Accelerated Dual-Degree BA in Theater/MS or MA in Communications (3+1)

Accelerated Dual-Degree

BA in Theater/MS or MA in Communications (3+1)

On Campus

On Campus

Our accelerated dual-degree program allows you to combine your bachelor’s degree in theater with one of our master’s degrees in communications disciplines. The four-year program provides you with the training and experience you need to pursue a career in the dramatic arts while your advanced degree expands your career options both inside and parallel to the world of professional theater.

Full cast photo of theater students in a colorful production of A Midsummer Night's Dream

Preparation to excel on many stages

Whatever your professional and artistic goals may be, we believe that a livelihood in theater doesn’t have to be “all or nothing” and that classically trained actors can leverage their training on a variety of stages. Public relations specialists, journalists and other media professionals — especially those in entertainment and the arts — can excel from studying theater and learn team building, public speaking and community engagement skills.

You build your undergraduate foundation in theater and then begin taking your first graduate courses in communications during the third year of study. This affords you the opportunity to immerse yourself in all of the opportunities available in Quinnipiac’s theater department.

This accelerated dual-degree gives dedicated students the opportunity to study all facets of theater performance and production while seamlessly earning a master’s degree in one of several complementary communications disciplines.

The result is a powerful and flexible program that injects you into the theater industry in conventional and non-conventional ways while creating inroads to other fulfilling careers.

You may combine the BA in Theater with one of 6 MS or MA degrees:

Cece Fanning sitting at a desk, writing, starts video — Cece Fanning ’17, a theater/English double-major, was the first student scenic designer for a Theater Department main stage production.

Benefits of the Accelerated Dual-Degree (3+1) Program

As a 3+1 student, you will have the flexibility to participate in experiential learning, internships and study abroad opportunities. These experiences play a large role in career development and are central to this dual-degree program. Our students have a strong support system that includes dedicated faculty and staff, alumni connections and a career development office that works to develop job preparation and interview skills.

Our accelerated dual-degree (3+1) program enables you to earn your undergraduate and graduate degrees in the most efficient and economical way possible, positioning you for success in a competitive landscape. This approach to earning your degrees advances on traditional higher education models by focusing on rigorous, interdisciplinary and experiential learning.

The benefits include:

Saving time and money: You’ll complete your degrees sooner, save on tuition costs and enter the workforce at least one year earlier, with a graduate degree
Competitive career positioning: Your graduate degree will give you an advantage in a competitive landscape
Scholarships: Your scholarships are available throughout your master’s degree program
Dedicated guidance: You’ll be partnered with the director of the program within the school who will also be your academic adviser
Experiential learning: You’ll have access to special programming and networking opportunities for program students

Summer and January term courses are required to earn an accelerated dual degree. These courses are offered at no cost to students in accelerated dual-degree programs not to exceed a seven-credit limit. Any additional credits in a Summer or January term will have associated credit hour costs.

Living on Campus

Accelerated dual-degree students, like all students, are required to live on campus for their first three years of enrollment.

Learn more about living on campus

Open-Air Studio

Unleash your creativity in a state-of-the-art setting

Quinnipiac’s School of Communications has created a state-of-the-art open-air studio, located in the school’s atrium in the Center for Communications, Computing and Engineering. Chris Roush, dean of the School of Communications, believes the introduction of this studio differentiates Quinnipiac from other institutions and provides a “wow” factor for prospective students.

“The studio gives our students access to the latest technology, and they experience what it’s like to be live on a remote set, which is basically what this set is,” says Roush. “We’re constantly looking to upgrade our technology so our students can hit the ground running when they graduate.”

The new space features advanced technology including remote cameras, touchscreen switching controls and automated audio that is more advanced than many professional media operations. With Sleeping Giant State Park serving as the backdrop, students will be able to work on a variety of projects and gain invaluable experience and knowledge with access to the 16-by-16-foot studio.

Explore more facilities within the School of Communications

Theatre Arts Center

Exterior photo of the Theater Art Center building.

Our Theatre Arts Center is located at 515 Sherman Ave. in Hamden, just around the corner from the York Hill Campus. The facility features a state-of-the-art black box theater, scenic shop, design studios, classrooms, faculty offices, a student lounge and additional rehearsal space.

Learn more about our Theatre Arts Center and view a list of upcoming and past productions at our Quinnipiac University Theater site.

Explore Theater Opportunities