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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
Highly Selective
25-40 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•BA in Performing and Media Arts — a liberal arts degree, not a BFA conservatory program
•Curriculum spans theatre, dance, film/television/digital media, and live performance
•Four rubric areas: Creative Authorship, Design, Embodied Performance, and History/Theory/Criticism
•Department does not offer a BFA or a dedicated musical theatre program
TRAINING & CAPSTONE
•Senior Studio capstone project presented publicly at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts
•Honors program available for students with a 3.5 GPA in PMA courses
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•Double majoring is common and encouraged within the College of Arts & Sciences
•Students from all Cornell colleges may pursue PMA minors
ALUMNI & FACULTY
•Alumni include Tony, Emmy, Oscar, and Pulitzer winners, as well as professionals in law, business, and education
•Faculty include accomplished researchers and industry professionals
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 2, 2026
Fee
$85Waiver
Good to Know
DECLARING THE MAJOR
•Must complete one PMA course (excluding first-year writing seminars and lab classes) with a grade of B or above before declaring
•Email pma-dus@cornell.edu to initiate declaration — provide a list of PMA courses taken or in progress
•Declarations cannot be processed during pre-enrollment periods
What's The Process
ADMISSION
•No audition, interview, or portfolio review required for admission to the PMA major or minor
•All initial admissions decisions are made centrally by Cornell's admissions staff
DECLARING THE MAJOR
•Students who matriculate to the College of Arts & Sciences may declare the PMA major after successfully completing one PMA course with a grade of B or above
•To declare the major, email the Director of Undergraduate Studies at pma-dus@cornell.edu with a list of any PMA courses taken or currently enrolled in
NOTIFICATION TIMELINE
•Early Decision applicants notified in mid-December; Regular Decision applicants notified in early April
Program info updated 2 days ago
Academic School Information
4.18
Avg GPA (W)
8%
Admit Rate
95%
Grad Rate
15,935
Enrollment
$104,043
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$66,014
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$32,337
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$4,079
Family Income $30k - $48k$5,589
Family Income $48k - $75k$8,129
Family Income $75k - $110k$18,531
Family Income $110k+$51,735
