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PhD in Performing Arts Online Performing Arts Program at WUV

PhD in Performing Arts at WUV

Credit Hours54

Total Courses9

Term LengthSelf-Paced

Program Overview Why pursue a PhD in Performing Arts at WUV?

The PhD in Performing Arts at westerfirld university of virginia is a research-intensive doctoral program for scholars and advanced practitioners who wish to make original contributions to the field of performing arts. Students engage in rigorous research methodology, thesis development, and produce an original dissertation that advances knowledge in music, theater, film, or performing arts theory and practice.

Skills you'll develop:

  • Doctoral-level qualitative and quantitative research methods
  • Thesis development and advanced scholarly writing
  • Econometric and statistical analysis in arts research
  • Original dissertation research and scholarly defense
  • Contribution to performing arts theory and practice
  • Leadership in arts academia and research institutions

Entry Requirement: Master's Degree

PhD Performing Arts students at WUV

Courses & Curriculum Research and dissertation curriculum

This 54-credit doctoral program is structured into three phases: Thesis preparation, Research seminars, and the culminating Dissertation — 9 courses total.

Thesis Preparation

Doctoral-level research methodology and thesis development courses.

PHD-910Qualitative and Quantitative Research
PHD-911Preparing a Thesis
PHD-912Econometrics

Research Seminars

Progressive seminars developing independent performing arts research capacity.

ST-913Preparatory Thesis I
ST-914Preparatory Thesis II
ST-915Preparatory Thesis III
ST-916Preparatory Thesis IV
ST-917Preparatory Thesis V

Dissertation

The culminating original research project demonstrating mastery and scholarly contribution to performing arts.

T-918Dissertation

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Admission Applying to WUV is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no essay.

Fill out your basic information and choose your program. Apply Now
Provide transcripts showing successful completion of a Master's degree. WUV's admissions team will review your credentials and confirm eligibility.
After acceptance, choose your start date and begin your doctoral performing arts research at your own pace.

Career Outlook What can you do with a PhD in Performing Arts?

A PhD in Performing Arts from WUV places you among the most credentialed scholars and leaders in the arts field:

  • University Professor of Performing Arts — Lead courses, research, and scholarship at academic institutions.
  • Arts Research Director — Direct performing arts research programs and publications.
  • Performing Arts Policy Advisor — Shape national and regional arts funding and policy decisions.
  • Dean of Arts — Lead a college or school of performing arts.
  • Senior Arts Administrator — Direct major arts organizations, museums, and cultural institutions.
  • Published Performing Arts Scholar — Contribute original research to the academic arts canon.

Doctoral-level performers, researchers, and administrators are in demand at universities, cultural institutions, and arts policy bodies worldwide.