Cornell University Fully Funded PhD in Performing and Media Arts
PhD @Cornell University posted 2 weeks agoJob Description
Cornell University offers a fully funded Ph.D. program in Performing and Media Arts (PMA) through its College of Arts and Sciences. This interdisciplinary program is designed for students interested in critical studies of dramatic cultures, theatrical traditions, film and media productions, and expressive behavior in global performance contexts.
Program Overview
-
Degree: Ph.D. in Performing and Media Arts
-
Institution: Cornell University
-
School: College of Arts and Sciences
-
Program Structure: Full-time, typically completed in 5–6 years
-
Areas of Study:
-
Theatre and Performance Studies
-
Cinema and Media Studies
-
Theatre Theory and Aesthetics
-
Optional minors in areas such as directing or acting pedagogy, film studies, feminist, gender and sexuality studies, and more
-
The program emphasizes flexibility and interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests. Students work closely with a Special Committee of faculty advisors to design their coursework and research trajectory.
Funding Package
All admitted Ph.D. students in the PMA program receive comprehensive financial support for four years, which includes:
-
Tuition and Fees: Full coverage for four academic years.
-
Stipend: Annual stipend of $35,661 for the 2025–26 academic year.
-
Health Insurance: Fully subsidized health insurance coverage.
The funding structure typically includes:
-
A first-year non-teaching fellowship
-
Two years of teaching assistantships
-
A fourth-year non-teaching fellowship for dissertation writing
-
Summer support for four years, including a first-year summer teaching assistantship linked to a teachers’ training program at the Knight Institute
-
An optional fifth-year teaching assistantship may be available, contingent upon satisfactory progress toward the degree
Students are also encouraged to apply for additional fellowships and grants, such as the Buttrick-Crippen Fellowship, Society for the Humanities Fellowships, and Provost’s Diversity Fellowships. Funding is available to support conference travel and research expenses.
Admission Requirements
-
Academic Background: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field.
-
Application Materials:
-
Completed online application form through the Cornell Graduate School.
-
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
-
Three letters of recommendation.
-
Statement of purpose detailing research interests and career goals.
-
Critical writing sample (20–30 pages, typed and double-spaced).
-
Resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
-
TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speakers.
-
Please note that GRE scores are not required for admission to the Ph.D. program in Performing and Media Arts.
