Last Updated on August 2, 2023 by Oluwajuwon Alvina
Introduction
American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) is a private college with two campuses, one in New York City and one in Los Angeles. It specializes in theater, dance, music and related performing arts. AMDA is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). This accreditation means that it has met standards set by NAST for training students in theater.
What is American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) accreditation?
What is American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) accreditation?
Accreditation is a process of evaluating the quality of schools and programs, similar to how colleges and universities are reviewed by their regional accrediting agencies. The process helps potential students choose a school that will benefit them most by providing a high-quality education in their desired field at an affordable cost. It also protects students from being misled into enrolling at institutions that may not provide legitimate degrees or training. In order for an institution or program to be accredited, it must meet standards set by its governing body, who then grants approval for a period of time lasting anywhere from one year up until 10 years (and even longer).
Is AMDA nationally or regionally accredited?
AMDA is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The ACCSC is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE), which means that AMDA’s degree programs are eligible for federal financial aid.
Is AMDA an accredited college?
AMDA is not an accredited college. The school does not offer degrees; it only offers certificates, which do not require you to have a high school diploma or GED. AMDA has been in business since 1978, and its structure as a vocational training program makes it eligible for Title IV funding under the Federal student aid code.
However, there are other programs that offer similar instruction that provide students with recognized degrees or certifications in their chosen field of study. These include:
- The University of Central Missouri’s Department of Theatre Arts
- The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Fine & Applied Arts
- The University of Michigan School Of Music Theatre Dance
What does it mean for a college to be accredited?
Accreditation is a process that ensures institutions meet a certain set of standards. It’s important because it helps students and their families decide which school to attend. Accreditation also helps students understand the quality of education they are receiving, as it provides an independent review of the institution’s academic quality and practices.
American Musical & Dramatic Academy (AMDA) has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized under Title IV regulations. The accreditation process includes an evaluation by a visiting team commissioned by NAST, followed by a thorough self-study conducted by AMDA staff members in conjunction with an external review team appointed by NAST. Once all required documents have been submitted to NAST, they will be reviewed and considered at their annual meeting before final approval is granted or denied for renewal every 10 years (or upon request).
How does AMDA compare to other colleges and universities?
AMDA is a private, for-profit college that offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music performance, acting, and dance. It is also the only performing arts college to offer an accelerated degree option for up to four years of academic coursework in just two years.
AMDA stands out from other schools because it offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs at one institution. At AMDA, you can earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degree in just three years—and you’ll have access to more than 1,500 courses online or on campus on any given day!
The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) is a private college conservatory for the performing arts located in New York City[1] and Los Angeles, California. The conservatory offers both Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees and two-year Certificates in Professional Performance. Programs are offered in Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance and Performing Arts. It is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre
History
AMDA was founded in 1964 by Philip Burton along with other people from the New York theatre community. The school established itself as a part of the New York performing arts community and garnered early support from members of the Broadway theatre such as Sammy Davis Jr., Dina Merrill and Carol Channing.
By 1970, the school had outgrown its original location on East 23rd Street and moved into a new building on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village. A few years later, further growth prompted a move to the Ansonia Building.[3] In the 1990s a second location, which is now the principal location of AMDA New York, was opened near Lincoln Center.
In 2003 the school expanded west by opening AMDA Los Angeles in the Vine Tower Building. AMDA is the only BFA-granting performing arts college with campuses in both New York and Los Angeles.
Campuses
The New York City campus is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The principal facility is located at 211 West 61st Street,[1] directly behind Lincoln Center. The other half of the campus is located at the Ansonia building, on West 73rd Street.
AMDA’s New York campus features a theatre for learning, skill development and performance. The Ansonia Building features a 100-seat, black box–style theatre equipped with two dressing rooms, a costume shop, a workshop, and backstage space and prop storage. AMDA’s New York performing arts library holds a collection of scripts, scores, DVDs and other research material. Additional facilities include rehearsal space, film, TV and editing facilities, computer labs and the AMDA Student Store.
The Los Angeles campus is located in the Hollywood Entertainment District, with its principal facility in the Vine Tower Building.
AMDA’s Los Angeles campus features four main theatres for learning, skill development and performance including a black box theatre, two laboratory theatres, and an outdoor amphitheater. Other facilities include rehearsal space, film, TV and editing facilities, library, the AMDA Café, and the campus piazza.
Notable alumni
Nina Arianda
Nicole Byer
Tyne Daly
Bailey De Young
Jason Derulo
Asia Kate Dillon
Erik Estrada
Mike Faist
Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Brita Filter
Ray Fisher
Adam Grace
Christopher Jackson
Neil Kaplan
Dita Karang
Hailey Kilgore
Caissie Levy
Rizwan Manji
Carolyne Mas
Gretchen Mol
Janelle Monáe
Anthony Ramos
Paul Sorvino
Lee Tergesen
Becca Tobin
Michelle Visage
Marissa Jaret Winokur
Michael-Leon Wooley
Natalie Zea
amda tuition
TUITION AND HOUSING COSTS
The following is the direct cost of education for one academic year (two terms in a AOS or Certificate Program or two terms in a BFA Program). The tuition for each academic year is the same for AOS or Certificate and BFA students.
The housing costs listed here are for students planning to live in AMDA’s Student Housing. Students who choose to secure housing on their own should expect costs to be higher than those listed here. Residential students live at one of the AMDA Housing locations.
95% of AMDA students receive institutional support in the form of scholarships and/or grants.Learn more about financial aid.
Below are the 2020–2021 costs for The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and the AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles for students beginning their enrollment in Fall 2020, Spring 2021, or Summer 2021.
2020-2021 AOS OR CERTIFICATE AND BFA PROGRAMS:
Direct Costs (cost paid directly to AMDA)
| Off Campus | On Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $41,660 | $41,660 |
| Fees | $300 | $300 |
| Housing | N/A | $9,990 |
| Total | $41,960 | $51,950 |
2020-2021 indirect costs (cost that does not appear on your bill)
| Off Campus | On Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $9,990* | N/A |
| Books | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Transport | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Personal | $4,300 | $4,300 |
| Misc | $2,300 | $2,300 |
| Total | $18,990 | $9,000 |
* Off campus housing estimate
Below are the 2019–2020 costs for The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and the AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles for students beginning their enrollment in Fall 2019, Spring 2020, or Summer 2020.
2019-2020 AOS OR CERTIFICATE AND BFA PROGRAMS:
Direct Costs (cost paid directly to AMDA)
| Off Campus | On Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $40,144 | $40,144 |
| Fees | $300 | $300 |
| Housing | N/A | $9,750 |
| Total | $40,444 | $50,194 |
2019-2020 indirect costs (cost that does not appear on your bill)
| Off Campus | On Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $9,750* | N/A |
| Books | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Transport | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Personal | $4,300 | $4,300 |
| Misc | $2,300 | $2,300 |
| Total | $18,750 | $9,000 |
