Yale School of Drama offers two graduate degrees in Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism, a Master of Fine Arts and a Doctor of Fine Arts. "Princeton Review College Ranking for Best College Theater" currently ranks YSD number three out of 20. Students hone their practical artistic skills by participating in productions at the Yale Repertory Theatre and by taking coursework in the department of Theatre Management. They strengthen their overall knowledge of theater as well as their critical analysis skills in literature and theater history seminars. Students can write for the theater criticism journal published by YSD and YRT, and can gain teaching experience in the university.
Columbia University offers a Master of Fine Arts in Dramaturgy. The program encourages students to deepen their ideas about theater, but also to develop the entrepreneurial skills needed to actively create theater. Students study theater history and literature to broaden professional opportunities within the world of theater-making, from playwriting, to directing, to theatre management. Columbia's location in New York City is an undeniable advantage for cultivating contacts. School of the Arts alumni have won Emmy Nominations, Obie Awards, Tony Awards, and Drama Desk Nominations.
The American Repertory Theatre, founded in 1980, has won several Tony Awards and is affiliated with Harvard University, where the artistic staff teach undergraduate theater courses. The Institute was founded in 1987, offering three graduate programs in conjunction with the Moscow Art Theater School. The Master of Fine Arts in Dramaturgy and Theater Studies is a two-year program that allows a small group of students to work with international teaching artists and immerse themselves in the day-to-day operations of the theater. Mornings are spent in class and afternoons in rehearsal.
DePaul's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dramaturgy and Criticism is unique because until recently, most dramaturgy programs were only for graduate students. DePaul students take a mixture of practical and academic courses, from History of Dramatic Literature to New Play Dramaturgy. Located in the Chicago theater community, where many small companies employ dramaturgs and literary managers to develop new work, fourth year students can intern with companies such as Victory Gardens Theatre, Second City and Steppenwolf Theatre. In 2012, DePaul's Theatre School was ranked as one of the top 25 drama schools by "The Hollywood Reporter."