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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

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MFA Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program Recognition

First MFA Musical Theatre program in the nation (established 1982)

Nationally recognized graduate program

Two-year, 60-unit intensive — four consecutive 15-week semesters with one summer break

Training

Integration of professional performance training with academic study

Faculty works individually with students to develop skills for professional careers and teaching

New Musical Initiative — students develop and workshop original musicals

Notable Alumni

Hundreds of graduates established life-long careers as musical theatre artists

Alumni working as performers, directors, choreographers, music directors, producers, casting directors, and educators worldwide

Terminal degree qualifies graduates to teach at the university level

School Info

Snapshot

3.84

Avg GPA (W)

36%

Admit Rate

school-wide

76%

Grad Rate

35.4K

Enrollment

$65K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$9,780

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$26,910

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$36,432

Before aid

Average Net Price

$15,364

After aid

Undergraduate California Resident · sacd.sdsu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 21, 1:43 AM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

First MFA Musical Theatre program in the nation (established 1982)

Nationally recognized graduate program

Two-year, 60-unit intensive — four consecutive 15-week semesters with one summer break

Training

Integration of professional performance training with academic study

Faculty works individually with students to develop skills for professional careers and teaching

New Musical Initiative — students develop and workshop original musicals

Notable Alumni

Hundreds of graduates established life-long careers as musical theatre artists

Alumni working as performers, directors, choreographers, music directors, producers, casting directors, and educators worldwide

Terminal degree qualifies graduates to teach at the university level

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

First MFA Musical Theatre program in the nation (established 1982)

Nationally recognized graduate program

Two-year, 60-unit intensive — four consecutive 15-week semesters with one summer break

Training

Integration of professional performance training with academic study

Faculty works individually with students to develop skills for professional careers and teaching

New Musical Initiative — students develop and workshop original musicals

Notable Alumni

Hundreds of graduates established life-long careers as musical theatre artists

Alumni working as performers, directors, choreographers, music directors, producers, casting directors, and educators worldwide

Terminal degree qualifies graduates to teach at the university level

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

These Fall 2026 enrollment dates have passed — dates for the next cycle aren't available yet.

University AppApplication

Apply

Cal State Apply· Only option

Fee

$70

Deadline

Cal State Apply Deadline (MFA Musical Theatre)Dec 1, 2025

MFA Musical Theatre · ttf.sdsu.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Apply

Acceptd

Deadline

Prescreen Submission DeadlineDec 31, 2025

Application portal · Acceptd

Prescreen Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Songs

Two Contrasting Songs, ~90 Sec Each

Songs should contrast in style

Additional Materials

Cover Letter (Required, Pdf)

Personal statement of educational and professional goals

Explain how an MFA in Musical Theatre will help achieve them

Headshot (Required)

Upload via Acceptd

Resume (Required, Pdf)

Upload via Acceptd

Calstate Apply ID (Required)

Include your 10-digit CAS ID number

Letter of Recommendation

Provide email address of someone who knows you well as a creative artist

Application portal · Acceptd

Audition Requirements

Songs

In-Person Callback

Details provided upon invitation

Application portal · Acceptd

Good to Know

Application Logistics

The latest published cycle required both Cal State Apply and an Acceptd supplemental application

Select MFA Theatre Arts (Musical Theatre) on Cal State Apply

The next biennial application period and deadlines have not been published

What's The Process

Audition Process

The MFA Musical Theatre program recruits a new class every two years

The latest published cycle used an Acceptd video prescreen followed by an invited on-campus audition and interview

The Acceptd portal is currently closed, and the next application cycle has not been announced

Contact

Prof. Robert Meffe — rmeffe@sdsu.edu

Scholarship Info

Department Scholarships

Bellinghiere Memorial Scholarship — for Master's students in Theatre Arts

Marion Ross Scholarship — for graduate students pursuing an acting career

Gordon Lusk Memorial Scholarship — for Master's students with emphasis in costume design

Hunton Sellman Memorial Scholarship — for undergraduate and graduate theatre students

Henry Stanton Memorial Scholarship — for undergraduate and graduate theatre students

Applications announced early each spring semester

School Info

Snapshot

3.84

Avg GPA (W)

36%

Admit Rate

school-wide

76%

Grad Rate

35.4K

Enrollment

$65K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$9,780

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$26,910

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$36,432

Before aid

Average Net Price

$15,364

After aid

Undergraduate California Resident · sacd.sdsu.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

First MFA Musical Theatre program in the nation (established 1982)

Nationally recognized graduate program

Two-year, 60-unit intensive — four consecutive 15-week semesters with one summer break

Training

Integration of professional performance training with academic study

Faculty works individually with students to develop skills for professional careers and teaching

New Musical Initiative — students develop and workshop original musicals

Notable Alumni

Hundreds of graduates established life-long careers as musical theatre artists

Alumni working as performers, directors, choreographers, music directors, producers, casting directors, and educators worldwide

Terminal degree qualifies graduates to teach at the university level

Updated Aug 21, 1:43 AM