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Visual & Performing Arts · Theater & Drama Rank #29 of 270

Theater & Dramaat University of North Texas

Graduates earn $28,236/yr in their first year — about 34.0% above the national Theater & Drama average. Base-case 10-year earnings $474K; scenarios range from $444K to $472K depending on AI disruption.

Denton, TX Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
28 AT RISK
29
Optimistic
21
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,236
1-year post-graduation
ROI
8.0x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$474K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
38% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of North Texas

Your earning potential from UNT’s Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft program stands out, largely due to its strong ties to the dynamic Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. This isn't just about traditional theatre; the DFW area offers a rich ecosystem of opportunities spanning regional playhouses, major event production companies, burgeoning film and commercial industries, and corporate entertainment.

The "Stagecraft" emphasis is crucial here. While performance roles can be competitive, practical skills in technical theatre – lighting, sound design, set construction, stage management – are consistently in demand across various sectors. You're not just learning theory; you're developing marketable skills for roles that support the entire creative economy. Many graduates find themselves working with established companies like the Dallas Theater Center, for concert venues, or even in fashion and event design. To capitalize on this, actively seek out internships and networking opportunities within the DFW professional arts community from day one.

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
$444K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score21/100
Earnings Multiple9.9x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$474K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score28/100
Earnings Multiple10.6x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$472K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score29/100
Earnings Multiple10.6x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of North Texas'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 North Texas 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 North Texas

Other top programs at University of North Texas

Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of North Texas, 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 North Texas

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Theater & Drama at University of North Texas?

At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Theater & Drama programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is University of North Texas one of the best schools for Theater & Drama?

Among 270 Theater & Drama programs, University of North Texas's #29 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.