BFA

Musical Theatre

Learn more about studying Musical Theatre as an international student.

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Key facts

  • Degree type
    Bachelor's
  • Duration
    4 years
  • Delivery method
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    76,170USD
  • Start date
    Sep
  • QS Ranking
    #153

Program overview

What the University of Southern California says about their program:

The Musical Theatre (BFA) program at the University of Southern California offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. This program focuses on developing students' identities as performers and creators in acting, music, and dance.

The curriculum provides rigorous training in these areas, along with general education courses required by the university. Students engage in a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes collaboration with peers and faculty, preparing them for diverse careers in the arts.

This program is designed for aspiring musical theatre artists who seek to build sustainable careers. It celebrates diversity and aims to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in various performance settings, both on stage and screen.

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Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • Completion of high school/ secondary education

Postgraduate academic requirements

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree (four or five years) in a suitable subject from a recognised university with a minimum grade of Second Class Honours Lower Division (2

    2) or equivalent.

English proficiency

Postgraduate

  • TOEFL

    TOEFL: minimum total of 100, no less than 20 in each band.

English proficiency waivers

Documents required

  • Passport
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Degree certificate or diploma
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Statement of purpose or personal statement
  • Recommendation letters
  • Finance proof
  • Translations
  • Credential evaluations
Illustration of academic elements representing admission requirements, including a graduation cap, clock, documents, resumes, ID card, a calendar, and a clipboard.

Required grades

to see how attainable this program is.

  • Grade Point Average (GPA)

    3.77

    Holistic

All grade information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official program page for the latest information on required grades.

Additional requirements

Documents

  • Submit official transcripts of all high school and college coursework completed
  • Send external examination results and/or predictions (for example GCSE/IGCSE, predicted IB or A-levels)
  • Upload a current picture or headshot to the SlideRoom supplemental application
  • Upload a resume including any and all performance activities (drama, dance and vocal performance)

Essays and statements

  • Complete the Common Application, including its essay and USC's short-answer questions
  • Upload video essay responses addressing the prompts outlined in SlideRoom, each no longer than 90 seconds
  • Upload a 90-second 'The Real Me' video showcasing your personality

Recommendations

  • One letter of recommendation is required from either your school counselor or a teacher from your school
  • Submit a letter of recommendation from a drama teacher or coach with the SlideRoom supplemental application

Creative and performance

  • Upload a filmed pre-screen audition package to the SlideRoom supplemental application
  • Acting

    prepare one contemporary monologue from a published play, memorised and no longer than 90 seconds

  • Dance

    prepare one filmed dance piece of no more than 60 seconds featuring only the applicant, in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap or musical theatre choreography (a second piece in a contrasting style is optional)

  • Music

    prepare two contrasting memorised selections, each cut no longer than 90 seconds, one from the published musical theatre canon

Selection

  • Submit the School of Dramatic Arts SlideRoom supplemental application
  • Applicants invited after the pre-screen review attend the Callback Weekend, in person or virtually

How to apply

  • Common App

    Fixed deadline
    Application feeFee not confirmed
    Fee waiver

    Eligible applicants can request a fee waiver through the Common Application Profile if the fee is a financial burden; details are on USC's first-year admissions page.

    Read the fee waiver policy
    Start applicationHow to apply

Scholarships at University of Southern California

  • International Student Scholarships

    Official page

    USC provides scholarship and aid guidance for international students. International applicants may be considered for selected merit scholarships where eligibility allows.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

University of Southern California provides fee information that can help students understand how study costs may be structured or may vary across options. University of Southern California encourages students to review official funding and financial-support information to confirm what cost guidance or support may be available.

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near University of Southern California?

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$2,352
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,867
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$139
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$66
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$65· Los Angeles, California average
Monthly public transport pass$94
Monthly grocery basket$268
Books and study supplies (monthly)$56
Coffee shop drink$6
Cinema or cultural event ticket$18
Gym membership$77

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced), numbeo.com (Crowdsourced) and financialaid.usc.edu (University published).

Visa requirements for the University of Southern California

Navigating the visa process is a crucial step in your study abroad journey. Make sure to seek guidance and support to ensure you meet all necessary requirements for your time at University of Southern California.

USA student visa requirements