The Career
Speech and theatre professionals are found in a variety of fields, even those beyond what traditionally comes to mind. Their careers span multiple industries such as business, education, entertainment, law, government and the non-profit sector.
A speech and theatre degree helps ECC students develop core skills that prepare them for employment in these areas. In their studies, they hone and develop creative, critical-thinking, collaboration, problem-solving and communication abilities.
Professional Traits
Those pursuing a career in this field should:
- Demonstrate solid verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
- Collaborate well with others
- Be punctual, reliable and flexible
- Have the ability to take direction or give direction to others as needed
- Be comfortable speaking or performing in public
- Think critically and creatively to solve problems and accomplish goals
Employment Opportunities
- Actor/Actress
- Acting Coach
- Arts Manager
- Director, Producer or Stage Manager
- Drama/Theatre Educator
- Drama Therapist
- Event Planner
- Forensics Coach
- Literary Manager
- Marketing/Communications Professional
- Playwright
- Publicist
- Public Relations Professional
- Speech Educator
- Speech/Language Specialist or Pathologist
- Speech Writer
- Technical/Lighting Crew Member or Director
The Program
This degree plan is designed for ECC students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in speech, communication, theatre or other related emphasis. Assuming appropriate placement scores, speech and theatre is a two-year degree, with flexibility to customize the program toward the student’s chosen career. This academic plan consists of the 43-credit hour general education core required of all transfer degrees plus elective courses in communication and the dramatic arts.
The program is divided into two tracks: speech and theatre. Students on the speech track focus on communication curriculum including journalism, mass media, public speaking, human relations and film studies. The theatre track emphasizes on-stage and backstage dramatic arts including acting, directing and hands-on production, along with drama literature, and theatre appreciation courses.
In addition, East Central provides various student activities, organizations and practicum experiences related to the discipline. These include the Cornerstone student newspaper, full stage performances, readers’ theatre, Literary Review Club and the Words and Motion series.
Admission Requirements
Students must have completed:
- High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation must be sent to the registration office)
- Application for admission
- A placement test as specified by the college (please note: some coursework requires minimum placement results)
Transfer Options
Many of the credits, particularly the general education electives earned with this degree, are accepted as transfer credits by four-year colleges and universities. These decisions are made solely by the bachelor degree-granting institution, not East Central.
Students seeking to transfer should communicate often with their faculty advisors and the East Central College transfer advisor. They should also make early contact with the four-year institution of their choice regarding the transferability of ECC credits and coursework.
Accreditation
East Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
800-621-7440
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