CORNELL UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Performing and Media Arts (PhD)
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
7.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Interdisciplinary focus on theatre, performance, cinema, and mediaSpecialization Areas
- Opportunities to work with faculty from multiple departmentsInterdisciplinary Faculty
- Access to extensive research facilities and special collectionsResearch Resources
- Collaboration with leading humanities research centersResearch Centers
The graduate program in Performing and Media Arts at Cornell University offers a PhD focused on interdisciplinary critical studies of theatrical and performance traditions, cinema, media cultures, and expressive behaviors. Students can specialize in either theatre and performance studies or cinema and media studies, or pursue novel research at the intersection of these fields. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to draw on faculty expertise from various departments across the university. A Special Committee, composed of faculty from PMA and other relevant fields, guides each student's research. Research facilities include extensive library holdings, special collections on topics like Hip Hop and George Bernard Shaw, and centers for scholarly exchange such as the Society for the Humanities and The School for Criticism and Theory.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Performing and Media Arts PhD program?
- You need a strong academic record and an undergraduate degree. English proficiency is required, with specific score requirements for TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or Cambridge exams.
- What is the language of instruction for this program?
- The language of instruction is English.
- How do I apply, and are there specific deadlines?
- International applicants use the Common Application and Cornell Writing Supplement. Early Decision deadline is November 1, and Regular Decision is January 2. Supplemental materials are due a few weeks after the main application.
- Is financial aid available for international students?
- Cornell University's international admissions are need-aware. International students seeking financial aid must apply concurrently with their admission application using the CSS Profile by the application deadline.
- What are the tuition and living costs?
- Information on tuition and living costs is not specified. International admissions are need-aware, meaning financial need is considered during the admission review process.
- What are the career prospects after completing this PhD?
- Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, and related fields within the arts and media industries. The interdisciplinary nature of the program provides critical and analytical skills for diverse professional paths.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA strong academic record is expected for admission to the PhD program.
TOEFL (before Jan 2026)100
TOEFL (from Jan 2026)5.0 (minimum), 5.5 (recommended)
IELTS7.5
Duolingo130
Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency191
English proficiency is required. Applicants who are not US Citizens/Permanent Residents, for whom English is not their native language, or where English was not the primary language of instruction throughout secondary school must submit an English proficiency exam score. Scores can be self-reported initially.
Fees
Tuition (international)Not specified
Tuition (home)Not specified
LivingNot specified
Tuition and living cost information is not available on the provided pages. International admissions are need-aware, meaning financial need is considered during the admission review process.
How to apply
1. Create Application AccountThe Common Application opens in August. Create an account to begin your application.
2. Complete Application FormsFill out the Common Application and the Cornell Writing Supplement.
3. Submit Application FeePay the $85 application fee or submit a waiver request.
4. Submit Financial Aid Application (if applicable)International applicants seeking financial aid must complete and submit the CSS Profile by the application deadline. Admission decisions are need-aware for international students.
5. Submit Supporting MaterialsEnsure all required supplemental materials are submitted by the specified deadline, which is typically a few weeks after the main application deadline.
6. Await DecisionAdmission decisions and financial aid offers for Early Decision applicants are announced mid-December, and for Regular Decision applicants, they are announced at the end of March.
7. Reply to OfferRespond to your offer of admission by the deadline: January 20 for Early Decision and May 1 for Regular Decision.
Scholarships
Financial AidBased on financial need
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Performing and Media Arts PhD program?
+
You need a strong academic record and an undergraduate degree. English proficiency is required, with specific score requirements for TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or Cambridge exams.
What is the language of instruction for this program?
+
The language of instruction is English.
How do I apply, and are there specific deadlines?
+
International applicants use the Common Application and Cornell Writing Supplement. Early Decision deadline is November 1, and Regular Decision is January 2. Supplemental materials are due a few weeks after the main application.
Is financial aid available for international students?
+
Cornell University's international admissions are need-aware. International students seeking financial aid must apply concurrently with their admission application using the CSS Profile by the application deadline.
What are the tuition and living costs?
+
Information on tuition and living costs is not specified. International admissions are need-aware, meaning financial need is considered during the admission review process.
What are the career prospects after completing this PhD?
+
Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, and related fields within the arts and media industries. The interdisciplinary nature of the program provides critical and analytical skills for diverse professional paths.