Why study Speech and Theatre Education at Washburn?
Share your enthusiasm for theatre and speech with tomorrow's middle school and high school students by earning a Bachelor of Education in Speech and Theatre at Washburn. Designed for future educators, our immersive program equips you with the skills to inspire 6th-12th grade students in Kansas.
Not only will you learn communication skills from the very best by being part of Washburn's nationally ranked debate team, you'll also gain hands on experience with our active theatre program. By participating in at least four performances a year, you can gain skills in acting, designing, producing and, potentially, even directing. No prior debate or theatre experience required!
What sets Washburn Speech and Theatre apart?
- You'll learn skills with Washburn's debate team, ranked No. 2 nationally in 2023
- You'll be involved in at least four live performances each school year as an actor, designer, member of the production team and, potentially, even directing.
- Scholarships are available in theatre (by audition) and in communication for students who have completed at least 12 hours in communication studies.
Admissions scholarships
Washburn University offers generous scholarships based on your interests, career aspirations, community service and academic success.Communication Studies department scholarships
Speech and theatre education majors are eligible for communication studies department scholarships after they complete 12 communication credit hours.Theatre department scholarships
Theatre scholarships are open to freshmen, transfer and current students of all majors. Applying is as simple as auditioning.- Admissions scholarshipsAdmissions scholarships
- Communication department scholarshipsCommunication department scholarships
- Theatre department scholarshipsTheatre department scholarships
Tuition and fees
Courses in this degree program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate Rate.Financial aid
Washburn University offers generous undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships and grants.Tuition waiver programs
If you don’t currently live in Kansas, learn about our Tuition Waiver programs that may qualify you for in-state tuition.- Tuition and feesTuition and fees
- Financial aidFinancial aid
- Tuition waiver programsTuition waiver programs
Course requirements and sample schedules
You will work closely with the departments of communication studies, education and theatre to hone your skills and learn new ones to prepare you to teach and coach at the secondary level. Your program will culminate with practical teaching experience through student teaching.
Your program will include 39 education credit hours, 18 communication studies credit hours, 18 theatre credit hours and 3 mass media credit hours, besides the standard university and general education requirements. This can be completed in 4 years.
You'll have the opportunity to meet with potential employers at career fairs held on campus. Many students graduate with a job lined up. Plan to take the Praxis exams in your final semester.
Meet speech and theatre education major Lauren Province
I feel like I learn a lot of things that are really preparing me to be a teacher. I get a ton of practical experience in all areas of theatre, on and off the stage. I've enjoyed working with a number of directors and learning about how they communicate with cast and production teams. I've also competed with the Debate team. All these experiences are getting me ready to be a teacher.
- Current B.Ed. major Lauren Province
Teaching Licensure Only
This option is right for you only if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and you want to become a licensed Speech and Theatre educator.
Set for Success:
Entry level salary
$46,230
Graduate with experience
100%
of students complete student teaching and participate in theatre production and forensics tournament management
You'll gain skills in
Managing theatre production teams
Collaboration
Problem solving
Theatre performance and design
Working with diverse populations
Classroom and production management
Curriculum development and execution
Program cost and financial aid
Courses in this degree program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate Rate.
Connect!
Ready to learn more about the program? Request program information by emailing theatre@washburn.edu.
