Admission to the M.F.A. program requires a baccalaureate degree, preferably with a major in theatre, or master's degree in theatre arts with adequate experience in the specialization the applicant wishes to pursue as an M.F.A. candidate as well as basic knowledge and skills in both the performance and the production aspects of theatre. Students holding the baccalaureate degree in other fields may be eligible for admission to the program if they can demonstrate their ability to proceed at an advanced level.

Applicants for the specialization in design and technology must submit a portfolio of their work. Applicants for the acting specialization are required to audition and interview as part of the admission process. For candidates living 500 miles or more from campus, a videotaped audition and telephone interview are acceptable. Applicants for the directing specialization must submit a director's analysis of a play they have directed. Applicants for the acting and the design and technology specializations are not required to take the General Test of the GRE.

All applicants must submit a statement of their reasons for seeking admission to the program.

Applicants who appear qualified on the basis of the above qualifications will be invited to a personal interview with admission representatives from the School of Theatre and Dance. Favorable recommendation by the representatives is required for admission.
An applicant whose native language is not English must present an IELTS score of 6.5 or alternatively, a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the TOELF ibt. Normally, to be considered for admission, a non-U.S. citizen shall have completed a four-year undergraduate degree. A minimum 2.75 overall GPA on a 4.00 system or a 3.20 GPA with 15 or more semester hours of graduate work at an accredited institution.