UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · UNITED STATES
Bachelor of Theatre Arts
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€26k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 120+ credits minimumTotal Credits
- Half SMTD coursework, half electives across U-MCurriculum Structure
- No auditions or prescreening requiredAdmissions
- Immersive Learning requirement (study abroad, internships, fieldwork)Experiential Learning
- Access to multiple performance venuesFacilities
- Strong alumni network in the performing artsPost-Graduation
The Bachelor of Theatre Arts (BTA) program at the University of Michigan offers a flexible and interdisciplinary approach to theatre education. It is designed for independent thinkers and entrepreneurial artists who wish to tailor their studies to unique interests. The program allows students to combine their theatre education with minors or second majors in other fields across the university. Students engage in coursework and hands-on experiences covering a wide range of theatre disciplines, including performing arts management, playwriting, global theatre, ethnic studies, theatre and social change, practice-as-research, education, and stage management.
Curriculum
The BTA program requires a minimum of 120 credits. Approximately half of these credits must be completed within the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD), while the other half can be taken in other schools and colleges at the University of Michigan. This structure allows for significant exploration outside of the core theatre curriculum. Students will complete a core set of theatre courses, along with a substantial number of electives that can be chosen from a broad range of offerings.
- Year 1-4
- Core Theatre Courses
- Elective Theatre Courses
- Liberal Arts Coursework (including writing and Race & Ethnicity electives)
- Immersive Learning Requirement (internship, fieldwork, study abroad, etc.)
Careers
The BTA program prepares graduates for diverse roles within the performing arts and related industries. The program's flexibility allows students to develop skills applicable to a wide range of career paths.
- Broadway professionals
- Disney World employees
- Festival artists (e.g., Spoleto Festival, Jacob's Pillow)
- Cruise ship performers/crew
- Regional theatre professionals
- Arts managers
- Playwrights
- Stage managers
- Educators
- Directors
- Designers
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students in the Bachelor of Theatre Arts program?
- For the 2025-2026 academic year, non-resident tuition is $30,685 per term (Fall/Winter) and $17,030 per half term (Spring/Summer), plus mandatory fees of $241.19 per term (Fall/Winter) and $121.10 per half term (Spring/Summer).
- How long does the Bachelor of Theatre Arts program take to complete?
- The Bachelor of Theatre Arts program requires a minimum of 120 credits. The curriculum is structured across four years, allowing for a combination of core theatre courses, electives, and liberal arts coursework.
- Are auditions or prescreening interviews required for admission to the BTA program?
- No, auditions and prescreening interviews are not required for the Bachelor of Theatre Arts program. Admissions are based on a review of your undergraduate application, Statement of Purpose, and writing samples.
- What are the career prospects after graduating with a Bachelor of Theatre Arts?
- Graduates can pursue diverse roles in the performing arts, including positions as Broadway professionals, regional theatre artists, arts managers, playwrights, stage managers, educators, directors, and designers.
- What is the application deadline for the Bachelor of Theatre Arts program?
- The application deadline for the Fall 2026 intake is December 1, 2025. Prospective students must submit their university application and artistic portfolio materials by this date.
- Does the program offer scholarships for international students?
- Scholarships may be available, but specific details on how to apply or eligibility criteria are not provided on the program page. Prospective students are advised to consult the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
Entry requirements
High School Diploma or equivalentRequired for admission.
Admission is based on a review of the overall application, including a Statement of Purpose and writing samples submitted via the Artistic Portfolio. Auditions and prescreening interviews are not required for this program.
Fees
Tuition (international)Non-Resident Tuition (9+ Credit Hours): $30,685 per term (Fall/Winter). Half Term (Spring/Summer) Full-Time: $17,030. Mandatory Fees are additional ($241.19 per term for Fall/Winter, $121.10 for Spring/Summer).
Tuition (home)Michigan Resident Tuition (9+ Credit Hours): $15,204 per term (Fall/Winter). Half Term (Spring/Summer) Full-Time: $8,430. Mandatory Fees are additional ($241.19 per term for Fall/Winter, $121.10 for Spring/Summer).
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided on the program page. Please refer to the Office of Financial Aid for a detailed description of the full cost of attendance.
Tuition and fees are based on credit hours and residency status. The figures provided are for the 2025-2026 academic year. Additional fees may be assessed. Please consult the Office of the Registrar and the Office of Financial Aid for the most up-to-date information.
How to apply
1. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the undergraduate application to the University of Michigan for the Fall 2026 intake.
2. Prepare Artistic PortfolioAssemble the required components for your Artistic Portfolio, which includes a Statement of Purpose and several writing samples.
3. Submit Portfolio MaterialsUpload your Statement of Purpose and writing samples through the designated artistic portfolio submission process as outlined by the department.
4. Await Admission DecisionAfter the application deadline, the admissions committee will review all submitted materials to make admission decisions.
Scholarships
ScholarshipsVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students in the Bachelor of Theatre Arts program?
+
For the 2025-2026 academic year, non-resident tuition is $30,685 per term (Fall/Winter) and $17,030 per half term (Spring/Summer), plus mandatory fees of $241.19 per term (Fall/Winter) and $121.10 per half term (Spring/Summer).
How long does the Bachelor of Theatre Arts program take to complete?
+
The Bachelor of Theatre Arts program requires a minimum of 120 credits. The curriculum is structured across four years, allowing for a combination of core theatre courses, electives, and liberal arts coursework.
Are auditions or prescreening interviews required for admission to the BTA program?
+
No, auditions and prescreening interviews are not required for the Bachelor of Theatre Arts program. Admissions are based on a review of your undergraduate application, Statement of Purpose, and writing samples.
What are the career prospects after graduating with a Bachelor of Theatre Arts?
+
Graduates can pursue diverse roles in the performing arts, including positions as Broadway professionals, regional theatre artists, arts managers, playwrights, stage managers, educators, directors, and designers.
What is the application deadline for the Bachelor of Theatre Arts program?
+
The application deadline for the Fall 2026 intake is December 1, 2025. Prospective students must submit their university application and artistic portfolio materials by this date.
Does the program offer scholarships for international students?
+
Scholarships may be available, but specific details on how to apply or eligibility criteria are not provided on the program page. Prospective students are advised to consult the Office of Financial Aid for more information.