Northern Illinois University
School of Theatre and Dance
College of Visual and Performing Arts

How to Apply

Apply through the Graduate School The completed Graduate School application form must be received by the Graduate School no later than June 1 for admission to the fall semester, November 1 for the spring semester and April 1 for the summer session. All remaining application materials—official transcripts, required test scores, and letters of recommendation—must be received by August 1 for the fall semester, January 1 for the spring semester and June 1 for the summer session.

Admission to the MFA program requires a baccalaureate degree, preferably with a major in theatre, or master's degree in theatre arts with adequate experience in the specialization the applicant wishes to pursue as an MFA candidate as well as basic knowledge and skills in both the performance and the production aspects of theatre. Students holding the baccalaureate degree in other fields may be eligible for admission to the program if they can demonstrate their ability to proceed at an advanced level.

Applicants who hold a baccalaureate degree from colleges or universities other than Northern Illinois University, or who have engaged in graduate study elsewhere, must request that the appropriate institutions send one official copy of the transcript showing all completed courses and degrees directly to the Graduate School. Applicants who have not yet received an anticipated degree must have a second transcript sent to the Graduate School after the degree has been earned and posted to their record.

Applicants must either have a minimum 2.75 overall grade point average (GPA), based on a 4.00 system, in their baccalaureate program or must have completed 15 or more semester hours of graduate work at an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.20 or higher.

Specialization in design and technology - submit a portfolio of your work

Specialization in acting - audition and interview. For candidates living 500 miles or more from campus, a videotaped audition and telephone interview are acceptable.

Applicants for the acting specialization and the design and technology specialization are not required to take the General Test of the GRE.

All applicants must submit a statement of their reasons for seeking admission to the program.

Applicants who appear qualified on the basis of the above qualifications will be invited to a personal interview with admission representatives from the School of Theatre and Dance. Favorable recommendation by the representatives is required for admission. Auditions, portfolio presentations and interviews may occur away from NIU.