Best institutions to study Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic, technical and dramatic principles and techniques to the communication of dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through technical theatre methods.
158 U.S. institutions graduated 1,232 Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 50.0502, a specialization of Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (CIP 50.05), and leads most directly to the Set and Exhibit Designers occupation (BLS SOC 27-1027).
About Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic, technical and dramatic principles and techniques to the communication of dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through technical theatre methods. Includes instruction in set design, lighting design, sound effects, theatre acoustics, scene painting, property management, costume design, and technical direction and production and use of computer applications to support these functions.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology program prepares individuals to apply artistic, technical, and dramatic principles to communicate dramatic information through various technical theatre methods. This program is ideal for students interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of theatre, including set design, lighting, sound effects, and costume design.
Students will gain core skills in active listening, critical thinking, and design, along with knowledge in fine arts, computers, and building construction. Coursework includes instruction in set design, lighting design, sound effects, and technical direction, equipping students with the tools needed for a successful career in technical theatre.
Credentials awarded
What Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree528 graduates / yr · 78 institutions43%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year337 graduates / yr · 47 institutions27%
- Associate's degree161 graduates / yr · 35 institutions13%
- Master's degree149 graduates / yr · 14 institutions12%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years34 graduates / yr · 8 institutions2.8%
- Post-master's certificate12 graduates / yr · 1 institution1.0%
- Award of less than 12 weeks8 graduates / yr · 5 institutions0.6%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 785 |
| 2013 | 941 |
| 2014 | 996 |
| 2015 | 1,051 |
| 2016 | 1,095 |
| 2017 | 1,128 |
| 2018 | 1,114 |
| 2019 | 1,144 |
| 2020 | 1,250 |
| 2021 | 1,155 |
| 2022 | 1,062 |
| 2023 | 1,126 |
| 2024 | 1,072 |
| 2025 | 1,232 |
Top 50 institutions for Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valencia College Orlando, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 106 | 48% | — | — |
| 2 | Moorpark College Moorpark, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 87 | 44% | — | — |
| 3 | University of North Carolina School of the Arts Winston Salem, NCPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 73 | 78% | — | $21,229 |
| 4 | Yale University New Haven, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 50 | 96% | $27,025 | — |
| 5 | Fullerton College Fullerton, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 43 | 34% | — | — |
| 6 | California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 35 | 67% | $42,045 | $22,673 |
| 7 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 32 | 75% | — | $25,070 |
| 8 | Boston University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 27 | 89% | $21,956 | $21,508 |
| 9 | Southern Crescent Technical College Griffin, GAPublicAssociate's | 26 | 58% | — | — |
| 10 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OHPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 25 | 64% | — | $24,565 |
| 11 | DePaul University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 23 | 68% | $28,141 | $22,021 |
| 12 | SUNY at Purchase College Purchase, NYPublicBachelor's | 23 | 63% | — | $18,090 |
| 13 | East Los Angeles College Monterey Park, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 37% | — | — |
| 14 | Columbia College Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 18 | 52% | $28,087 | $17,929 |
| 15 | New York University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 18 | 88% | $29,023 | $20,916 |
| 16 | Shenandoah University Winchester, VAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 67% | $27,455 | $17,818 |
| 17 | CUNY New York City College of Technology Brooklyn, NYPublicBachelor's | 16 | 21% | — | $14,799 |
| 18 | Ithaca College Ithaca, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 16 | 76% | $28,970 | $18,243 |
| 19 | Millersville University of Pennsylvania Millersville, PAPublicBachelor's | 16 | 58% | — | — |
| 20 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZPublicBachelor's | 15 | 68% | — | $26,048 |
| 21 | Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 15 | 36% | — | — |
| 22 | Saint Johns River State College Palatka, FLPublicAssociate's | 15 | 49% | — | — |
| 23 | University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NVPublicBachelor's | 15 | 51% | — | $22,429 |
| 24 | CUNY Queensborough Community College Bayside, NYPublicAssociate's | 15 | 24% | — | — |
| 25 | Ringling College of Art and Design Sarasota, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 14 | 72% | $54,693 | — |
| 26 | University of North Georgia Dahlonega, GAPublicBachelor's | 14 | 37% | — | — |
| 27 | Los Angeles Pierce College Woodland Hills, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 46% | — | — |
| 28 | Red Rocks Community College Lakewood, COPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 32% | — | — |
| 29 | Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus University Park, PAPublicBachelor's | 10 | 86% | — | $27,886 |
| 30 | Central Washington University Ellensburg, WAPublicBachelor's | 10 | 54% | — | $24,674 |
| 31 | Diablo Valley College Pleasant Hill, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 49% | — | — |
| 32 | University of California - San Diego La Jolla, CAPublicMaster's | 8 | 86% | — | $18,026 |
