Program Overview

Graduate Pathway in Theatre Studies

About the Program

The Illinois State University Graduate Pathway program in Theatre Studies prepares students to enter their next semester of a master’s degree program at Illinois State University. Upon successful completion of the Pathway program and meeting university requirements for graduate admission, students may enter their next semester of study at Illinois State University.

Key Information

• A Pathway program provides academic, language, and cultural support to succeed at a US university.
• Students benefit from fully integrated classes with both domestic and other international students on campus while learning from highly trained university instructors and tutors.

Program Details

Graduate Pathway in Theatre Studies

• Duration: 1 Semester, 2 Semesters
• Start Dates:
  • 2025 Fall Start (August): 11 August 2025 - 12 December 2025
  • 2026 Spring Start (January): 5 January 2026 - 8 May 2026

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with 2.5 GPA out of 4.0
• Curriculum Vitae that meets departmental guidelines, including evidence of at least two of the following:
  • Successful completion of at least one undergraduate or graduate-level theatre, film, or dramatic literature course in any language
  • Completion of an undergraduate or master’s thesis in any language or a capstone project with a written component in any language
  • Authored theatre criticism that has been published in print or online in any language
  • Presented research on a theatre, film, or dramatic literature topic in a public setting, such as an academic conference, in any language
  • Experience in theatre production (playwright, director, designer, actor, dramaturg, etc.) or experience in another performance tradition (cultural dance, storytelling, ritual performance, music performance, etc.)

English Language Requirements

• TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.5, PTEA 53, Duolingo 105, or TOEFL Essentials 8.5

Sample Classes

Semester 1

• THE 477: Professional Seminar in Theatre Studies (1 Credit Unit)
• THE 376/377: Theatre History I (Fall) or II (Spring) (3 Credit Units)
• IDS 401: Advanced Writing for Graduate Students (3 Credit Units)
• Elective Class (General) (3 Credit Units)
• Total credit units: 10 Credit Units

Notes

• These courses are generally delivered through the INTO Center and are for Pathway students only.
• Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA per semester to remain in good academic standing.