Theatre and Dance
A program of study that focuses on integrating the studies of dance and theatre arts to provide perspectives in all facets of production, performance, and critical engagement. Includes instruction in acting, aesthetics, choreography, costume design, criticism, dance, improvisation, music analysis, playwriting, theatre performance history, scene design, stage lighting, and technical theatre.
- Schools offering
- 12
- Annual completions
- 76
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $40k
About this major
A program of study that focuses on integrating the studies of dance and theatre arts to provide perspectives in all facets of production, performance, and critical engagement. Includes instruction in acting, aesthetics, choreography, costume design, criticism, dance, improvisation, music analysis, playwriting, theatre performance history, scene design, stage lighting, and technical theatre.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Producers and directors | $83k | +4.9% | Bachelor's degree |
| Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary | $80k | +1.7% | Master's degree |
| Actors | — | +0.3% | Some college, no degree |
| Entertainers and performers, sports and related workers, all other | — | +6.0% | No formal educational credential |
| Dancers | — | +4.5% | No formal educational credential |
| Choreographers | $56k | +6.1% | High school diploma or equivalent |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$40k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$31k
Bachelor's
$40k
Top colleges for Theatre and Dance
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | 0 | 39 | 39 |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | Edwardsville, IL | 0 | 12 | 12 |
| University of Wyoming | Laramie, WY | 0 | 10 | 10 |
| The College of Wooster | Wooster, OH | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Lamar University | Beaumont, TX | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu, HI | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| University of Dayton | Dayton, OH | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| University of Nevada-Reno | Reno, NV | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell, IA | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| William Carey University | Hattiesburg, MS | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Related majors to explore
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General
8,478 completions/yr
Cinematography and Film/Video Production
7,230 completions/yr
Film/Cinema/Media Studies
4,363 completions/yr
Dance, General
2,579 completions/yr
Acting
1,401 completions/yr
Musical Theatre
1,180 completions/yr
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology
689 completions/yr
Playwriting and Screenwriting
487 completions/yr