| 33 | Citrus College Glendora, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 8 | 41% | — | — |
| 34 | Sierra College Rocklin, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 42% | — | — |
| 35 | University of Maryland - College Park College Park, MDPublicMaster's | 8 | 89% | — | $17,985 |
| 36 | Emerson College Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 77% | $40,982 | $19,560 |
| 37 | University of Missouri - Kansas City Kansas City, MOPublicMaster's | 8 | 55% | — | — |
| 38 | Marymount Manhattan College New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 49% | $34,258 | $19,562 |
| 39 | Mt Hood Community College Gresham, ORPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 24% | — | — |
| 40 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 92% | $26,873 | $21,473 |
| 41 | Syracuse University Syracuse, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 84% | $28,851 | $20,988 |
| 42 | Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, OKPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 65% | $22,589 | $20,696 |
| 43 | Austin Community College District Austin, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 7 | 20% | — | — |
| 44 | Millikin University Decatur, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 55% | $8,373 | $24,013 |
| 45 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MIPublicBachelor's | 6 | 58% | — | $21,585 |
| 46 | Keene State College Keene, NHPublicBachelor's | 6 | 60% | — | — |
| 47 | Denison University Granville, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 79% | $23,864 | — |
| 48 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 6 | 65% | — | $15,602 |
| 49 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 16% | — | — |
| 50 | Scottsdale Community College Scottsdale, AZPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 17% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft field (CIP 50.05) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 37 states
Where Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology graduates come from. Each state links to all Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-1027, Set and Exhibit Designers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program often pursue careers as Set and Exhibit Designers or Art, Drama, and Music Teachers at the postsecondary level. The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an annual growth rate of 2.3% and approximately 2,500 openings each year. The median wage for this field is $66,280, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 50.0502
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Set and Exhibit Designersprimary SOC 27-1027 | $75,240 | +2.3% About as fast as average | ~2,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1121 | $78,620 | +1.7% Little or no change | ~9,000 | Master's degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
- Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.
- Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.
- Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.
- Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.
- Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.
Tools and technology used
Other Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft specializations
The 10 other 6-digit CIP codes under Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (CIP 50.05).
- Drama and Dramatics/CIP 50.0501
Theatre Arts 9,838 graduates / yr813 institutions - ActingCIP 50.05061,706 graduates / yr111 institutions
- Musical TheatreCIP 50.05091,212 graduates / yr123 institutions
- Playwriting and ScreenwritingCIP 50.0504889 graduates / yr52 institutions
- Dramatic/CIP 50.0599
Theatre Arts and Stagecraft 404 graduates / yr45 institutions - Directing and Theatrical ProductionCIP 50.0507197 graduates / yr35 institutions
- Theatre and DanceCIP 50.051297 graduates / yr11 institutions
- Theatre LiteratureCIP 50.0505partial data36 graduates / yr7 institutions
- Comedy Writing and PerformanceCIP 50.0511limited data35 graduates / yr2 institutions
- Costume DesignCIP 50.051032 graduates / yr11 institutions
Common questions
What types of degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, an Associate's degree, or an Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, design, and technical production.
What careers can I pursue after completing this program?+
You can work as a Set and Exhibit Designer or a postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teacher.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 2.3% and around 2,500 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology?+
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology is CIP 50.0502 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (CIP 50.05). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic, technical and dramatic principles and techniques to the communication of dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through technical theatre methods. Includes instruction in set design, lighting design, sound effects, theatre acoustics, scene painting, property management, costume design, and technical direction and production and use of computer applications to support these functions.
How many institutions offer Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology programs?+
158 U.S. institutions reported Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 37 states, awarding 1,232 credentials in the year. That is 7.9% of all Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates.
How much do Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Set and Exhibit Designers occupation, which Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology most directly leads to, pays a median of $75,240 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft field report median earnings of $20,696 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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