The 5th Year Graduate Certificate Program in Theater Arts
at the University of California, Santa Cruz, is a unique program.
Although it does not lead to a graduate degree (M.A., M.F.A.,
or Ph.D.), the Graduate Certificate Program is a one-year
post-baccalaureate transitional program. It is designed to
offer selected students a chance to hone their skills in particular
areas of Theater Arts, in preparation for graduate studies,
for professional work, or simply for personal interest and
enrichment. It is especially appropriate for those who began
work in Theater Arts late in their undergraduate careers,
or whose undergraduate studies were in a different area.
The Graduate Certificate Program offers students a chance
to refocus or intensify their skills by concentrating on performance
reinforced by scholarship in a rich artistic and academic
environment which combines the advantages of conservatory-type
training with those of a liberal education. Students in the
Graduate Certificate Program are expected to complete one
year as full-time resident students, passing eight one-quarter
courses. Of those eight courses, one is a special graduate
seminar and one must be in the history, criticism or theory
of theater or dance. The remainder of the program is determined
by students according to their individual interests and needs,
and designed in consultation with their faculty advisers.
Many elect to take faculty supervised individual study courses
in their area of emphasis. Graduates of the program have gone
on to distinguished graduate programs and have achieved marked
success in their fields.
Applications for the 5th Year Graduate Certificate Program
are accepted for the fall quarter only. A committee of Theater
Arts faculty recommends selected applicants for admission
based on select criteria. A typical class of Graduate Certificate
students consists of 8-10 students. The small size of the
program fosters close working relationships between students
and faculty.
Areas of Specialization
Because the program involves only one year of study, students
are expected to focus on a particular area. The areas of specialization
available are:
To obtain the 5th Year Theater Arts Graduate Certificate,
you must complete the following:
40 units (8 five-unit Theater Arts courses)
Of those 40 units: One course must be in Theater Arts
history, criticism or theory
Completion of the required Graduate Seminar (THEA 290)
scheduled for fall quarter only.
at least 3 quarters of full-time resident study
If you wish to enroll in a non-Theater Arts course to fulfill
the required 40 units, you should gain approval from the Theater
Arts Department prior to enrolling.
Do not enroll in lower division courses, the campus does
not recognize these as valid graduate units. However, if you
wish to take a lower-division course, come to the Theater
Arts Department and we will facilitate your enrollment.
Admission to the Program
Students are admitted for the fall quarter only. Applications
are accepted until March 1 of each year. A bachelor's degree
is required for admission to the program.
This application fee is non-refundable. Application fee
waivers are available for Graduate Opportunity Program applicants
and for hardship cases. Funds for waivers are extremely limited,
but students who feel they are qualified for a waiver should
obtain a Request for Graduate Application Fee Waiver from
the Division of Graduate Studies and Research to submit with
the application for admission.
Acceptance into the Theater Arts 5th Year Graduate Certificate
Program is based on the following criteria:
The applicant's academic background and relevant experience
as expressed in a complete resume and university transcripts.
Three letters of recommendation from persons recognized
in the proposed field of study.
A short statement of purpose which should be a
concise, well-written essay about your background, personal
goals and how you expect to attain these goals through participation
in this program, and your reasons for pursuing graduate
study in the field you have chosen. Selection committees
place particular importance on the statement of purpose.
It should exhibit your ability to present ideas in a clear,
coherent language.
Applicants may be invited for an interview or audition,
or be asked to submit a videotape of their performance work,
a design portfolio or a sample of their written work.
Applicants from countries where English is not the primary
language must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign
Language). A minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL is required
for admission.
Questions regarding admission to the 5th Year Graduate Certificate
Program may be directed to the Theater Arts Department located
at J106 Theater Arts Center. (831) 459-4075
