MT schools with dual degree/dual major possibilities

<p>I know there are lists dispersed on other threads, but thought perhaps I could get a consolidated overview of schools where it is possible to have a strong Musical Theater training AND a good liberal arts program, with a double degree (I know UMich is a prime example) or as a possible double major.</p>

<p>Do any of these sound likely?</p>

<p>Itaca
James Madison
Montclair State
SUNY Fredonia
Syracuse
Penn State</p>

<p>Syracuse and PSU have excellent liberal arts programs, and you will have time for some electives. However, a double major would be extremely difficult at either school. My D is a junior at Syracuse, BFA MT. Although as an Honors student she is allowed unlimited credits, so far she has been unable to take more than 1 non-theater elective per semester. (Next spring she is signed up for 2.) The real problem is -- theoretically you could sign up for an evening or Saturday class in, say, history or math. But if you are cast in any shows, rehearsals take place in the evenings AND on weekends. </p>

<p>I believe the same would be true of almost any BFA program. Theoretically a double major is possible, but in reality it's very difficult to do within 4 years.</p>

<p>It is possible at James Madison -- most students who are successful at completing this in four years come to JMU with AP, IB, or dual enrollment credit. A double major (two BA degrees.... for example MT and English) would be easier to complete in four years than a Dual Degree (for example a BA and a BS), but again it could be possible.</p>

<p>Of the 42 majors currently in the MT Concentration about 4 or 5 are pursuing double majors. Many more are pursuing minors. Those pursuing double majors are either pursuing a double major in MT and English or MT and School of Media Arts and Design. The most popular minors are non-profit studies, creative writing, foreign language, history, or dance. </p>

<p>Contact me if you have any spectific questions about JMU.</p>

<p>It seems that when my son looked at Ithaca, they filled one's schedule with courses related to the MT major, much like a conservatory, and there were relatively few courses taken in liberal arts.</p>

<p>My D is in the BFA program a PSU and is also in the Honors College. Like onstage's D, she is also taking unlimited credits but finding it difficult to fit in non-major courses as well. A double major would be most difficult, and probably not likely in 4 years at PSU. You could minor in something else, but that would also be difficult unless it was in a realted field as the # of BFA courses is so high it is tricky to fit in the 45 required gen ed credits without coming in with some APS or doing some course work in the summers. Good luck.</p>

<p>As to BFA programs, many BFA programs post their mandated curriculum on their websites and spell out the specific courses required each semester, including any required LA courses as well as where space exists to take electives outside of the department. That is always a good starting point to get a handle on the potentials for LA exposure or a double major etc. Also keep in mind that the number of "credit hours" listed may be less than the number of "class hours" because some classes, like dance and crew, may meet for more hours per week than the number of credits. There are also, of course, the hours required for rehearsals and performances. There are only so many hours in a day and week and it's important to get a handle on what the actual schedule of a student is like to know whether in practical terms there are viable opportunities to double major in a BFA program regardless of whether the school says that "technically" the opportunity is there.</p>

<p>My recollection of Ithaca is that MT is viewed as a "double major" and there is little if any time to take classes outside of the department.</p>

<p>Thanks for the responses so far. I understand that most dual degrees require 5 years...that's fine (it's faster than 8 years for two 4-year degrees!~)</p>

<p>My D is looking for the same thing. We visited Montclair and were told that it was impossible to double major their (even though the school is not rated well academically). We visited Ithaca as well and told no to double major. </p>

<p>She is currently hot on Northwestern. (would that we could afford it though). We just found out that you can double major at Wagner on Staten Island.</p>

<p>We are still looking for the academic MT schools.</p>

<p>You may find Muhlenberg of interest. BA program, very strong academics, very well regarded theater program with great MT opportunities and easy to structure a double major.</p>

<p>Marymount Manhattan allows double majors, though it would probably take five years to complete, but the department encourages students to have another minor or even major. The only difficult thing is that the MT dance classes are in the morning so it limits your availability for other classes that you might need/be interested in. But its totally possible and a good bunch of people do it and are supported by the department.</p>