Program(s) Available: B.S.Ed., Minor
Are you passionate about speech and theatre? Teaching students how to perform and practice good vocal habits helps students develop critical and creative thinking skills. If you are looking to inspire the future stars of tomorrow and sharpen your own speech and debate skills, a speech and theatre education degree may be right for you!
Speech and theatre education majors become certified to teach grades nine through 12 and serve as play directors and forensics or debate coaches. Faculty focus on ensuring students have the skills and techniques needed to effectively teach students in the classroom.
Students majoring in speech and theatre education have access to hands-on experiences in their first year. Students even get to direct their own production at Northwest! To prepare students for a successful college experience and career, faculty provide a mentoring program that matches new students with upperclassmen to help balance school and extracurricular activities.
A speech and theatre education minor also is available. This fully-certified program permits students to teach grades nine through 12. Students take the same foundation courses as theatre majors and participate in Northwest’s Freshman/Transfer Showcase during their first year.
An area of endorsement also is available for middle school education majors!
Department of Fine and Performing Arts
660.562.1326
nikkiy@nwmissouri.edu
Career Ready
“I think that Northwest has prepared me for the professional world in having a very well-rounded skill set. Being very versatile is wonderful for professional employers.” — Shawn Murphy
The Ron Houston Center for Performing Arts is home to three performance venues: the Mary Linn Auditorium, Black Box Theatre and the Studio Theatre. The theatre production program, Theatre Northwest, produces approximately a dozen shows each year.
The Freshman/Transfer Showcase introduces audiences to Theatre Northwest’s newest performing arts majors while orienting the students with the people and practices of the theatre program. The production is performed by an all-first-year student cast.
The Speaking Bearcats forensics team has claimed more than 40 national championships since 2009. Students interested in debate and traveling the country to compete in speech and debate are encouraged to contact Brian Swafford at swaff@nwmissouri.edu.
