Earn a Certificate for Performance & Culture in the U.S. by completing three required courses in one or two consecutive summers. Develop or deepen your U.S. cultural literacy and intercultural communication skills as you study acting or public speaking, explore performance modalities, and learn how performance intersects with media and society.
This program is administered by the Department of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies (TDPS). Upon satisfactory completion of the required coursework, the student will receive a certificate from TDPS confirming the completion of the program. All completed coursework will be noted on the student's transcript, but the certificate will not be noted.
Certificate Requirements:
- Complete one course from each category below to earn the Certificate.
- Students may complete required courses in one or two consecutive summers.
- Courses may not count for both the certificate and a TDPS major/minor.
- All courses must be taken for a letter grade and must be passed with a C or higher.
Communication & Creative Expression (Choose One)
Performance Theory & Critical Inquiry
Performance Modalities (Choose One)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I participate in the Certificate program?
- Current UC Berkeley Students: Enroll directly on CalCentral(link is external) beginning in February.
- Visiting Domestic Students: Follow the steps on the Summer Sessions Checklist.(link is external) Once you are approved, you may enroll in the required courses for the Certificate.
- Visiting International Students: Follow the Summer Sessions application and visa requirements.(link is external) Once you are approved, you may enroll in the required courses for the Certificate.
How do I learn more about each course?
For descriptions, schedules, and requirements, visit classes.berkeley.edu(link is external)
The course schedule is published in mid-December for the following summer.
May I speak with someone about the Certificate program?
For questions related to Certificate courses and requirements, contact the Undergraduate Academic Advisor:
Laxmi Kumaran
laxmik@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
What are the eligibility requirements to participate?
Current UC Berkeley students:
- UC Berkeley students are eligible to enroll in Summer Sessions courses without an additional application.
Non-UC Berkeley students:
- Must be 18 years or older by the start of your courses
- Must have graduated high school
- Non U.S. citizens must meet the minimum English Language Proficiency Requirement(link is external)
- Must complete the Summer Sessions application(link is external) for access to enroll in summer courses
To earn the Certificate:
- Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in all classes to be eligible for the Certificate; meaning, all courses must be passed with a grade of C or higher to count toward the Certificate.
I am a TDPS major/minor. If I complete the Certificate, can the same courses count toward my major/minor?
TDPS students who wish to receive the Certificate will need to complete all TDPS major/minor requirements separately from the Certificate. No courses can count for both a major/minor and the Certificate.
How do I get more information about fees, financial aid, enrollment, and student services?
Visit the Summer Sessions website(link is external) or contact the Summer Sessions Office.(link is external)