Yale School of Drama

In 1924, Yale established the first department of drama in the country with a generous contribution from Edward S. Harkness (B.A. 1897). As part of the School of Fine Arts, the Department of Drama offered a Master of Fine Arts in Drama, first conferred in 1931. The department was headed by George Pierce Baker, formerly of the well-known English "47 Workshop" at Harvard. By vote of the Yale Corporation in 1955, the Department of Drama separated from the School of Fine Arts and became the Yale School of Drama. The new school continued to administer the Master of Fine Arts in Drama as well as a Doctor of Fine Arts in Drama. Continuing a 1927 practice of awarding certificates to promising students who had completed the three year program but lacked the B.A. required for admission, the School of Drama created a new program which would culminate in a Master of Fine Arts. The School of Drama also offers a three year program for a Doctor of Fine Arts in theater criticism.

From the description of Yale School of Drama records, 1923-2002 (inclusive). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 702170029

From the guide to the Yale School of Drama records, 1923-2001, (Manuscripts and Archives)