Theater Schools in California
2,899 students earned Theater degrees in California in the 2022-2023 year.
In terms of popularity, Theater is the 47th most popular major in the state out of a total 333 majors commonly available.
Education Levels of Theater Majors in California
Theater majors in the state tend to have the following degree levels:
Education Level | Number of Grads |
---|---|
Bachelor’s Degree | 1,591 |
Associate Degree | 710 |
Master’s Degree | 272 |
Award Taking Less Than 1 Year | 167 |
Award Taking 1 to 2 Years | 141 |
Award Taking 2 to 4 Years | 141 |
Doctor’s Degree (Research / Scholarship) | 18 |
Doctor’s Degree (Professional Practice) | 18 |
Doctor’s Degree (Other) | 18 |
Gender Distribution
In California, a theater major is more popular with women than with men.

Racial Distribution
The racial distribution of theater majors in California is as follows:
- Asian: 6.4%
- Black or African American: 7.7%
- Hispanic or Latino: 26.9%
- White: 38.3%
- Non-Resident Alien: 10.4%
- Other Races: 10.3%

Jobs for Theater Grads in California
In this state, there are 77,660 people employed in jobs related to a theater degree, compared to 418,310 nationwide.

Wages for Theater Jobs in California
Theater grads earn an average of $95,250 in the state and $73,090 nationwide.

Most Popular Theater Programs in CA
There are 10 colleges in California that offer theater degrees. Learn about the most popular 10 below:
The average student takes 4.17 years to complete their degree at USC. 76% of students are awarded financial aid at this school. This private school has an average net price of $29,462.
Request Information91% of students are awarded financial aid at this school. 3 to 1 is the student to faculty ratio. An average student at New York Film Academy will pay a net price of $41,098.
Request InformationThis private school has an average net price of $42,510. Of all the students who attend this school, 95% get financial aid. Of all the teachers who work at the school, 15% are considered full time.
Request InformationMost students complete their degree in 4.20 years. The student to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. Of all the teachers who work at the school, 84% are considered full time.
Request InformationThis public school has an average net price of $7,485. Of all the teachers who work at the school, 50% are considered full time. 80% of students are awarded financial aid at this school.
Request Information100% of students are awarded financial aid at this school. Most students complete their degree in 4.11 years. Students enjoy a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1.
Request InformationMost students complete their degree in 4.12 years. The student to faculty ratio is 12 to 1. Of all the students who attend this school, 89% get financial aid.
Request InformationThe average student takes 4.15 years to complete their degree at UCLA. Of all the students who attend this school, 57% get financial aid. Of all the teachers who work at the school, 73% are considered full time.
Request Information22 to 1 is the student to faculty ratio. 80% of students are awarded financial aid at this school. Of all the teachers who work at the school, 45% are considered full time.
Request InformationA typical student attending CSUN will pay a net price of $8,293. The average student takes 4.94 years to complete their degree at CSUN. Of all the teachers who work at the school, 45% are considered full time.
Request InformationTheater Careers in CA
Some of the careers theater majors go into include:
Job Title | CA Job Growth | CA Median Salary |
---|---|---|
Producers and Directors | 8% | $97,550 |
Related Majors in California
Below are some popular majors in the state that are similar to theater.
Major | Annual Graduates in CA |
---|---|
Fine & Studio Arts | 6,381 |
Film, Video & Photographic Arts | 3,916 |
Design & Applied Arts | 3,773 |
Music | 3,457 |
General Visual & Performing Arts | 1,179 |
Dance | 483 |
Arts & Media Management | 309 |
Other Visual Art | 79 |
View all majors related to Theater
Explore Major by State
Alabama
Arkansas
Connecticut
Florida
Idaho
Iowa
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Mississippi
Nebraska
New Jersey
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Vermont
West Virginia
View Nationwide Theater Report
References
- College Factual
- National Center for Education Statistics
- O*NET Online
- Image Credit: By Donald Judge under License
More about our data sources and methodologies.