What can you do with a Drama degree from New York University?

First, some facts. Of the Drama graduates from New York University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 56%, Drama graduates from New York University have a much lower likelihood (-11%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 56%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 18% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Drama graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Drama graduate from New York University and our analysis:


Relevance score: 0%

We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2019 from New York University with a Bachelor's in Drama. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Sales Executive
VSEEN_VPM
Jan 2022 - Present
The position of Sales Executive at VSEEN_VPM does not require any skills or knowledge directly related to a Bachelor's in Drama, as it primarily focuses on sales and marketing rather than performance or dramatic arts.

ABOUT

After 3 years of experience in real estate and marketing sales, I am a current Sales Executive at VSEEN powered by Village Print and Media. With degrees in Drama and Creative Writing, I am passionate about finding the artistry in everything I pursue. I am thrilled by challenges, I embrace process, and I have fun along the way!

What jobs can you get with a Drama degree from New York University?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When you check out the job history of Drama graduates from New York University, you notice a mix of roles. A lot of people end up in jobs that aren't particularly tied to their degree, like administrative positions or customer service roles. For example, some grads have taken on temporary or office assistant roles that are primarily about paperwork and support, which doesn't exactly scream "drama." So, while they might be working in a theater context—like a customer service supervisor at a ticketing company—the relevance to their drama education can feel pretty minimal.

On the other hand, there are definitely those who have secured positions that directly apply their drama skills, like Artistic Directors, Casting Assistants, and Freelance Actors. These roles are super relevant and embrace the core skills they honed during their degree—stuff like performance, directing, and teaching. So, while some jobs might feel like a stretch in terms of using their drama background, others hit the nail right on the head! Overall, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, but it’s clear that a good chunk of these grads are finding ways to channel their dramatic talents into careers that matter.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Drama graduates (this is across all Drama graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to New York University):

What kind of career trajectories do Drama graduates from New York University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Graduates from the Drama program at New York University seem to have a wide array of career paths, especially in the arts, entertainment, and corporate sectors. For many, their first jobs after graduation are quite varied, ranging from administrative roles—like the Temp Administrative Assistant or Office Assistant positions—to more creative roles, such as teaching artists or producers at theater companies. Early career choices often reflect a mix of practical experience and networking opportunities, sometimes leading to roles that may not directly relate to drama but offer a chance to stay engaged in the arts community. In those early years, some individuals do jobs that may seem unrelated to their degree, such as customer service or administrative support, which can be frustrating, but they might serve as stepping stones into more relevant artistic positions later on.

As they progress in their careers, many graduates begin to carve out more distinct paths that align closely with their drama education. Five to ten years down the line, we see a notable shift: many have moved into directing, producing, or teaching within theatrical settings. There’s a sizable number who have established themselves as producers or artistic directors in various projects, contributing significantly to theater or even branching into corporate productions. However, some individuals do find themselves moving away from traditional theater roles entirely, opting for positions as writers, creative directors, or in tech-related roles within media companies. Overall, while it seems that not every graduate achieves a stellar career in the theater world, a significant portion manages to create fulfilling careers that utilize their drama training in diverse ways, and they often underscore the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the arts industry.

How hard is a Drama degree from New York University?

A Bachelor’s degree in Drama at NYU is definitely on the challenging side, especially since it’s one of the most prestigious programs out there. You’ll find yourself juggling acting classes, intense rehearsals, scene study, and probably some theory work, all while trying to balance your time with other coursework and projects. It requires a lot of dedication, creativity, and a willingness to put yourself out there, which can feel pretty overwhelming at times. So, it’s definitely not an easier degree by any means—expect to put in some serious work if you dive into this program!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Drama.

Do Drama graduates from New York University tend to make good money?

Looking at these Drama graduates from NYU, it seems like they're hustling in a bunch of different ways, but overall, it doesn't necessarily scream "big bucks." The first graduate, who landed admin jobs right after school, likely isn't banking a ton. On the other hand, some later grads are making their way into production and management roles, which can be lucrative, but it also seems like they’ve started out in less stable gigs like internships and teaching positions. The most recent grads are still figuring things out and balancing different jobs, like bartending and trivia hosting, which are cool but not likely to pay the bills in a big way. So, while there are a few heading toward decent paychecks in larger production roles, most are still in the early stages of their careers, navigating the grind of the entertainment industry, which can be a hit-or-miss in terms of income.

What buzzwords do Drama graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Drama (this is across all Drama graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to New York University). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Drama?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Drama (ordered by the average relevance score of their Drama graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
New York University 56 11