In New England College’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education K–12 program, you’ll learn how to guide your students through the theatre production process, from stage design and directing to play analysis and acting.
Graduates can learn through doing, building the necessary skills to understand the theatre process, and how to impart that knowledge to others in different settings.
| Multiple Career Options | Immersive Learning | Experiential |
| Graduates are prepared to teach theatre arts and participate in the craft by pursuing acting, coaching, or directing roles. | Students are encouraged to participate in acting exercises that include improvisation and monologues. | Work toward your teaching license by completing the required experience hours through an on-site placement. |
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education program offered by NEC prepares graduates to teach acting and directing to grades K–12. Throughout the program, students develop their acting, theatrical design, stage management, and play-analysis skills.
While most graduates become theatre educators, some may work as screenwriters, stage designers, or casting agents.
In NEC’s theatre education degree program, you’ll:
A Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education is a well-rounded program that provides graduates with the skills necessary to teach theatre arts. This program brings acting concepts to life by encouraging live performances and offers the opportunity to develop new passions like directing plays.
Graduates can pursue various roles, such as directing plays or working in television production.
| Drama Teacher
$65,220* |
Stage Manager
$59,994** |
Performing Arts Director
$69,010* |
| *Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2023
**Salary data from Payscale as of December 2023 |
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New England College (NEC) is a private, nonprofit college founded in 1946 to serve the needs of servicepeople attending college on the GI Bill after World War II and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Today, NEC is an innovative, military-friendly institution and one of the top five liberal arts colleges in New Hampshire.
NEC offers 60 associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as more than 20 master’s degrees and one doctoral degree program, all delivered by dedicated faculty focused on giving students opportunities to live what they learn. With access to many clubs, outdoor activities, natural areas, internships, and professor-led trips, NEC students have many ways to meet new people and try new things.
At NEC, the world is your classroom.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in the state, as acknowledged by Intelligent.com, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in NH, as acknowledged by EduRank, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best colleges in New Hampshire, as acknowledged by Academic Influence, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
Associate Professor, Education
Office: CEI 207, Henniker Campus
Phone: 603.428.2937
Email: jmorris@nec.edu
Expertise, Awards, and Achievements
Expertise:
Certifications:
Awards and Grants:
Educational Background
EdD in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership; Northeastern University
MEd in Secondary English Education and Special Education, New England College
BA in English, New England College
AS in General Studies, New Hampshire Technology Institute
Research Interests
Bio
Dr. Jessica Morris initially came to NEC as an undergraduate student nearly 20 years ago. After many years teaching in the public school system, including an alternative education program, as a special education case-manager and spending most of her career as a middle school English teacher, she rejoined the NEC family as an adjunct professor in 2012 and as full-time faculty in 2018 upon the completion of her doctoral work at Northeastern University.
Dr. Morris has been an active member on the teacher certification team over the past two years, working on the reaccreditation process in all State of New Hampshire teacher licensure areas. Dr. Morris is also the current advisor for NEC’s chapter, Alpha Kappa Epsilon, under Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education.
During her time as a public-school teacher, Dr. Morris developed several experiential and integrated learning curriculums. Much of the research for this work came from her time spent working in conjunction with many of America’s historic national parks. Some of these units included community-based service-learning through forestry and sustainability, geomythology, and combating nature deficit disorder through the study of transcendental literature.
She is active in her community, participating in many volunteer activities including The Daughters of the American Revolution, The Living History Event, and is currently serving on the School Administrative Unit #34 school board as well as three committees. She has also coached many youth athletic teams. Outside of professional interests, she enjoys traveling with her family, is an avid watersport enthusiast, and can be found fishing—no matter the season.
The BA in Theatre Education K–12 program requires 120 credits and can usually be completed in four years. Students with transferable credits from an associate degree can complete the program in two years.
The BA in Theatre Education K–12 licensure consists of 120 credits, which are broken down as follows:
Education Core (40 credits)
Theatre Education Content (38 credits)
Liberal Arts & Sciences Core Curriculum (38 credits)
Electives (4 credits)
What are the benefits of a Theatre Education degree?
Individuals who graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education can pursue a diverse range of career paths, including film, advertising, education, and teaching.
Students also build advanced skills, such as effective communication, public speaking, and the ability to interpret nonverbal cues. These skills make them highly desirable employees, often leading to competitive compensation.
You can enroll in the BA in Theatre Education K–12 licensure program by applying directly online via the NEC website. NEC doesn’t charge an application fee or require standardized test scores.
Start your career in the theatre industry. Apply to NEC’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education K–12 program today.