Performing Arts, M.A.T. Admission Requirements

Institutional Admissions Requirements

• A completed application form with a nonrefundable application fee of $50.
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• International applicants should refer to the International Students area within the “Admissions Information”  section of the catalog for information on providing appropriate documentation with the application.

Program Admissions Requirements

Admissions Criteria (for choral music concentration)

Admission to the M.A.T. in the Performing Arts Choral Music Concentration will be granted based on a review of each applicant’s admission materials by a faculty admissions committee. Each application should include the following:

•  B.S. or B.A. with a concentration in the arts and the successful completion of human growth and development and arranging courses. These courses can be taken at an undergraduate level during the first year of the program. 
• an essay describing the applicant’s suitability for and desire to pursue the M.A.T. program and a career in education.
• Professional résumé
• two letters of recommendation with at least one from a music professional who has knowledge of your work. Letters of recommendation may be waived by the Admissions Committee for applicants who have completed their undergraduate coursework at the College of Charleston
• an audition/interview demonstrating the applicant’s performing and/or teaching ability in his/her chosen discipline.
• a 2.750 overall undergraduate GPA, and a 3.000 undergraduate GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework (demonstrating academic proficiency).
• Official Core Praxis Score that reflects a passing grade OR the GRE.  The Admissions Committee will considered waivers of the Praxis Core or GRE for students who have already successfully completed 3 credit hours of graduate coursework (excluding professional development courses) with a grade of at least a B average.  Alternately, a minimum undergraduate degree in Music or Theatre with a major GPA of 3.250 and overall GPA of at least a 2.750 can result in a waiver. Please note that the Praxis Core or GRE is required in order to be considered for a CofC graduate fellowship.
• an audition that includes the requirement for demonstrating the music proficiencies expected of undergraduate music education graduates in their major instrument, voice and functional keyboard.
• Entrance exams will be administered in two areas: music theory and music history. If a candidate does not meet these proficiencies, conditional admission is possible. The student may be required to take undergraduate coursework to gain the needed competencies. This coursework will not count toward degree completion.
• Statement of ability to perform essential teaching duties under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if applicant’s primary language is not English.

Admissions Criteria (for theatre concentration)

Admission to the M.A.T. in the Performing Arts Theatre Concentration will be granted based on a review of each applicant’s admission materials by a faculty admissions committee. Each application should include the following:      

• B.S. or B.A. degree with a concentration in theatre (or English with courses in technical theatre, theatre history and performance and/or experiential knowledge) and the successful completion of courses in human growth and development and directing for the stage. These courses can be taken at an undergraduate level during the first year of the program. 
• an essay describing the applicant’s suitability for and desire to pursue the M.A.T. program and a career in education.  Letters of recommendation may be waived by the Admissions Committee for applicants who have completed their undergraduate coursework at the College of Charleston
• Professional résumé
• two letters of recommendation with at least one from a theatre professional who has knowledge of your work with at least one from a theatre professional who has knowledge of your work. Letters of recommendation may be waived by the Admissions Committee for applicants who have completed their undergraduate coursework at the College of Charleston
• the candidate will present a performance (including two contrasting monologues, or a monologue and a musical theatre song) or a portfolio demonstrating the applicant’s performing/directing/technical, and/or teaching ability.
• a 2.750 overall undergraduate GPA, and a 3.000 undergraduate GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework (demonstrating academic proficiency).
• Official Core Praxis Score that reflects a passing grade OR the GRE.  The Admissions Committee will considered waivers of the Praxis Core or GRE for students who have already successfully completed 3 credit hours of graduate coursework (excluding professional development courses) with a grade of at least a B average.  Alternately, a minimum undergraduate degree in Music or Theatre with a major GPA of 3.250 and overall GPA of at least a 2.750 can result in a waiver. Please note that the Praxis Core or GRE is required in order to be considered for a CofC graduate fellowship.
• A review of the applicant’s transcript will be conducted by the admission committee to ascertain proficiency levels in: technical theatre, theatre history and basic acting/directing knowledge. If a candidate does not meet these proficiencies, conditional admission is possible. The student may be required to take undergraduate coursework to gain the needed competencies. This coursework will not count toward degree completion.
• Statement of ability to perform essential teaching duties under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if applicant’s primary language is not English.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: January 15, priority*; July 1, final
• Spring: November 1, priority; December 1, final
• Summer: January 15, priority; April 1, final

*Candidates who submit a completed application by the priority deadline will automatically be considered for Graduate School and/or graduate program funding.