University of San Diego

What you'll study

Because the University of San Diego does not offer a PhD in Drama, there is no USD-specific doctoral curriculum to describe. Doctoral programmes in theatre and drama at institutions that do offer them typically combine advanced coursework and original research, culminating in a substantial dissertation. Core areas commonly found across PhD programmes in theatre include:

• Theatre history and historiography – archival research methods, historical periods, and critical approaches to the development of dramatic forms.
• Performance studies and theory – interdisciplinary theories of performance, embodiment, and spectatorship drawn from cultural studies, anthropology and critical theory.
• Dramaturgy and criticism – methods of script analysis, adaptation studies, and the role of dramaturgy in contemporary production.
• Ethnography and field methods – qualitative research methods for studying performance in cultural contexts, including community-based and documentary practices.
• Directing, production and design studies – advanced practice-based inquiry into directing processes, scenography, and collaborative production models (where programmes integrate practice with scholarship).
• Pedagogy and professional development – training in higher-education teaching, curriculum design for theatre studies, and preparation for academic careers.
• Dissertation research – an extended, original research project that contributes new knowledge to the field and demonstrates proficiency in research methods and scholarly writing.

Entry requirements

For institutions that do offer a PhD in Drama or Theatre, typical entry requirements include:

• Academic background – a relevant master’s degree (MA, MFA or equivalent) in theatre, performance studies, drama, or a closely related field. Some programmes admit strong candidates directly from a bachelor’s degree, but most expect postgraduate preparation.
• Transcripts – academic transcripts showing strong performance at the undergraduate and, where applicable, graduate level.
• Research proposal – a clear statement of research interests and a project proposal outlining questions, methodology and significance.
• Writing sample – an academic essay, critical article or sample of scholarship (often 5,000–10,000 words) demonstrating analytical and research skills.
• Letters of recommendation – typically two or three academic references addressing your readiness for doctoral research.
• CV or résumé – detailing academic, teaching and professional theatre experience.
• Interview – some programmes require an interview or discussion with potential supervisors; practice-based programmes may also request an audition or portfolio.

Career prospects

A PhD in Drama or Theatre prepares graduates for a range of academic and non-academic careers. Typical career paths include:

• Higher education – tenure-track and teaching-focused faculty positions in theatre studies, performance studies, dramaturgy, and related disciplines.
• Research and scholarship – roles in research institutes, cultural organisations, publishing and critical writing.
• Artistic leadership – dramaturgs, artistic directors or curators at theatres, festivals and cultural organisations, especially for those who combine scholarly expertise with practical experience.
• Community and applied theatre – directing or designing participatory performance projects in community, healthcare or educational settings.
• Arts administration and policy – leadership roles in cultural policy, programming and grant-making bodies where deep knowledge of theatre practice and history is valued.

Why study at University of San Diego

While USD does not offer a doctoral degree in drama, the university provides a supportive environment for undergraduate and graduate study in theatre and performance. The theatre faculty emphasise small-class instruction, practical production experience and interdisciplinary work that connects theatre to literature, history and community engagement. Students benefit from USD’s location in the San Diego region, with access to a vibrant regional theatre scene, arts organisations and opportunities for internships and collaborative projects.

If your goal is a PhD in Drama, USD can serve as a strong preparatory ground—through coursework, production credits, teaching experience and faculty mentorship—before applying to doctoral programmes that specialise in theatre and performance research. Prospective doctoral candidates should consult institutions that explicitly offer research-focused PhD degrees in theatre or related fields, and consider professional MFAs where a practice-based terminal degree is appropriate.