Theatre Literature and Criticism: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explores the evolution, textual depth, and cultural significance of dramatic works and theatrical practice through rigorous academic inquiry. This program equips students with analytical tools to interpret stage texts, evaluate performance traditions, and understand the historical and theoretical foundations shaping global theatre.
- Historical Method: Trains students in systematic approaches to researching and contextualizing theatrical developments across time periods and regions.
- Critical Theory: Examines influential frameworks for interpreting performance, text, and production, including feminist, postcolonial, and psychoanalytic perspectives.
- Literary Analysis: Develops advanced skills in dissecting dramatic structure, language, character, and narrative within written plays and scripts.
- Themes and Archetypes in Dramatic Literature: Investigates recurring motifs, symbolic figures, and universal narratives that resonate across cultures and eras in theatrical storytelling.
- History of Acting, Directing, and Technical Theatre: Surveys the evolution of performance techniques, stagecraft, and creative leadership from classical to contemporary practices.
- Historical and Cultural Styles and Traditions: Explores distinct theatrical forms and performance systems rooted in specific geographic, social, and historical contexts, from ancient Greek drama to modern experimental theatre.
Theatre Literature and Criticism Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Theatre Literature and Criticism Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Theatre Literature and Criticism degrees, including Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 97,890 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1121 | $80,190 | $47,040 - $194,530 | 97,890 | N/A |
Theatre Literature and Criticism Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,520 in Nevada to $129,330 in Hawaii—a 161% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, New York, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 97,890 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Theatre Literature and Criticism by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 7 institutions offering Theatre Literature and Criticism programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Theatre Literature and Criticism is found at Clark Atlanta University (CAU) (8 graduates), DePaul University (5 graduates), Yale University (4 graduates), University of Maryland (UMCP), College Park (4 graduates), and Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 25 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clark Atlanta University (CAU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | cau.edu |
| DePaul University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
| Yale University |
Master's
|
4 | New Haven, Connecticut | Private | yale.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | New York, New York | Private | mmm.edu |
| Bowdoin College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Brunswick, Maine | Private | bowdoin.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Theatre Literature and Criticism programs
How much can I earn with a Theatre Literature and Criticism degree?
Salaries for Theatre Literature and Criticism graduates vary by role and location. Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $80,190 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $129,330 compared to $49,520 in Nevada. Approximately 97,890 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Theatre Literature and Criticism programs?
Currently 7 accredited institutions offer Theatre Literature and Criticism degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Clark Atlanta University (CAU) (8 graduates), DePaul University (5 graduates), and Yale University (4 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Theatre Literature and Criticism growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 44 in 2010 to a peak of 48 in 2020, before declining slightly to 25 in 2023-24. This represents a 43% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Theatre Literature and Criticism degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 97,890 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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