BA in Theatre: Pre-teaching Concentration
At Rowan, you can bring your love of performance into the classroom. Learn more about our theatre education major and how to earn K-12 teacher certification.
Why choose Rowan's Theatre Education Program?
The path to teaching theatre begins with strong training in performance and instructional strategies. Rowan University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in theatre with a concentration in pre-teaching provides exactly that. While the program itself does not include teaching licensure, it fulfills the prerequisites you need to pursue Rowan’s Master of Science in Teaching (MST) in theatre education degree program, which offers K–12 teaching certification. This program allows you to grow as a performer while also preparing to lead theatre classes or step into the classroom.
Throughout the theatre education major, you’ll combine core theatre and dance coursework with specialized classes in theatre education. Electives let you focus on acting, directing, history, design, voice or movement, and you’ll also gain experience in lesson planning and arts instruction. The result is a degree that prepares you to share your passion for theatre with children and young adults in schools, community programs and youth theatres, while also setting you up to continue into the MST for certification.
Key Considerations
These details highlight everything you need to know about Rowan University’s theatre education degree program. Find cost information, degree requirements and important dates.
Quick Facts
Months To Complete
Credits
Application Deadlines
Fall Entry Term
Spring Entry Term
Summer Entry Term
Studying Theatre Education at Rowan
Discover life at Rowan for theatre education majors, from acting and directing courses to real lesson planning and teaching experiences. Additionally, explore scholarship opportunities and application requirements.
What You'll Learn
The pre-teaching concentration is part of Rowan’s BA in theatre program. As a student in this track, you’ll take core theatre courses with two specialized classes in theatre education. These two courses include opportunities to practice lesson planning and study classroom strategies for working with learners of different ages. You’ll also complete a senior project—such as directing, performing or writing an original piece—that brings together your performance and educational training.
To support different career and certification goals, Rowan offers three pathways to complete the pre-teaching concentration. Each option combines theatre training with preparation for teaching, giving you flexibility in how you shape your degree:
- Pre-Teaching Concentration Only: Focus on theatre and education coursework that prepares you to work as a teaching artist or in children’s theatre, without completing instructional certification prerequisites.
- Pre-Teaching + MST Preparation: Pair the pre-teaching concentration with general education prerequisites, so you’re ready to continue into Rowan’s master's in teaching theatre program after earning your bachelor’s degree.
- Accelerated 4+1 Program: Begin graduate-level coursework during your senior year and earn both the BA in theatre and the MST in just five years, while also gaining K–12 teacher certification.
Theatre Education Key Courses
- Directing I
- Introduction to Design for Performance
- Introduction to Theatre and Dance
- Introduction to Theatre Education
- Script Analysis
- Stagecraft Fundamentals
Note: The course information above is not official and is subject to change. For an official list of available courses, please review the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
More Undergraduate Concentrations in Theatre
If you’re curious about other areas of theatre, Rowan’s BA in theatre degree program offers more undergraduate concentrations you can explore:
How You'll Learn
At Rowan, learning happens on stage, backstage and in the classroom. You’ll gain hands-on experience by auditioning for and performing in faculty- and student-directed productions and contributing in technical roles. Your classes are just as active—you’ll move in dance studios, refine technique in acting and voice workshops and explore how to translate these skills into lesson plans for future students. And in your senior year, you’ll complete an original project by directing, performing or writing a new work that highlights your growth as both an artist and an emerging educator.
Admission Requirements
To apply to Rowan’s bachelor’s degree in theatre with a pre-teaching concentration, submit the following admission materials.
- First-year application through one of three platforms:
- Application fee of $65
- Official high school transcript(s)
- Letter(s) of recommendation/teacher evaluations
- Personal essay
As part of the application process, you must participate in an entrance audition with Rowan’s Department of Theatre and Dance. Review the audition requirements.
Once you complete your application, a representative from Rowan’s Office of Admissions will confirm your application status and notify you of any missing information. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program.
Note: Rowan University is test-optional. You may submit your SAT or ACT scores, but you won’t be penalized if you choose not to.
Need assistance with your application? Our Office of Admissions team is here to support you—email admissions@rowan.edu to reach out.
Tuition and Aid
Rowan offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities for all undergraduate students. Additionally, the Department of Theatre and Dance awards annual talent scholarships based on auditions or interviews, which can reduce the cost of your tuition.
Explore tuition information, scholarship opportunities and financial aid resources.
Rowan excites me about my major by giving me amazing professors who support me tremendously and provide me with great advice and opportunities to perfrom.
Cassidy A. Camden County, NJ
I'm lucky to be studying theatre at Rowan because the sense of community is so strong. Everyone is so willing to soak up all that our professors have to offer.
Salma E. Camden County, NJ
This school allows me to combine two things I love: teaching and theatre. I want to inspire young artists just like my professors here have inspired me!
Gavin D. Pennsylvania
Careers and Outcomes
Theatre education majors graduate with a well-rounded background in performance, directing and pedagogy that opens doors to many career opportunities in the field. You might work in youth theatre and arts administration or as a teaching artist, helping learners of all ages discover the power of theatre. For those who want to pursue K–12 teaching, our theatre education program also provides the coursework needed to enter Rowan’s MS in Teaching theatre degree program, which leads to teacher certification.
Upcoming virtual information sessions and events
Rowan’s virtual information sessions and events give you an inside look at the theatre education degree program. You’ll meet faculty who teach both performance and education courses, learn about student performances and explore how this program leads to K–12 certification. Staff members will guide you through admissions requirements, and you’ll get the opportunity to ask your own questions.
Related Programs
Rowan University offers more bachelor’s degrees in the arts and education. Keep exploring!
Ready to learn more about Rowan?
Turn your passion for theatre into a teaching career
If you picture yourself educating the next generation of performers, Rowan University’s Bachelor of Arts in theatre: pre-teaching concentration can help you get there. With practical coursework and pathways to K–12 certification, this program equips you for success as a theatre educator. Start your application!