Oops. I wasn't able to open my own attachment! Just in case you can't either, I'll just put it here (I added a couple of things at the top too), and then you can copy and paste into your own document. Here you go....
THEATRE EDUCATION PhD/EdD INTEREST
- ONLINE
- SUMMER ONLY OR OTHER LIMITED ON SITE COURSE WORK – IF AT ALL
- COURSEWORK LOAD/TIMEFRAME SUITABLE FOR "THE BUSY PROFESSIONAL"
- CREDIT FOR RELATED CAREER EXPERIENCE
- ALL MASTERS DEGREES VALUED AND ACCEPTED
- GRE OR OTHER TESTING NOT REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION
- OPTION OF RESEARCH-BASED OR PROJECT-BASED THESIS
- AFFORDABLE TUITION. HOWEVER GRANTS OR OTHER FUNDING AVAILABLE – NOT LOANS
FLORIDA
Does anyone know of or have experience with Ph.D. programs in Theatre Education? Bonus points for distance learning being possible. Thank you!
LOUISIANA
Following! I've always wondered the same thing! Most internet searches aren't very fruitful!
NORTH CAROLINA
I'm doing an MA in theatre at Regent University. They may have a PhD.
CALIFORNIA
Following this conversation. Would also like one that gives credit for years and experience in the Theatre classroom.
LOUISIANA
Definitely interested in this too! I've been itching to go back to school. I have an MFA already, so a PhD seems the natural next step.
MISSISSIPPI
K J-S, what is your MFA in?
I've been told that an MFA is a terminal degree and therefore, as far as our state is concerned, MFA acts like a PhD.
MASSACHUSETTS
I don't know specifically about the distance learning at University of Birmingham, but I have friends/colleagues who did their teacher training (Theatre) there. It has an excellent reputation for Theatre Education.
LOUISIANA
J, My MFA is in Theater Management. It is indeed a terminal degree. I really love learning in a structured environment with like-minded individuals, and the university setting. I've just been itching to be back in school lately, and want to learn as much as I can about different opportunities.
MASSACHUSETTS
The University of Birmingham in the UK offers distance learning. I completed my MA in Performing Arts Ed at LIPA, and I really love the approach to process and theory. The cost is comparable to any other PhD program. I've put links below to Birmingham, NYU and a general 'PhD Theatre programs in the US'. Good luck!
Drama and Theatre Studies PhD (On-Campus or By Distance Learning), Ph.D. - Online by University of Birmingham, United Kingdom - PhDportal.com
A more traditional approach (on campus):
PhD in Educational Theatre in Colleges and Communities - Educational Theatre - NYU Steinhardt
Doctoral Program Directory - American Society For Theatre Research (ASTR)
CALIFORNIA
I've been looking for a program, too! I thought I remembered one of the university reps at an EdTA conference - maybe two years ago? - say that they were considering working on a distance PhD....but I can't remember which one!
ILLINOIS
There are a number of programs with varied requirements. The American Society for Theatre Research has a Doctoral Program Directory with links to universities around the world. Their site is astr.org.
VIRGINIA
I know while I was competing my MA through University of Houston's Summer MA program there was some mention of them developing a similar Summer/ Distance Learning based PhD. But I doubt that will be anytime soon.
FLORIDA
V, I see you graduated from Virginia Commonwealth. I looked into their Ph.D. in Theatre Pedagogy at one point. But, it wasn't the best timing. I wish they would do something online. Thanks for the info!
NEW JERSEY
I completed my Ph.D. in Educational Theatre at NYU this past fall. I do not know if the program has a set "distance learning" option, but members of my cohort lived out West; one was from Korea. Dr. David Montomgery is the program director (dm635@nyu.edu).
You might also look into Arizona State and the University of Texas as other possibilities. I believe programs may exist in Michigan , Florida, and Wisconsin, as well, though I don't know of the specific colleges.
Good luck! And get funding!
NEW JERSEY
Depending upon your interest and rationale, you might also explore the Ed.D., which NYU just launched 2 years ago. Project-based rather than research-based. I also believe it takes less of the time. NYU''s is the only one I know of in the field, but there may be others.
MFA is also a terminal degree, as previously mentioned, however, it is primarily used for teaching technique and artistry in higher ed. Not sure if the wider implications of that degree in the field. Again, it depends upon your interest and needs.
TENNESSEE
I have an MFA in Theatre for Youth from Arizona State University. While it is a terminal degree, most school systems do not recognize it as anything more than a Masters for pay purposes. It's insulting and infuriating.
Arizona State also has a PhD in theatre for youth but it is not a distance program. NYU has both a PhD and EdD in Educational Theatre. I believe that NYU is exploring the logistics of the EdD being a program that can be completed long distance.
I'd be interested to lean of other programs as I'm interested in a doctorate as well.
