Program Overview
M.A. Program in Performance Studies
The Master of Arts in Performance Studies at NYU Tisch School of the Arts offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a concentrated program and earn their degree in two semesters. This program is designed for students whose long-range plans include doctoral-level training, as well as those individuals engaged in or headed towards careers in art practice.
Program Structure
For students entering Fall 2026 and later:
- Fall Semester (17 Credits Total):
- Introduction to Performance Studies: 5 credits
- Three 4-credit electives
- Spring Semester (17 credits total):
- Three 4-credit electives
- Final Projects in Performance Studies: 5 credits
M.A. Degree Requirements
For students entering Fall 2025 and prior, the degree requirements are as follows:
- The program targets not only those students aimed at advanced (doctoral) studies in performance or related fields, but those individuals engaged in, or headed towards, careers in art practice as well.
Key Benefits of the New Accelerated MA
The new format of the M.A. program is designed to enhance the academic experience and accelerate the professional timeline:
- Accelerated Career Entry: The degree is now conferred in May, allowing graduates to enter the job market alongside their May-graduating peers.
- Stronger PhD Preparation: By completing more intensive coursework with PS faculty early in the Fall, students gain a stronger academic foundation and transcript, providing a competitive edge when applying to doctoral/graduate programs the following cycle.
- Reduced Overall Cost: Eliminating the required summer session reduces overall indirect expenses associated with a longer program, making the degree more cost-effective.
Program Details
The M.A. and Ph.D. Programs in Performance Studies are administered by the Tisch School of the Arts, and degrees are conferred by the Graduate School of Arts and Science at NYU. The program provides excellent foundational preparation for not only theater, performance studies, and dance Ph.D. programs, but also for advanced academic research in gender/queer studies, critical race studies, literary studies, visual/communication studies, American studies, etc.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the M.A. program may pursue careers in arts management/administration, education, grant-writing, and other arts-related media and policy work. The program is also suitable for choreographers, performance artists, directors, designers, etc., who seek to supplement their technical training with a deep engagement in performance theory.
Research Areas
The program supports and highlights research in all modalities, present and imagined, encouraging curiosity, investigation, and entrepreneurism, through advocacy, grant planning, mentorship, and funding opportunities. The Initiative gathers three departments at Tisch that focus on the study and creation of theory, history, critical thinking, and social analysis of live performance and screen-based art.
Events
- Department of Performance Studies Graduate Program Info Session: Join the Department of Performance Studies for a virtual information session to learn about the M.A. and Ph.D. programs.
News
- Biba Bell Publishes New Essay in Special Issue of Liminalities: A Journal of Performance Studies: Liminalities is an open-access peer-reviewed journal for performance studies, theory, and praxis.
- Jill Dolan Receives Howard T. Behrman Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Humanities from Princeton University: The award recognizes extraordinary faculty distinction in humanities and publication; in teaching and advising; and in humanities-related University service.
- Pamela Santana Oliveros Publishes "Afrofutur1st Garçon: From Material to Matter" in Intervenxions: This article is a result of her work at the 2025 Public Humanities Fellowship at The Latinx Project, NYU, and features the work of Afro-Brazilian non-binary artist of the House/Ballroom Culture, Afrofutur1st Garçon.