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Major · Visual and Performing Arts

Theatre Literature, History and Criticism

A program that focuses on the study of the history, literature, theory, and analysis of written plays, theatrical productions, and theatre methods and organization. Includes instruction in historical method; critical theory; literary analysis; the study of themes and archetypes in dramatic literature; the history of acting, directing, and technical theatre; and the study of specific historical and cultural styles and traditions.

Schools offering
15
Annual completions
15
Typical degree level
Bachelor's
Median earnings (5yr)
$40k

About this major

A program that focuses on the study of the history, literature, theory, and analysis of written plays, theatrical productions, and theatre methods and organization. Includes instruction in historical method; critical theory; literary analysis; the study of themes and archetypes in dramatic literature; the history of acting, directing, and technical theatre; and the study of specific historical and cultural styles and traditions.

Section 3 · Careers

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
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80k +1.7% Master's degree
Section 4 · Earnings

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

Section 6 · Where to study

Top colleges for Theatre Literature, History and Criticism

Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.

College Location Assoc. Bach. Total
Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, GA 0 8 8
DePaul University Chicago, IL 0 5 5
Marymount Manhattan College New York, NY 0 2 2
Northwestern University Evanston, IL 0 0 0
Southeastern Illinois College Harrisburg, IL 0 0 0
Bowdoin College Brunswick, ME 0 0 0
Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI 0 0 0
Augustana College Rock Island, IL 0 0 0
Elon University Elon, NC 0 0 0
Hiram College Hiram, OH 0 0 0
Section 9 · Frequently asked

Common questions

What can I do with a Theatre Literature, History and Criticism degree?
Graduates commonly pursue careers such as Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary.
Is a Theatre Literature, History and Criticism associate's enough, or do I need a bachelor's?
This major is typically offered only at the bachelor's level.
How many colleges offer Theatre Literature, History and Criticism?
15 colleges offered this major in the most recent IPEDS year, graduating about 15 students a year combined.