Western Carolina University

Transfer Guide

Western Carolina University
Theatre, BFA

Transfer Guide for Associate in Arts

2025-2026

Concentration(s): Entertainment Design and Technology
Delivery Method: On-Campus

Program Admission Notes:

Transfer students should apply to Western Carolina University at applynow.wcu.edu. A minimum 2.2 GPA is required for consideration, however, this does not guarantee admission. We recommend that you aim for an average cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on 12+ hours of college credit for competitiveness with other incoming transfer applicants.

Please note that admission to the institution does not guarantee admission to specific programs, and some programs do require a supplemental application. Check the program website at WCU.edu for supplemental application details and instructions, or reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 828.227.7317.

Contact:

Advising Center
transferadvising@wcu.edu

Revised: April, 2025

College Level Foreign Language Requirements:

No foreign language requirement for this program.

Major-Specific Course Recommendations:

Students are encouraged to build the North Carolina Community College (NCCC) course recommendations below into the associate degree to best prepare for the intended university and major.

Recommended NCCC Course Credit
Hours		 University Equivalent Associate Degree
Requirement Fulfilled		 University Requirement Fulfilled
DRA 130: Acting I 3 THEA 19A: Lower Level Elective Elective/Pre-Major Courses Required Course
DRA 140: Stagecraft I 3 THEA 19A: Lower Level Elective Elective/Pre-Major Courses Required Course
HUM 160: Introduction to Film
OR
ENG 235: Survey of Film As Lit 		3 University Equivalencies Elective/Pre-Major Courses Required Course

Remaining Associate Degree Requirements:

In addition to major-specific course recommendations above, students should work with a community college advisor to select additional community college courses to fulfill the remaining associate degree requirements identified below.

Recommended NCCC Course Credit
Hours		 University Equivalent Associate Degree
Requirement Fulfilled		 University Requirement Fulfilled
ENG 111: Writing and Inquiry 3 ENGL 101: Writing and Rhetoric English Composition General Education
ENG 112: Writing/Research in the Disc 3 ENGL 202: Writing and Critical Inquiry English Composition General Education
COM 231: Public Speaking 3 COMM 201: Foundations of Communication UGETC Humanities/Fine Arts General Education
Student Choice/No Preference (Approved Course Options) 6 University Equivalencies UGETC Humanities/Fine Arts General Education
Student Choice/No Preference (Approved Course Options) 9 University Equivalencies UGETC Social/Behavioral Sciences General Education
Student Choice/No Preference (Approved Course Options) 3 University Equivalencies UGETC Math General Education
Student Choice/No Preference (Approved Course Options) 4 University Equivalencies UGETC Natural Sciences General Education
Student Choice/No Preference (Approved Course Options) 14 University Equivalencies Additional General Education Courses General Education
ACA 122: College Transfer Success 1 ELEC 19A: Lower Level Electives Academic Transition Elective
Student Choice/No Preference (Approved Course Options) 5 University Equivalencies Elective/Pre-Major Courses Elective

Additional Information From Western Carolina University:

Audition in the Spring before you start WCU in the fall. Please see the School of Stage and Screen website for actual dates.

Admission to the University does not guarantee admission in to the School of Stage and Screen.

ALL students interested in studying at WCU's School of Stage and Screen must apply online at: getaccepted.com/wcu.

The School of Stage and Screen now offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Entertainment and Design Technology. This degree is for students interested in studying elements of theatrical and film design and production including lighting, costumes, scenic, properties, sound, and construction.

For acceptance into the BFA program in Acting for Stage and Screen, Musical Theatre, or Entertainment Design, and Technology, students must be extended an invitation into the program after a live audition or interview process. Students are then evaluated artistically and academically each year through the Program Continuation Policy.

A minimum GPA of 2.50 is required for graduation with the BFA degree.

Admission requirements include the standard undergraduate admissions process for the University as well as a live audition or interview through the School of Stage and Screen.

Note: Entrance into each program in the School of Stage and Screen in competitive. Please refer to the school’s website for details on the admission process and live audition requirements for individual programs.

This degree is for students interested in studying elements of theatrical and film design and production including lighting, costumes, scenic, properties, sound, and construction.

Apply to the School. Complete the application form. This application is only for the school, not for WCU, you must apply to Western Carolina University separately.

  • Submit two letters of reference concerning your prospect for professional study.
  • Submit a resume.
  • Submit an essay on "What are your top five favorite plays/films are and the reason for two of them."
  • Submit a portfolio of your design and tech work: this might include production photos, renderings, schematics, a short film clip, or the like. Faculty will review your portfolio of work and ask a number of questions about your passion for design and technology.

Remaining Bachelor’s Degree Requirements at University:

University Course Credit
Hours		 University Course Notes
Stage and Screen Core BFA Requirements 21

Note: THEA 270 must be taken every semester for 1 credit for a total of 4 credits. THEA 371 must be taken every semester for 1 credit for a total of 4 credits, at the Junior/Senior level.

 

  • THEA 124 - Stage and Film Makeup Credits: 3 (DRA 145 – Stage Make-Up Credits: 2)
  • THEA 145 - Foundations of Stage and Screen Credits: 3
  • THEA 270 - Theatre Arts Workshops I Credits: 1, R12 (DRA 170 – Play Production I Credits: 3 & DRA 171- Play Production II Credits: 3)
  • THEA 303 - Script Analysis Credits: 3
  • THEA 371 - Theatre Arts Workshops II Credits: 1, R4
  • THEA 400 - History of Theatre Credits: 3 (DRA 211 – Theatre History I Credits: 3 & DRA 212 – Theatre History II Credits: 3)
  • THEA 496 - Seminar in Professional Development Credits: 1
Entertainment Design and Technology Concentration Requirements 45
  • FTP 251 - Lighting for Film and Television Credits: 3
  • THEA 110 - Stage and Film Crafts I Credits: 3
  • THEA 111 - Stage and Film Crafts II Credits: 3
  • THEA 122 - Design Basics Credits: 3 (DRA 144 – Intro to Stage Design Credits: 3)
  • THEA 123 - Presentation Media Credits: 3
  • THEA 235 - Stage Management Credits: 3
  • THEA 237 - Costume Crafts and Makeup Credits: 3
  • THEA 239 - Sound Technology Credits: 3
  • THEA 305 - Properties Design Credits: 3
  • THEA 308 - Lighting Design Credits: 3
  • THEA 311 - Costume Design Credits: 3
  • THEA 312 - Scenic Design Credits: 3
  • THEA 322 - Period Styles Credits: 3
  • THEA 337 - Costume Technology Credits: 3
  • THEA 497 - Design/Tech Capstone Credits: 3
Electives for Theatre BFA 9

Students may take any other courses offered by the university as major electives totaling nine credit hours.

Entertainment Design and Technology: Nine credit hours.
General Electives 30

To complete 120 hours, students may need to take additional General Electives (the number depends on how many Liberal Studies courses also count toward the major).