01 Mar, 2026Application Deadline
AugStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MFA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Advance your career building the visual experience of contemporary theater with the Master of Fine Arts in Design in Temple’s School of Theater, Film and Media Arts. Specialize in costume, lighting and scene design, and develop your creative passion for bringing a story to life on the stage. Graduates with an MFA in Design primarily go on to work in theater, as well as the entertainment industry and higher education.
Students in this three-year, full-time graduate conservatory program have opportunities to work closely with professional faculty and guest artists, participating in fully mounted productions. Since the Theater Department is part of Temple’s interdisciplinary Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts, Theater-Design MFA students complete intensive training in the full range of theatrical design practice areas, including costume crafts, drawing and rendering, projection design, and model making. Starting in your first year, and continuing on through the full duration of the program, you’ll assist in the creation of designs within professional productions. In your third year, you’ll produce a production-based thesis with a written component.
Full-time professional design faculty individually mentor each Theater-Design MFA student based on a customized and flexible curriculum. Through Temple’s informal affiliations in Philadelphia, you can explore internships with organizations including The Freedom Theatre, The Lighting Practice and The Philadelphia Theatre Company.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MFA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Advance your career building the visual experience of contemporary theater with the Master of Fine Arts in Design in Temple’s School of Theater, Film and Media Arts. Specialize in costume, lighting and scene design, and develop your creative passion for bringing a story to life on the stage. Graduates with an MFA in Design primarily go on to work in theater, as well as the entertainment industry and higher education.
Students in this three-year, full-time graduate conservatory program have opportunities to work closely with professional faculty and guest artists, participating in fully mounted productions. Since the Theater Department is part of Temple’s interdisciplinary Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts, Theater-Design MFA students complete intensive training in the full range of theatrical design practice areas, including costume crafts, drawing and rendering, projection design, and model making. Starting in your first year, and continuing on through the full duration of the program, you’ll assist in the creation of designs within professional productions. In your third year, you’ll produce a production-based thesis with a written component.
Full-time professional design faculty individually mentor each Theater-Design MFA student based on a customized and flexible curriculum. Through Temple’s informal affiliations in Philadelphia, you can explore internships with organizations including The Freedom Theatre, The Lighting Practice and The Philadelphia Theatre Company.
Admission Requirements
- Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
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