M.A. Program
The Masters in Performance Studies offers students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in this concentrated program and earn their degree in one year. 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: choreographers, performance artists, directors, designers, etc. who seek to supplement their technical training with a deep engagement in performance theory will have an opportunity to consider their practice-based knowledge in relation to theories of performance. Graduates of the M.A. program may pursue careers in arts management/administration, education, grant-writing, and other arts-related media and policy work.
Ph.D. Program
The Doctoral program in Performance Studies at NYU is an intensive, highly competitive five-year program that trains students to conduct advanced research and scholarship. A previously earned M.A., M.S., or international equivalent is required for applicants wishing to enter directly into the doctoral program. Applicants holding M.F.A. degrees who have strong academic training in performance theory may be considered on a case by case basis.
What I particularly like is the way in which Performance Studies is interested in how...the body is so crucial to the making of meaning – not just the conferral of meaning, but producing new meanings.
— Ann Pellegrini, Professor