of Alabama (BA)
University of South Alabama (BFA)

ALASKA

ARIZONA
Arizona State University (BM)
University of Arizona (BFA)

ARKANSAS
Ouachita Baptist (BA)

CALIFORNIA
California State University -Chico (BA)
California State University, Fullerton (BFA)
Notre Dame de Namur University (BFA)
+University of California – Irvine (BFA)
University of California - Los Angeles (BA)
+University of Southern California (Minor in MT, with BFA Acting)

COLORADO
Metropolitan State College of Denver (BFA)
University of Colorado (BFA)
University of Northern Colorado (BA)

CONNECTICUT
+University of Hartford (BFA) (25-30)

DELAWARE

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
American University (BA)
Catholic University (BM)
Howard University (BFA)

FLORIDA
+Florida State University (BFA)
New World School of the Arts (BFA)
Palm Beach Atlantic University (BA with emphasis in MT)
University of Central Florida (BFA)
University of Florida (BFA)
+University of Miami (BM & BFA)
University of West Florida (BFA)

GEORGIA
Brenau University (BFA)
Shorter College (BFA)
Valdosta University (BFA)

HAWAII

IDAHO

ILLINOIS
Columbia College in Chicago
+Illinois Wesleyan University (BFA) (8-12)
+Millikin University (BFA) (24 cut)
North Central College (BA)
+Northwestern University (BA Theater or BM Music, MT certificate)
+Roosevelt University (BFA)
Western Illinois University (BFA)

INDIANA
+Ball State University (BFA)
Indiana University - Bloomington (BFA)
Vincennes University (AS, 2 year degree)

IOWA
Drake University (BFA)

KANSAS
Wichita State University (BFA)

KENTUCKY
Northern Kentucky University (BFA)
Western Kentucky University (BFA in Performance with emphasis in MT)

LOUISIANA
Tulane University (BFA)

MAINE
University of Southern Maine (BM)

MARYLAND

MASSACHUSETTS
+Boston Conservatory (BFA) (25-30 cut)
+Emerson University (BFA) (24)

MICHIGAN
Central Michigan University (BFA)
Oakland University (BAPA)
+University of Michigan (BFA) (20)
+Western Michigan University (BFA) (cut)

MINNESOTA
University of Minnesota-Duluth (BFA)

MISSISSIPPI
University of Mississippi (BFA)

MISSOURI
Avila University (BFA)
Southwest Missouri State (BFA)
+Webster University (BFA)

MONTANA

NEBRASKA
Nebraska Wesleyan (BA)
University of Nebraska (Minor)
University of Nebraska at Kearney (BFA)

NEVADA

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Plymouth State University (BA with emphasis in MT)
University of New Hampshire (BA)

NEW JERSEY
Montclair State University (BFA)
Westminster Choir College – Rider University (BM Voice/MT)

NEW MEXICO
College of Santa Fe (BFA)

NEW YORK
American Musical and Dramatic Academy-AMDA (2 year conservatory program, may lead to BA/BFA from the New School University)
Collaborative Arts Project 21-CAP21 (2 year conservatory program)
Circle in the Square Theatre School (2 year program)
+Ithaca College (BFA)
Marymount Manhattan (Minor to accompany degree in Theatre or Dance)
Nazareth College (BS)
+New York University: Tisch School of the Arts, New Studio on Broadway (BFA)
+New York University: Steinhardt School(BM) (20-30)
SUNY, Buffalo (BFA)
SUNY, Cortland (BA, and Minor)
SUNY, Fredonia (BFA)
SUNY, New Paltz (BA)
+Syracuse University (BFA) (25-30)
Wagner College (BA)

NORTH CAROLINA
Catawba College (BFA)
East Carolina University (BFA)
+Elon University (BFA)
Mars Hill College (BFA)
Western Carolina University (BFA in Theatre MT Concentration)

NORTH DAKOTA

OHIO
+Baldwin-Wallace College (BM) (10-12)
Kent State University (BFA)
Marietta College (BFA)
Ohio Northern University (BFA)
+Otterbein College (BFA) (8)
University of Akron (BA)
+University of Cincinnati: College Conservatory of Music (BFA) (22-24)
Youngstown State University (BFA)
Wright State University (BFA)

OKLAHOMA
+Oklahoma City University (BM)
+University of Oklahoma (BFA) (12)
University of Central Oklahoma (BM)
University of Tulsa (BA)

OREGON
Southern Oregon University (BFA Acting)

PENNSYLVANIA
+Carnegie-Mellon University (BFA) (10)
DeSales University (BA with emphasis in MT)
+Pennsylvania State University (BFA) (15-20)
+Point Park University (BFA)
+University of the Arts (BFA)
West Chester University (BFA in Theatre with emphasis in MT)
Wilkes University (BA)

RHODE ISLAND
Rhode Island College (BA with emphasis in MT)

SOUTH CAROLINA

SOUTH DAKOTA

TENNESSEE

TEXAS
Abilene Christian University (BFA)
KD Studio (2 year program)
Sam Houston State University (BFA)
Texas Christian University (BA with emphasis in MT)
Texas State University-San Marcos (BFA)
University of North Texas (BFA)
University of Texas-Austin (certificate MT Initiative)
University of Texas at El Paso (BFA)

UTAH
Brigham Young University (BFA)

VERMONT
Johnson State College (BA)

VIRGINIA
James Madison University (BA)
+Shenandoah Conservatory (BFA)

WASHINGTON

WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia Wesleyan College (BA)

WISCONSIN
+University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point (BFA) (7-8)
Viterbo University (BFA)

WYOMING
University of Wyoming (BA with emphasis in MT Dance)

Colleges which offer undergraduate musical theatre degrees

CONNECT WITH US