UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE · UNITED STATES
Bachelor of Arts in Drama
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Broad and rigorous undergraduate education in theatreProgram Focus
- Study of global performance practicesGlobal Perspective
- Balance of intellectual depth and hands-on creative practiceLearning Approach
- Extensive opportunities for production involvementPractical Experience
- Option to take graduate-level courseworkAdvanced Study
- Development of critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skillsSkill Development
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Drama at UC Irvine provides a comprehensive undergraduate education in the study and practice of theatre. This program integrates performance, storytelling, design, and critical inquiry, allowing students to explore dramatic works from diverse global traditions and historical periods. The B.A. in Drama is part of a broader liberal arts education, encouraging students to analyze history, politics, psychology, aesthetics, technology, and human behavior through the lens of theatre. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Students engage in coursework covering acting, directing, design, playwriting, stage management, production, and dramatic theory, criticism, literature, and history. A key component of the program is active participation in departmental productions, offering undergraduates opportunities to act, design, direct, write, manage, or work in technical roles. Advanced students may also have the chance to take graduate-level courses, particularly in design areas.
Careers
A B.A. in Drama provides a strong foundation for careers in theatre, film, and television, as well as in related fields. While direct artistic careers are competitive, the skills developed through theatre study are highly valued across various professions.
- Actor
- Director
- Designer
- Playwright
- Producer
- Educator
- Arts Administrator
- Media professional
- Lawyer
- Business professional
- Public Servant
Frequently asked questions
- What are the general admission requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Drama program?
- To apply for the B.A. in Drama, you must meet UC Irvine's general admission requirements and submit your application online through the University of California system. Prior theatre experience is helpful but not required for admission.
- How do I apply to the B.A. in Drama program?
- Applications are submitted online through the University of California system. You can also optionally submit a supplemental audition or portfolio for review, although this is not required for the B.A. program.
- When is the application deadline for the B.A. in Drama program?
- The application period for the B.A. in Drama opens on August 1 and the application deadline is December 2.
- What are the tuition and fees for international students?
- Please refer to the UCI Registrar's website for current tuition and fee information, as these are subject to change.
- What career paths can I pursue with a B.A. in Drama?
- A B.A. in Drama can lead to careers as an Actor, Director, Designer, Playwright, Producer, Educator, Arts Administrator, or in media, law, or business. The program develops skills valued across various professions.
- Are there any scholarships available for this program?
- UC Irvine offers the UC Irvine Esports Endowment Scholarships, which are merit-based and have variable amounts. Specific awards recognize community impact, leadership, academic excellence, and entrepreneurship within the gaming ecosystem.
Entry requirements
General University Admission RequirementsStudents must meet UC Irvine's general admission requirements.
Prior theatre experience is helpful but not required. Students develop skills through coursework, mentorship, and production involvement. Admission to the university and the major is based on the UC application. Supplemental audition or portfolio submissions are optional.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the UCI Registrar's website for current tuition and fee information.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the UCI Registrar's website for current tuition and fee information.
LivingEstimated budgets for new undergraduate students are available on the Admissions website.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Some or all instruction may be delivered remotely, and fees will not be refunded in such cases.
How to apply
1. Complete the UC ApplicationSubmit your application online through the University of California system. You can apply to multiple UC campuses with a single application.
2. Submit Supplemental Materials (Optional)Applicants have the option to submit a supplemental audition or portfolio based on their specialization. This is not required for admission to the B.A. program.
3. Check Application StatusMonitor your application status and await admission decisions from UC Irvine.
Scholarships
UC Irvine Esports Endowment ScholarshipsVariable
Frequently asked questions
What are the general admission requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Drama program?
+
To apply for the B.A. in Drama, you must meet UC Irvine's general admission requirements and submit your application online through the University of California system. Prior theatre experience is helpful but not required for admission.
How do I apply to the B.A. in Drama program?
+
Applications are submitted online through the University of California system. You can also optionally submit a supplemental audition or portfolio for review, although this is not required for the B.A. program.
When is the application deadline for the B.A. in Drama program?
+
The application period for the B.A. in Drama opens on August 1 and the application deadline is December 2.
What are the tuition and fees for international students?
+
Please refer to the UCI Registrar's website for current tuition and fee information, as these are subject to change.
What career paths can I pursue with a B.A. in Drama?
+
A B.A. in Drama can lead to careers as an Actor, Director, Designer, Playwright, Producer, Educator, Arts Administrator, or in media, law, or business. The program develops skills valued across various professions.
Are there any scholarships available for this program?
+
UC Irvine offers the UC Irvine Esports Endowment Scholarships, which are merit-based and have variable amounts. Specific awards recognize community impact, leadership, academic excellence, and entrepreneurship within the gaming ecosystem.