Program Details
Program Details
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Bachelor of Arts
Batten University
Program Details
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of Arts in Theatre
Batten University
On stage, backstage, and in the classroom, Batten University theatre majors gain experience in all aspects of theatre. Majors and minors will encounter practical, theoretical, and critical perspectives on theatrical performance, production, theatre history and dramatic literature from Ancient Greece to the present. Students have the opportunity to study abroad, either for a travel course or for an entire semester. The multi-faceted nature of the program covers a variety of specialties that assists graduates in adapting to an exciting and fast-paced profession. The theatre major requires students to complete 11 courses in specified coursework and electives. While the major contains a breadth of coursework, students can use the major electives to deepen their skills in any of the theatre arts. The department also offers coursework to complete Teacher Certification in Theatre Arts Education (PreK-12). Students from across campus have been successful using the skills they acquire in the major or minor to enhance their employment
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | Theatre at Batten University covers every facet of the craft — on stage, backstage, and in the classroom. Students engage with acting, technical production, directing, and dramaturgy alongside theatre history and dramatic literature, building both practical skill and critical perspective. Study abroad opportunities, both short-term travel courses and full-semester programs, extend the curriculum beyond campus. Theatre graduates go on to careers across a wide range of fields, applying the collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving skills the major builds. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
The major is built around ten courses spanning foundational performance and production training, theatre history, and upper-level electives that let students deepen their skills in a chosen specialty — acting, directing, design, or arts management. Students interested in teaching can pursue the Teacher Certification in Theatre Arts Education (PreK-12) track, which adds Education Department coursework and pre-service teaching placements.
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | There are no additional requirements for this program. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Theatre Education Endorsement with Master's of Education degree. Students can add minor to any degree program. The experiential knowledge and skills gained in the theatre program are highly marketable and adaptable to the changing nature of the theatre and entertainment industry. Our graduates have been highly successful in their pursuit of advanced degrees in the field and they can be found performing professionally onstage and backstage across the country. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | 4 graduates 2024-2025 |
Program Credit Requirements
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Batten University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Batten University is committed to treating transfer students fairly. We believe in recognizing your hard work and making the path to your four-year degree as easy as possible.
The Fair Transfer Guarantee helps Virginia community college graduates save credits, save time, and save money by assuring that those with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts & Sciences, or Associate of Applied Science- Human Services (Tidewater Community College) will enter Batten U with junior-class status. All lower-level general education requirements—including foreign language—will be deemed complete, allowing students to focus on courses for their major and upper-level elective credits necessary for their bachelor’s degree. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | First-time college students arriving with a conferred Associate's degree get transfer credit for all acceptable coursework. They are not exempt from any breadth requirements. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Transfer credits are evaluated based on official transcripts from institutions accredited by regional accreditors. Official transcripts must be sent directly to Batten University from all colleges previously attended. The results of the credit transfer evaluation are recorded in the student's Transfer Evaluation Report in WebAdvisor. A formal transfer credit evaluation is completed after admission to the University. The evaluation is completed only by the Office of the Registrar. Transfer grades are not included in the Batten University grade point average. The amount of credit is determined in terms of the appropriate number of semester credit hours. Criteria for the acceptance of transfer credit include the following: Transfer credit is awarded for courses from colleges/universities accredited by regional accreditors and comparable in content and quality to those offered within the academic programs at Batten University. |
| Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information
Number of Transfer Students
119
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
66% (Fall 2025)
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | Transfer students can choose to live on or off campus. Residential students are permitted to live on campus if they are under the age of 23. The average class size is 14. Our location is your advantage. With approx. 1.7 million people in the area, we have excellent access to internships and research opportunities. All students can and are encouraged to get involved on campus through civic engagement and clubs/organizations. Batten University is an inclusive community grounded in the arts and sciences and dedicated to scholarship, service, lifelong learning, and environmental stewardship. Batten University inspires students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia's dynamic metropolitan region, the nation, and the world. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at Batten University based on academic year (ex: fall 26-spring 27 entrants use the same catalog) |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at Batten University based on academic year (ex: fall 26-spring 27 entrants use same catalog) |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | There is no specific date by which a student must let us know their intent. However, it is in their best interest to do so early to take advantage of all the perks. Read more here https://www.batten.edu/enrollment-aid/transfers/fair-transfer-guarantee.php |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
This section displays degrees most closely related to this program
and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the
next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to
visit that program page.
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre, Technical Theatre Specialization | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Hollins University | BA in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Dance | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Musical Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Theater, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Theater, BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| William & Mary | Theatre - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Theatre/Dance-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Theatre Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bluefield University | BA in Communication Arts - Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bluefield University | BS in Communication Arts - Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Regent University | B.A. in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph College | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre: Acting Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph College | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre: Directing Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph College | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre: Design and Technology Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Theatre Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Theatre with concentration in Costume Design/Technical Production, Bachelor of Fine Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Theatre with concentration in Lighting Design/Technical Production, Bachelor of Fine Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Theatre with concentration in Performance, Bachelor of Fine Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Theatre with concentration in Performance/Musical Theatre, Bachelor of Fine Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Theatre with concentration in Scene Design/Technical Production, Bachelor of Fine Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Theatre with concentration in Stage Management/Technical Production, Bachelor of Fine Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Theatre: Directing and Stage Mgmt (BFA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Theatre (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Theatre: Musical (BFA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Theatre: Production and Design (BFA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Theatre: Performance (BFA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Theatre (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Theatre Arts in Cinema | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Theatre Arts in Theatre Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Theater | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27-2011.00 | Actors | Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 25-1121.00 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 27-2099.00 | Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | All entertainers and performers, sports and related workers not listed separately. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-2012.03 | Media Programming Directors | Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-2012.05 | Media Technical Directors/Managers | Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-2012.00 | Producers and Directors | Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-2012.04 | Talent Directors | Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
Cost To Complete