<p>What’s the difference? If you earn your MT Certificate, can you major in another field? What are the pros and cons of a degree vs. the certificate program at NU?</p>
<p>I’m a high school junior looking to narrow down my choices of where to audition next year. Thanks!</p>
<p>Aemason14, Nortwestern does not offer a BFA in Theatre, which typically denotes a more conservatory-style education than the one offered at the school. Instead, you receive a BA, but can also apply and audition for the MT Certificate, which adds extra dance and voice classes to the curriculum, more closely approximating what you might find in a BFA. Keep in mind, however, that because you are not in a conservatory-type environment, you would also still have a full slate of academic courses…at least once until what’s known as your “distribution requirements” are fulfilled (this is usually accomplished by sophomore year at the latest).</p>
<p>There are no pros or cons as far as the ability to receive excellent training and become prepared for a career in theatre. Programs across the spectrum have successful graduates.</p>
<p>What you must answer for yourself is where you would feel more comfortable. Which environment would suit you best? Are you more academically inclined and looking for a well-rounded experience or would you prefer a more intensely focused environment? You can find great training in either type of program.</p>
<p>The conventional wisdom is that you really can’t double major in a BFA MT program, as there is no room in the curriculum for the additional courses you’d need. It is generally possible to do so in a BA, even with the MT Certificate at NU.</p>
<p>I hope that helps! Feel free to ask more if I can be of any further help. My son is a freshman at Northwestern this year (who chose to go here over several BFA MT programs), and is very, very happy. Everyone needs to examine their options very carefully and make the best choice for themselves!</p>
<p>Great! Thank you so much for your help!</p>
<p>Northwestern is in the process of changing it’s MT Certificate program to a major (or maybe minor) program. They may even have auditions when your class (current high school juniors) apply to college. It was hoped that the current NU freshman would be auditioning for that this year but it is not to be. The program would be under the auspices of the School of Communications instead of the School of Music.</p>
<p>Don’t know exactly what’s happening but it’s something you should keep a lookout for.</p>
<p>Hi, amtc…can you please tell us where you got that info about the MT Cert program being changed? And how? There have been rumors swirling for a couple of years now, but I’ve never heard it been described as being “in the process” before. I think those applying, as well as those of us with kids already at the school, would find it most beneficial to know what you know!</p>
<p>I just told you what I know!</p>
<p>Oh…so that’s not really anything, then. Not when (or even if) it’s actually being implemented, if it will be a major or a minor…anything. So, it’s not quite “in the process” – it’s really just still rumored. Okay, thanks!</p>
<p>No, it’s not a rumor, they had hoped it would be effective for next years’ sophomores (your sons’ year) but there were some snafus and it’s taking longer than they had thought it would. It is “in the process” and the administration knows whether it’s a major or minor, I just can’t remember. I wouldn’t put a rumor on the message board.</p>
<p>To confirm - I just received “Dialogue” spring 2010 and in it Barbara O’Keefe, the School of Communications Dean says, “Two important new undergraduate majors are being developed, one focused on interactive entertainment and learning and the other a true major in music theatre.” As I said above, it’s not a rumor, it’s just taking a little longer than they had hoped.</p>
<p>I would never put a rumor on a message board like this, just information that I knew to be fact. Sorry to disappoint you Perischack!</p>
<p>Not disappointed in the least, amtc; I don’t really invest that much in your postings! I do, however, think it’s imperative in a situation like this to stick to known facts, not hearsay. Your initial post was painfully short on specifics, as you, yourself, pointed out. I don’t believe that’s helpful on a message board where people are looking for accurate information. In this case, it would have been far more prudent to wait until the actual details of the new programs were available. At this juncture, even Dean O’Keefe isn’t saying anything about when the new majors will be instituted.</p>