COLORADO
Some PhD programs can be found at CU Boulder (brick and mortar) and University of Northern Colorado (hybrid online). But…
Last year I applied to the Theatre department at CU Boulder for a PhD. I didn't get in and was told I was a "strong candidate" but they could only take two people. Then this year I applied to the Education department at UNCo for an EdD. This is a "hybrid" program "for busy professionals", which is mostly online, with a few weekend meetings and a summer intensive on site. But, here's the rub (something for you to be aware of too) – I was informed that the Masters I did at Full Sail University (EBMS – Entertainment Business Masters of Science), wasn't recognized by UNCo because Full Sail is not a "regionally accredited" university. What?! I still did the work to earn a Masters! I then inquired if there were any other "options" (I didn't want to ask for an "exception") or an appeals process. I had several people going to bat for me, including the professor I wanted to work with, but to no avail. The university said, nope, that's our policy and we're sticking our heads in the sand(!). There were some programs that were a combined Masters/PhD, but only in Educational Psychology. The Theatre department at UNCo has no PhD programs at all. (They do have an online Theatre Educator Masters for anyone who is interested.) I was told that I could get a second Masters first, but that I would have to apply for that separately and complete it before I could then re-apply for the PhD – with no guarantee. But I'm not in a position to get a second Masters. I never heard from CU Boulder that my Masters didn't count, and I can't find anything about that on their website under requirements. So, there is one more chance, I might apply to the Education department this time, but the application is not online yet, the deadline is not until December 1, you won't find out until spring 2019, and the program doesn't start until Fall 2019.
If you have a Masters degree from a regionally accredited university (and some spare airmiles), then the hybird EdD at UNCo would be worth looking into.
One thing to consider about getting a PhD is costs. A 'brick and mortar' program, will generally waive your tuition and provide funding for your living expenses – for which you have to TA, teach a class, etc. (If you already have a Masters, you can teach your own class, but not if you only have a Bachelors, then you have to TA.) It's a win-win situation – you get a free education and the university gets cheap labor. But, when you do a PhD program online (or a hybrid), while it's generally cheaper, there's no way for you to 'earn' your tuition or living expenses because you're not on site and able to teach classes, etc. While I get the impression that online PdD programs are able to accept many more students than brick and mortar PhD programs, they're a lot more out of pocket because you can't earn your way. James said "get funding!". Can you elaborate on that (other than student loans) - what sort of funding is available if you are doing a degree online? (The other option is to buy a 'quickie degree' at the International University and get a trip to the Bahamas at the same time! JK!)
Another point, which some people mentioned, is - because we are in "educational theatre" - be willing to consider applying for a doctorate in the Theatre department and the Education department. I also recommend the Business/Management dept(if you are a High School Theatre Manager).(Not that I've tried that route myself-yet.)
I too would be interested to find out any PhD or EdD programs that will give you credit for your life experiences (short of buying your PhD at Express University! Again - JK!). I suspect there are some, but again, I suspect they are on the more spendy side, and may not be 'ethical'.
I guess the future Dr. B is not to be….
FLORIDA
I really appreciate everyone's feedback. You're convincing me an Ed.D. might be more in line with my goals. I have a Masters from FSU's summer program for Theatre Educators, if anyone would like information about that.
WASHINGTON, DC
The route I took to my PhD (because I could not move to another state and distance learning had not even been invented yet!) was to earn it in Education--Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Maryland.
This worked for me because in every course possible, I geared my projects and research so that their focus was on the educational uses of drama and theatre. (There were only a couple of courses in which this did not work--most specifically the required statistics courses.)
And my dissertation, of course, was research in my field of educational drama.
Most universities will allow students to transfer in up to 6 credits from another university, so I took a week-long summer course with an expert in the field of educational drama (Brian Edmiston) at Northwestern University and transferred the credits in to my PhD program.
Nowadays, I believe that students could use one or two of the graduate online courses like the Drama in Education courses that we offer at Catholic University within an Education PhD programs to sharpen the focus of their coursework. This generally requires applying to the other university as a non-degree or advanced special student to enroll in courses.
For the record--My PhD in Education has served me well and over the years, very few people have even taken note of the fact that it is technically in Curriculum & Instruction, not Educational Theatre!
IOWA
Sounds like a creative university could make some money developing an online/distance program that gives credit for past experience.
I'd be interested.
CALIFORNIA
Yes, perhaps if each one of us who has Alum ties with distinguished universities reach out, perhaps the wheels of academia could begin the process to create a PhD which has an online component, gives credit for classroom experiences, allows for onsite coursework which could be accomplished with a limited on-sight presence, is creative with the thesis as a project, and grants and a PhD in Theatre Education. I believe that we could identify several EdTA members who will enroll.
NEBRASKA
I did my Ph.D. at Capella University in P-12 Teaching and Learning (all online). Since the program focuses on teaching, I was able to tailor everything to educational drama. My dissertation was on Process Drama. It's not specifically what you want, but it works the same.
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Beth Rand, EBMS
Lighting Designer
School Theatre Operations Coach
Next HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE MANAGEMENT ONLINE COURSE for Drama Teachers: Summer session starts June 4th. Fall session starts Sept 10th.
http://www.presett.org/theatre-management-course.htmlNEW SERVICE: REP PLOT DESIGN - Never have to re-hang and re-focus all your lights again! (Can be accomplished remotely if you're not in the Boulder/Denver area.)
http://www.presett.org/repplot.htmlAuthor of "HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE OPERATIONS" and more tech theatre books at
http://www.presett.org/helpful-books-for-you.html.www.PRESETT.orgWestminster, CO
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-12-2018 17:39
From: Taylor Horne
Subject: Ph.D. Theatre Education
Does anyone know of or have experience with Ph.D. programs in Theatre Education? Bonus points for distance learning being possible. Thank you!
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Taylor Horne
Upper School Theatre Director
Jacksonville FL
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