Home Schools University of Miami Theater & Drama
Visual & Performing Arts · Theater & Drama Rank #101 of 270

Theater & Dramaat University of Miami

Graduates earn $16,561/yr in their first year — about 22.0% below the national Theater & Drama average. Base-case 10-year earnings $392K; scenarios range from $379K to $384K depending on AI disruption.

Coral Gables, FL Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
23 AT RISK
23
Optimistic
20
Pessimistic
Earnings
$16,561
1-year post-graduation
ROI
-0.3x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$392K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
38% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of Miami

The outcomes for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates at the University of Miami reflect the highly competitive, project-based nature of the performing arts. While South Florida boasts a vibrant entertainment industry, from regional theaters like the Adrienne Arsht Center to growing film production and the massive cruise line sector, initial career paths often involve a mix of freelancing, ensemble work, and building your professional network. You're entering a field where reputation and connections significantly influence earning potential, and the journey to a stable, high-paying role can take time. Many graduates successfully leverage their skills in event management, technical design, or related creative fields before or alongside their artistic pursuits. To maximize your prospects, actively seek internships and collaborations within Miami's arts community from day one, focusing on building a robust portfolio and professional relationships.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$379K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score20/100
Earnings Multiple1.6x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$392K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score23/100
Earnings Multiple1.6x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$384K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score23/100
Earnings Multiple1.6x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Miami's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Theater & Drama graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Producers and directors
+4.9% 10-yr growth · 12,800 openings/yr
$83,480/yr
Moderate
2
Fashion designers
+2.0% 10-yr growth · 2,300 openings/yr
$80,690/yr
Moderate
3
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
+1.7% 10-yr growth · 9,000 openings/yr
$80,190/yr
Moderate
4
Writers and authors
+3.6% 10-yr growth · 13,400 openings/yr
$72,270/yr
Very High
5
Set and exhibit designers
+2.3% 10-yr growth · 2,500 openings/yr
$66,280/yr
Moderate
6
Music directors and composers
-0.3% 10-yr growth · 4,300 openings/yr
$63,670/yr
Very High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Theater & Drama

How University of Miami stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Saint Mary's College of California
CA · Private nonprofit
31
DW Score
$38K
1-yr earn
0.7x
ROI
University of Notre Dame
IN · Private nonprofit
29
DW Score
$38K
1-yr earn
1.5x
ROI
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
VA · Public
31
DW Score
$37K
1-yr earn
4.8x
ROI
University of South Dakota
SD · Public
29
DW Score
$34K
1-yr earn
6.5x
ROI
Top score
The University of Texas at Austin
TX · Public
34
DW Score
$33K
1-yr earn
6.1x
ROI
Also at University of Miami

Other top programs at University of Miami

Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Miami, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Theater & Drama offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Theater & Drama trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Theater & Drama at University of Miami

What does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at University of Miami?

At 23/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Theater & Drama degree from University of Miami?

At $17,500 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Is University of Miami a good choice for Theater & Drama despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Miami's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.