What you will study
Enjoy UCM’s interdisciplinary approach to your Speech Communication and Theatre for
BSE minor, which allows you to learn from award-winning instructors with direct experience
in their respective areas. You’ll study acting, directing and stagecraft, as well
as communication theory and speech and debate, so you’ll know how to teach your future
students all these aspects.
You can complete the Speech Communication and Theatre for BSE minor in one to two
years, depending on how many classes you devote to your minor each semester. Small
class sizes enable personal interaction with UCM professors and your peers for connections
you can carry into your career.
Excellence in Speech Communication and Theatre
- Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre
- The UCM speech and debate team — the UCM Talking Mules — was named Missouri's 2021
state champion.
- Top 15%: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 6%: Most Popular Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- A Most Popular College for Teacher Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 10%: Best Value in Education (College Factual, 2021)
Unique learning opportunities in Speech Communication and Theatre
You’ll have many exciting learning opportunities when you minor in Speech Communication
and Theatre for BSE at the University of Central Missouri. Enhance your education
and college experience when you:
- Apply your learning on or behind the stage: You’ll work with UCM’s mainstage theater productions in a variety of capacities. You’ll
also engage in different forms of debate. This applied learning approach ensures your
ability to help your students be successful in either setting.
- Take part in speech and debate: Strengthen your speech communication skills and learn how to lead your own school
speech and debate team by joining UCM’s forensics and debate team — the UCM Talking
Mules. You may compete in, plan or manage tournaments, with the potential to travel
overseas.
- Join UCM student organizations: Network with other Secondary Education students when you participate in Dr. Ed See’s
Student Teachers’ Association and get to know future teachers.
- Strengthen your teamwork skills: Take part in our Richard Herman Black Box Theatre program and work with your peers
to lead and produce 10–15 shows in our 100-seat theatre. You may produce your own
musical or direct your favorite show, as examples, in this entirely student-led season.
- Participate in related events: Join us on “field trips” to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival or
the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri Fall Conference. These, too, enable
other educational and networking opportunities.
What can you do with a minor in Speech Communication and Theatre for BSE from UCM?
The additional knowledge and skills you gain as part of your Speech Communication
and Theatre for BSE minor increases the value of your Secondary Education bachelor’s
degree — and your marketability. This is especially true if you want to work at a
smaller school where more educators are needed to teach across disciplines. Your additional
training also provides strong preparation should you choose to pursue a Master of
Science in Education in the future.
How to find speech and theater teacher jobs
UCM faculty will advise you along your academic path in preparation for your career
in Missouri high schools. They can help you sort out which classes to take and whether
additional certifications or professional exams are necessary to qualify for teaching
jobs in speech and theater. In the meantime, use the interactive tool below to understand
the market for speech and theater teachers.
Financial assistance options for your Speech Communication and Theatre for BSE minor
You’ll demonstrate greater value to high schools when you pair UCM’s Speech Communication
and Theatre for BSE minor with your Bachelor of Science in Education degree. To help
you get the education you need for diversifying your skills, the University of Central
Missouri offers various resources for financing your education. You may also be able to apply for scholarships made available by UCM and our generous
alumni and other supporters.
Secondary Education, Speech Communication or Theatre scholarships
As part of the Secondary Education bachelor’s degree program or student organizations
such as theater or speech and debate, you may also qualify for additional scholarships.
Search to learn more.
Elevate Your Speech and Debate Skills
Compete with UCM’s Talking Mules
Join UCM’s regionally and nationally ranked speech and debate team — the Talking Mules.
You’ll compete in tournaments and hone your communication skills while boosting your
resume with valuable experience. You’ll also be prepared to lead a speech and debate
team at your own school.
Get Hands-on Theater Training
Apply your learning in UCM theaters
UCM maintains a robust mainstage production schedule in our 440-seat James L. Highlander
Theatre. We also host a student-led season in our 100-seat Richard Herman Black Box
Theatre. You’ll get in on the action: The Speech Communication and Theatre minor program
curriculum provides hands-on training you can apply in your future classroom.
Gain an Interdisciplinary Education
Enhance your training at UCM
In our Speech Communication and Theatre for BSE minor, you’ll split your time between
the two content areas, allowing you to learn from expert faculty in their respective
fields. You’ll also see how the areas are connected and build your skills in critical
thinking, presentation and other valuable areas, so you can transfer this knowledge
to students in your own classroom.
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Professional Organizations and Student Groups
● Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
● American College Dance Association
● Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri
● USITT
● Southeast Theatre Conference
● U/RTA Auditions and Portfolio Reviews
●Theta Alpha Phi
● UCM Dance Club
● Film Makers And Actors' Coalition
Theatre Learning Community
The Theatre Learning Community located in Nickerson Hall is designed for students
minoring in or majoring in theatre. This designated housing area provides close proximity
to the department’s Black Box Theatre, a lounge to rehearse lines and blocking, a
fully equipped dance studio and access to dining facilities.
Performance and Design Technology Opportunities
● KCACTF Irene Ryan Scholarship Auditions
● KCACTF Professional Auditions
● UCM Main Stage Production Program
● Studio Theatre One-Act Series
● Richard Herman Black Box Theatre Program
● Film Makers And Actors' Coalition
● Assistant Design or Design in Main Stage Season
● Stage Manage or Assistant Stage Manage in Main Stage Season
● Technical Direction or Assistant Technical Direction in Main Stage Season
● Front of House Operations
● Box Office Management
● Public Relations Assistant
● Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
● Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri
● USITT
● Southeast Theatre Conference
● U/RTA Auditions and Portfolio Reviews
