UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA · UNITED STATES
Theater Major, B.A. - University of California, Santa Barbara
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
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The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in Theater at UC Santa Barbara allows students to explore various facets of theatrical production and study. Students choose a concentration from Design, Directing, Playwriting, Theater and Community, or Theater and Performance Studies. Each concentration offers a unique pathway to develop specialized skills and knowledge within the field of theater, combining theoretical learning with practical experience.
Careers
The Directing concentration, taught by working professionals, strongly prepares young directors for internships and apprenticeships at theaters across the country, MFA programs, and/or creating their own work. The program fosters an atmosphere of joy, exploration, and collaboration.
- Director
- Stage Manager
- Scenic Designer
- Lighting Designer
- Costume Designer
- Playwright
Frequently asked questions
- What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?
- International applicants typically need an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, a TOEFL iBT score of 80 or better, or a Duolingo English Test score of 115 or higher. Specific requirements may vary depending on when the test was taken.
- How can I apply to the Theater Major program?
- You can apply through the UC application website, typically by the November 30 deadline for Fall admission. Ensure you review both general university admission criteria and any specific prerequisites for the Theater B.A. program.
- When is the application deadline for the Theater Major program?
- The application period for Fall admission typically opens in August, with a deadline usually falling on November 30.
- What are the career paths for Theater Major graduates?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as Director, Stage Manager, Scenic Designer, Lighting Designer, Costume Designer, or Playwright. The program also prepares students for internships, apprenticeships, and MFA programs.
- What are the tuition and living costs for this program?
- Specific tuition and living cost details are not provided in the source materials, though campus-based fees are updated annually.
- What concentrations are available within the Theater B.A. program?
- Students can choose from concentrations in Design, Directing, Playwriting, Theater and Community, or Theater and Performance Studies.
Entry requirements
General University RequirementsCompletion of Areas A-D of UD Major (Theater and Performance Studies concentration)
General University RequirementsTwelve units from Area F of UD Major (Playwriting and Theater and Community concentrations)
Design FundamentalsTheater 19 - Design Fundamentals for Dance and Theater (4 units) (Design concentration)
Introduction to Stage DirectingTheater 152A - Introduction to Stage Directing (4 units) and Permission of instructor (Directing concentration)
IELTS6.5 or higher
TOEFL iBT80 or better (taken before Jan 2026)
TOEFL iBT Home Edition80 or better (taken before Jan 2026)
TOEFL iBT4.5 or better (taken Jan 2026 or later)
TOEFL iBT Home Edition4.5 or better (taken Jan 2026 or later)
Duolingo English Test (DET)115 or higher
ACT24 or higher on ELA
SAT31 or higher on Writing and Language
AP3, 4, or 5 on English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition
IB6 or 7 on Standard Level English (Language A only)
IB5, 6, or 7 on Higher Level English (Language A only)
College CourseC or better in a UC-transferable English composition course (3 semester or 4 quarter units)
For applicants whose native language is not English and who have not had at least three years of instruction in English. Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to UCSB Office of Admissions by the December test date prior to enrollment. TOEFL, IELTS, and DET scores are valid for two years from the exam date and must be available in July prior to enrollment. UC does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake or MyBest TOEFL; only the highest composite score from a single sitting is allowed.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Campus-based fees are updated annually and fund student services and facilities. Specific tuition and living cost details are not provided in the source materials.
How to apply
1. Review Admission RequirementsFamiliarize yourself with general undergraduate admission criteria for UC Santa Barbara and specific requirements for the Theater B.A. program. Note any prerequisite courses for your chosen concentration.
2. Demonstrate English ProficiencyIf required, provide evidence of English language proficiency through accepted tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo, or by completing a UC-transferable English composition course. Ensure scores or course completion meet the minimum requirements and deadlines.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the UC application by the specified deadline. This application covers admission to the university and your intended major.
4. Submit Supporting DocumentsSend official test scores directly from the testing agencies to the UCSB Office of Admissions. Allow sufficient time for scores to be processed and reflected in your applicant portal.
5. Await Admission DecisionMonitor your Applicant Portal for updates on your application status and admission decision.
Frequently asked questions
What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants typically need an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, a TOEFL iBT score of 80 or better, or a Duolingo English Test score of 115 or higher. Specific requirements may vary depending on when the test was taken.
How can I apply to the Theater Major program?
+
You can apply through the UC application website, typically by the November 30 deadline for Fall admission. Ensure you review both general university admission criteria and any specific prerequisites for the Theater B.A. program.
When is the application deadline for the Theater Major program?
+
The application period for Fall admission typically opens in August, with a deadline usually falling on November 30.
What are the career paths for Theater Major graduates?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as Director, Stage Manager, Scenic Designer, Lighting Designer, Costume Designer, or Playwright. The program also prepares students for internships, apprenticeships, and MFA programs.
What are the tuition and living costs for this program?
+
Specific tuition and living cost details are not provided in the source materials, though campus-based fees are updated annually.
What concentrations are available within the Theater B.A. program?
+
Students can choose from concentrations in Design, Directing, Playwriting, Theater and Community, or Theater and Performance Studies.