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Program Description
The EdD in Educational Theatre is designed for individuals who intend to pursue leadership positions in the practicing professions, preparing candidates for senior positions as principals, superintendents, arts administrators, researchers, curriculum developers, policy analysts, educational consultants, and theatre practitioners. Through a broadly designed and individualized curriculum, students in the EdD in Educational Theatre will develop their artistic praxis and the leadership skills needed to transform today’s learning communities in a variety of educational, cultural, and vocational contexts.
In particular, students will develop authority in one of three areas of specialization:
- Drama in Education — studies in drama/theatre curriculum, special education, integrated arts, assessment and evaluation
- Applied Theatre — studies in community-based theatre, theatre of the oppressed, the teaching artist, diversity and inclusion
- Theatre for Young Audiences and Play Production — studies in acting, directing, dramaturgy, playwriting, dramatic literature, arts-based research methodologies
Admissions
Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:
- Résumé/CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts
- Proficiency in English
See NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.
See How to Apply for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.
Program Requirements
A total of 42 credits beyond the master’s degree (depending on the student’s previous academic background) is required for the EdD degree. Doctoral students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in residence beyond the master’s degree. A candidacy examination is given to determine if students have reached competency.
As a culminating study, students design and conduct a practitioner-based study under the direction of doctoral program faculty, developing a project drawn from one or more of the program’s specializations (as listed above). This might include dramatic work or other arts-based project, action research project, internship, and/or other applied theatre residency in lieu of a research-based dissertation. The culminating study will require a formal proposal and approval by doctoral faculty. Three full-time faculty members are required to serve on doctoral students’ culminating study committee.
Upon completion of coursework, students must register in MPAIA-GE 3400 Performing Arts Research Collegium each semester in order to maintain matriculation.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites in theatre form competence are required, especially in theatre history, dramatic literature, acting and directing, and drama criticism. Applicants who have not taken courses in these area at the undergraduate or master’s level must take them before fulfilling the Specialization Course Electives requirement, even if it means that more than 42 credits are required to complete this EdD program. Additional courses in theatre form in excess of those required for this degree may be selected by advisement.
Sample Plan of Study
Full-Time
Plan of Study Grid
| 1st Semester/Term |
|---|
| MPAET-GE 2077 |
Meth/Mater of Research in Ed Theatre |
3 |
| RESCH-GE 2140 |
Approaches/Qualitative Inquiry |
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 12 |
| 2nd Semester/Term |
|---|
| MPADT-GE 2100 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 12 |
| 3rd Semester/Term |
|---|
|
3 |
|
6 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 12 |
| 4th Semester/Term |
|---|
| MPAET-GE 3005 |
Doct Proposal Seminar |
3 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 6 |
| | Total Credits | 42 |
Following completion of the required coursework for the PhD, students are expected to maintain active status at New York University by enrolling in a research/writing course or a Maintain Matriculation (MAINT-GE 4747) course. All non-course requirements must be fulfilled prior to degree conferral, although the specific timing of completion may vary from student-to-student.
Part-Time
Plan of Study Grid
| 1st Semester/Term |
|---|
| MPAET-GE 2077 |
Meth/Mater of Research in Ed Theatre |
3 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 6 |
| 2nd Semester/Term |
|---|
| RESCH-GE 2140 |
Approaches/Qualitative Inquiry |
3 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 6 |
| 3rd Semester/Term |
|---|
| MPADT-GE 2100 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 6 |
| 4th Semester/Term |
|---|
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 6 |
| 5th Semester/Term |
|---|
| MPAET-GE 3005 |
Doct Proposal Seminar |
3 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 6 |
| 6th Semester/Term |
|---|
|
6 |
| | Credits | 6 |
| 7th Semester/Term |
|---|
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 6 |
| | Total Credits | 42 |
Following completion of the required coursework for the PhD, students are expected to maintain active status at New York University by enrolling in a research/writing course or a Maintain Matriculation (MAINT-GE 4747) course. All non-course requirements must be fulfilled prior to degree conferral, although the specific timing of completion may vary from student-to-student.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:
- Create, design, and implement original, context-bound creative works or educational projects driven by problems of practice.
- Engage in systematic and ongoing analysis as a reflective practitioner.
- Produce dissemination documents from their creative works or educational projects demonstrating leadership in the field.
- Demonstrate competence around the artistic processes outlined in the New York State Learning Standards for Theatre.
Policies
NYU Policies
University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
Steinhardt Academic Policies
Additional academic policies can be found the Steinhardt academic policies page.