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Online Graduate Certificate in African American Theatre

The online Graduate Certificate in African American Theatre is designed for educators and theatre professionals holding a bachelor’s degree who want to enrich their cultural understanding of Black society and Black aesthetic as well as develop the skills to translate that knowledge into their creative work.

UofL’s certificate in African American Theatre provides students with a knowledge base and a skillset that can be applied not just to their art, but also to their efforts toward community building and for social justice transformation. Graduates will develop the ability to discuss in depth the contemporary and historical contributions of Black Diasporic artists to drama and performance, a stronger understanding of Critical Race Theory, and the ability to confidently engage in conversations about global theatre in a way that includes groups who were previously excluded from the conversation.

This certificate is ideal for anyone who is engaged in their community through culture or art including thespians, playwrights, dramaturges, educators and more.

The Graduate Certificate in African American Theatre Certificate is offered by the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Louisville.

How Much Will I Pay?

Tuition & Aid    

This certificate does not qualify for Title IV federal financial aid. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.

Highlights

  • Become an alum of a one-of-a-kind program—the only credit-bearing African American Theatre studies graduate certificate program online in the nation.
  • Experience a thoughtfully designed curriculum, emphasizing the impact of the Black Diaspora on theatre as we know it today.
  • Develop a stronger lens of Critical Race Theory and be able to discuss and articulate the vision for a more inclusive future for American Theatre.
  • Grow your community-building skillset by expanding your expertise in LGBTQ and African American culture and art.
  • Take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of 100% online classes and 24/7 access to learning tools.
  • Learn from world-class faculty, who have extensive experience in the performing arts, related discipline and as educators.

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION


100% ONLINE COURSES

Stronger cultural knowledge and stronger base to work from—available fully online.

5 COURSES

Earn your graduate certificate in just 5 courses (15 credit hours).

1 OF A KIND PROGRAM

There is no comparable program offered anywhere else in the nation—a unique educational opportunity and a highly focused credential.

Online learning video - Graduate Certificate in African American Theatre

"Many of our nation’s theatre departments have very euro-centric programs, which makes this a unique opportunity to gain knowledge on this focus. Students will develop the skills to focus on creating new theatre works, delving into Black diaspora theatre traditions, and employment opportunities."


Sidney Edwards, MFA
Actress, Singer, Dancer & Improv Artist
African American Theatre Program Director



Application Deadline Term Start Date
August 1 Fall August
September 1 Fall II October
December 1 Spring January
February 1 Spring II March
May 1 Summer May/June

Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.


Steps to Apply

  1. Complete graduate application
  2. Submit $40 non-refundable application fee
  3. Submit official college transcripts from all previous institutions
  4. Submit 2 letters of recommendation
  5. Provide personal statement, 500 words

Note: Electronic transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s). Please have electronic transcripts sent to adetran@louisville.edu.

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION


Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any field from an accredited institution

Visiting Students

All visiting students must submit a Visiting Student Letter. The letter should verify that the student is in good standing in a graduate program, indicate the specific term for which the student has permission to enroll, list the approved courses to be taken, and be signed by the registrar or dean of the student's home school. It must be sent via regular mail; faxed or emailed copies will not be accepted.

Other than the application and the application fee, the Visiting Student letter is the only credential required of visiting students.

International Students

If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to view special requirements for international students.

UofL’s online Graduate Certificate in African American Theatre is a 5-course, 15-credit hour program, including an internship in your local theatre community.


Course List Hours
Program Requirements
TA 566 Advanced History of African-American Theatre 3
TA 562 Advanced Black Dramatic Literature 3
TA 664 Approaching African-American Theatre 3
TA 650 Theatre Internship 3
One or More of the Following Electives:
TA 565 Advanced Theatre of the African World 3
TA 563 Advanced African American Women in Theatre 3
TA 557 Advanced Hip-Hop Theatre 3
TA 655 Independent Study 1-3
Minimum Required Credit Hours 15

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Course Descriptions





    • Will someone help me find an internship?

      The University Career Center can assist you in finding internship opportunities. Additionally, you can inquire within the theatre department to learn about their support services and events related to internships and career development.

    • What career opportunities can I pursue with this program?

      The specific career opportunities available to you once you complete the Graduate Certificate in African American Theatre will depend on your background, experience, and the skills you acquire during the program through your coursework, internship, and independent study.

      Graduates of our program may pursue careers in various areas, including:

      • Theatre production and management
      • Playwriting and script development
      • Acting and performance
      • Arts administration
      • Theatre education
      • Cultural studies and research related to African American Theatre
    • How are classes conducted?

      The mode of instruction for coursework in the online African American Theatre Graduate Certificate program is mostly asynchronous, online. Asynchronous courses do not require students to be online at specific times; instead, you can access course materials and complete assignments at your own pace, within the specified deadlines. The 15 credit-hours will require you to complete an internship in your local theatre community.

    • What is the transfer credit policy?

      We encourage you to reach out to the program directly with any questions about transfer credit.

    • Is there financial aid available?

      Currently we do not offer financial aid for this program. Please see our Financial Aid tab for more information.